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

A government-backed path for buyers building credit or savings. Real numbers for Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA buyers in 2026.

580+
Min Credit Score
3.5%+
Down Payment
~$2,753/mo
Est. Monthly (median home)
50%
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
→ Conventional→ DPA Conventional→ DPA FHA→ VA→ USDA

What is a FHA Loan?

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, making lenders willing to accept lower credit scores and smaller down payments. The tradeoff: you pay an upfront MIP (1.75%) plus annual mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.

Who Qualifies for a FHA in Harris County?

  • ✓Credit score of 580+ for 3.5% down; 500–579 for 10% down
  • ✓Down payment of at least 3.5%
  • ✓Debt-to-income ratio under 50% (with compensating factors)
  • ✓Property must be your primary residence
  • ✓Property must meet FHA appraisal standards

Pros & Cons

+Lowest credit score threshold of any major loan program
+Only 3.5% down payment required
+More flexible DTI rules than conventional
+Gift funds allowed for down payment
−Upfront MIP of 1.75% added to loan amount
−Annual MIP for life of loan (unless you refinance)
−Loan limits apply — may not cover luxury or high-cost homes
−Property condition requirements can complicate fixer-uppers

Real Example: FHA Buyer in Harris County

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

Annual Income
$65,000
Credit Score
640
Down Payment
$9,835
Home Price
$281,000
Estimated All-In Monthly Payment
$2,344/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 FHA Loan in Harris County?

The minimum credit score for a FHA Loan is 580. In Harris County, most lenders prefer 600+ for the smoothest approval and best interest rates. Scores below 580 will need work before applying.

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

FHA Loans require a minimum of 3.5% down. On the median $330,000 home in Harris County, that's $11,550 to get started.

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

On the median $330,000 home in Harris County, the estimated all-in monthly payment is approximately $2,753. 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 FHA Loan the right choice for me in Harris County?

Buyers with credit scores 580–679 or limited down payment savings looking to buy a primary residence. Harris County has a median home price of $330,000, which is within typical FHA 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 FHA 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 FHA 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.

FHA in Nearby Counties

Fort Bend County FHA →

Do you qualify for a FHA 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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