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Ron Kirby

The first-time buyer's guide to Houston

Buying your first home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Here's a plain-English walk through how it works in Houston, and where a good agent saves you money and stress.

1. Start with your budget

Before you tour a single home, get a feel for what you can comfortably afford. A common rule of thumb is that your total housing payment stays around 28% of your gross monthly income. Two quick tools can help:

2. Get pre-approved

A mortgage pre-approval is a lender's written estimate of how much they'll lend you, based on your income, credit, and debts. It's different from a quick "pre-qualification": pre-approval carries real weight with sellers, and it tells you your true budget. Get this before you make offers. Ron can connect you with trusted local lenders.

3. Understand the up-front costs

There's more to bring than just a down payment:

  • Down payment. Many first-time buyers put down far less than 20%. Some loan programs (like FHA) allow around 3.5%, and there are down-payment assistance programs in Texas worth asking about.
  • Closing costs. Typically a few percent of the price, covering lender fees, title, and prepaid items.
  • Earnest money. A good-faith deposit that goes toward your costs at closing.

4. Houston-specific things to watch

  • Property taxes. Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are relatively high, so factor them into your monthly budget, not just the sticker price.
  • Flood zones & flood insurance. This matters a lot in Houston. Check the flood history and FEMA flood zone for any home; a lender may require flood insurance, and it affects your monthly cost.
  • HOAs. Many Houston neighborhoods and townhome communities have homeowners' associations with monthly or annual dues and rules, so know them before you commit.

5. The buying steps

  • Tour homes and find the one that fits.
  • Make an offer (your agent helps you price it and negotiate terms).
  • Get an inspection, and ask for repairs or credits if needed.
  • The lender orders an appraisal and finalizes your loan.
  • Close, get the keys, and move in.

Start to finish, this often takes around 30–45 days once you're under contract.

6. Common first-timer mistakes to avoid

  • Touring homes before getting pre-approved (and falling for something out of budget).
  • Forgetting to budget for taxes, insurance, and closing costs.
  • Skipping the inspection to make an offer look stronger.
  • Maxing out the budget with no cushion for repairs and furnishings.

Ready when you are

The best first step is a no-pressure conversation about what you're looking for and where to start. Reach out to Ron, or browse Houston neighborhood guides to get a feel for the areas.