Navigate Your
Mortgage
with Confidence
Understanding your financing options is the single most powerful step you can take before buying a home. Rinnovare Realty guides Houston buyers through every financing scenario — from first-time buyer assistance programs to jumbo luxury loans — with clarity and no pressure.
Texas Mortgage Rates
Rates sourced from Freddie Mac, Bankrate Texas, and Zillow Home Loans. Updated monthly. Updated March 2026.
Sources: Freddie Mac PMMS (week ending 3/26/2026) · Bankrate Texas · Zillow Home Loans TX · Mortgage News Daily. Rates shown are Texas market averages for borrowers with excellent credit (780+ FICO), 20% down payment, and conforming loan amounts. Rates change daily. Contact Rinnovare Realty at (832) 445-4957 for a personalized rate quote.
How Your Credit Score Affects Your Rate
A 100-point difference in credit score can mean 1%+ difference in your interest rate — translating to tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
| 780+ Exceptional | Best available rates · All loan products · Lowest PMI costs · Fastest approvals |
| 740–779 Very Good | Near-best rates · All conventional products available · Standard PMI if under 20% down |
| 700–739 Good | Competitive rates · Conventional loans available · Higher PMI · Min 620 for conventional |
| 640–699 Fair | FHA loans recommended · Higher rates apply · Larger down payment may help · FHA min 580 |
| 580–639 Needs Work | FHA available at 580 with 3.5% down · Significant rate premium · Credit repair recommended |
Which Mortgage Is Right for You?
Houston buyers have access to a full spectrum of loan products. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Estimate Your Monthly Payment
Estimate your principal and interest payment. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees are additional.
Add ~$700–$1,200/mo for property taxes, insurance, and HOA. Harris County average effective property tax rate: 2.13%.
How to Prepare for Your Houston Mortgage
The buyers who close fastest and at the best rates are those who prepare before they start shopping.
- Last 2 years of federal tax returns (all pages)
- W-2s and/or 1099s for past 2 years
- Last 30 days of pay stubs
- Last 60 days of all bank statements
- Investment and retirement account statements
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number
- If self-employed: business tax returns + P&L
- If divorced: final divorce decree and alimony documentation
- Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com (free)
- Dispute any errors immediately — takes 30–60 days
- Pay down credit card balances below 30% utilization
- Do NOT open new credit accounts in the 6 months before applying
- Do NOT close old credit accounts
- Keep all existing accounts current — no late payments
- Avoid large purchases on credit during the process
- Target 780+ FICO for the best available rates
- Determine your down payment source and document it
- Down payment gifts must be documented with a gift letter
- Keep down payment funds in bank for 60+ days
- Budget for closing costs: 2–5% of purchase price
- Build emergency reserve: 3–6 months of mortgage payments
- Calculate your DTI: total monthly debt / gross income <45%
- Avoid changing jobs during the loan process if possible
- Do NOT move large sums between accounts without documentation
Texas & Houston First-Time Buyer Financing Programs
Significant assistance is available for qualified buyers in Houston and across Texas.
Talk to Rinnovare Realty About Financing
We’re not lenders — but we can connect you with the right lender for your specific situation. No commissions, no kickbacks. Just the right referral for your needs.
larusso@rrealty.us
noravega@rrealty.com
Ready to Get Pre-Approved?
We’ll connect you with the right lender for your situation — and guide you every step of the way to closing.
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