Conventional Loan for First-Time Buyers
in Harris County, Texas

The standard path for buyers with strong credit and savings. Real numbers for Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA buyers in 2026.

620+
Min Credit Score
3%+
Down Payment
~$2,764/mo
Est. Monthly (median home)
45%
Max DTI
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Harris County Market
as of April 2026
Median price$330,000
AMI limit (1–2)$101,100
Purchase limit$544,232
Other Programs
→ FHA→ DPA Conventional→ DPA FHA→ VA→ USDA

What is a Conventional Loan?

Conventional loans are not backed by a government agency. They typically require stronger credit (620+) and a down payment of 3–20%. With 20% down you avoid PMI entirely, which can save hundreds per month.

Who Qualifies for a Conventional in Harris County?

  • ✓Credit score of 620 or higher (740+ for best rates)
  • ✓Down payment of 3–20% of purchase price
  • ✓Debt-to-income ratio under 45%
  • ✓Stable employment history (2+ years preferred)
  • ✓Property must be your primary residence, second home, or investment

Pros & Cons

+No upfront mortgage insurance premium
+PMI drops off automatically at 80% LTV
+Available for primary, secondary, and investment properties
+Competitive rates with 740+ credit score
−Higher down payment requirement vs. FHA or DPA programs
−Stricter credit requirements than FHA
−PMI required with less than 20% down

Real Example: Conventional Buyer in Harris County

Here's what the numbers look like for a typical first-time buyer using a Conventional Loan in Harris County today.

Annual Income
$90,000
Credit Score
730
Down Payment
$14,050
Home Price
$281,000
Estimated All-In Monthly Payment
$2,317/mo

Principal + interest + property tax (1.8%) + insurance (0.5%) at 6.75% rate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need for a Conventional Loan in Harris County?

The minimum credit score for a Conventional Loan is 620. In Harris County, most lenders prefer 640+ for the smoothest approval and best interest rates. Scores below 620 will need work before applying.

How much down payment do I need for a Conventional Loan in Harris County?

Conventional Loans require a minimum of 3% down. On the median $330,000 home in Harris County, that's $9,900 to get started.

What is the estimated monthly payment for a Conventional Loan in Harris County?

On the median $330,000 home in Harris County, the estimated all-in monthly payment is approximately $2,764. This includes principal and interest (at 6.75%), property taxes (~1.8%), and homeowner's insurance (~0.5%). Your actual payment will vary based on your loan amount, rate, and specific property.

Is Conventional Loan the right choice for me in Harris County?

Buyers with strong credit (680+) and at least 3–5% saved for a down payment. Harris County has a median home price of $330,000, which is within typical Conventional Loan limits. Use the First Home AI readiness tool to compare all available paths and see which makes the most financial sense for your profile.

What DPA programs work with Conventional Loan in Harris County?

TSAHC My First Texas Home, TDHCA My Choice Texas Home, City of Houston DPA are all available in Harris County. Some DPA programs may pair with a Conventional Loan — check eligibility with a participating lender. All require first-time buyer status and income at or below $101,100 for 1–2 person households.

Conventional in Nearby Counties

Fort Bend County Conventional →

Do you qualify for a Conventional in Harris County?

Get your free readiness score in 3 minutes. We'll tell you exactly which programs you qualify for, what your buying power looks like, and what to focus on next.

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