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News & Updates

What's happening in Austin mortgage.

Market updates, rate trends, and real talk about what's going on in Texas real estate right now.

By Case Laviolette, MLO · NMLS #2025459
Latest

Where Austin housing actually is right now (it is a buyer market and nobody is saying it)

Median sold price near $445K. Inventory above 16,000. Forty-six and a half percent of listings have already been cut. Almost six months of supply. Here is what the April data actually says and what to do about it.
May 12, 2026
Downtown Austin skyline over Lady Bird Lake

Past Articles

  1. The VLB Home Improvement Loan is pausing April 30. Your move.

  2. What to expect from Austin housing this spring (it is not a comeback)

  3. Texas just raised the VLB Land Loan cap. Here is who it actually helps.

  4. Six things that quietly changed for Texas borrowers on January 1

  5. 2026 Texas loan limits: who actually cares about a 3.26% bump

  6. Texas voters just raised your homestead exemption to $140K

Austin Mortgage & Texas Real Estate FAQ

What is the conforming loan limit in Texas for 2026?

The 2026 conforming loan limit for Texas is $832,750 for a single-family home. Loans above this amount are classified as jumbo and have different underwriting requirements.

Do I need 20% down to buy a house in Austin?

No. Multiple programs allow much less. FHA allows as little as 3.5% down. Conventional loans allow as little as 3% for first-time buyers through HomeReady and HomePossible. VA and USDA allow zero down for eligible borrowers.

What's the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank?

A bank offers its own products at its own pricing. A mortgage broker shops your loan across a network of wholesale lenders and presents you with multiple options. Brokers typically have access to more competitive pricing because lenders compete for the business.

How long does it take to close on a house in Texas?

Most loans clear to close within 21 to 30 days from application. My fastest clear-to-close was 4 days; rush timelines depend on the loan type, documentation readiness, and lender turnaround.

Can I buy a home in Texas with an ITIN?

Yes. Several lenders offer ITIN loan programs for borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number. These are legitimate lending programs with specific documentation requirements.

What areas near Austin qualify for USDA financing?

More than most people expect. Bastrop, Elgin, Liberty Hill, parts of Hutto, Wimberley, Lockhart, and several other communities within commuting distance of Austin fall within USDA-eligible boundaries. Eligibility is checked by specific property address.

Should I refinance right now?

It depends on your current rate, how long you plan to stay, and what closing costs look like. The break-even test is simple: total closing costs divided by monthly savings equals months to recoup. If you're staying past that point, the math works.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

It varies by program. Conventional loans generally require higher scores for favorable pricing. FHA is more flexible with lower scores. VA has no official minimum. The right program depends on your full financial picture, not just the score.