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Compare mortgage rates in Texas.
Key Points
• Texas mortgage rates follow national rates very closely, sometimes a little higher or lower.
• Mortgage rates are influenced by the federal funds interest rate and supply/demand for loans, among other factors.
• Higher interest rates mean higher monthly payments for the same priced home.
• As with other states, Texas offers various mortgage types, including fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
• Seasonal trends in Texas show higher rates in spring/summer and lower rates in fall/winter.
Introduction to Mortgage Rates
The Lone Star State presents a range of mortgage options for homebuyers. Mortgage rates are determined by a complex combination of economic factors and the borrower’s financial status. These factors can be broadly categorized into two buckets: the state of the economy and the borrower’s financial health.
On the borrower’s side, credit score, down payment, income, assets, and the type of home loan all play a role in determining the interest rate offered. A higher credit score, larger down payment, steady income, and valuable assets can lead to lower mortgage rates. This deep dive into mortgage rates explores how they’re set, how borrowers can reduce the rate they’re offered, and state resources for first-time borrowers and repeat homebuyers.
Where Mortgage Rates Come From
The Federal Reserve, also known as the Fed, sets the short-term interest rates that banks use as a benchmark. Although home loan rates aren’t directly tied to Fed rates, they generally follow the same economic trends.
When the Fed’s interest rate is high, chances are mortgage rates will be too. This is because banks borrow money from the Fed at the federal funds rate and then lend it to consumers at a higher rate, which includes a profit margin for the bank.
How Interest Rates Affect Home Affordability
If you’re buying your first home, pay close attention: Mortgage rates have a more significant impact on home affordability than many people realize. Even small changes in interest rates can make a big difference in the amount of money a borrower needs to qualify for a mortgage and the size of their monthly payments.
For example, a $300,000 mortgage with a 4.5% fixed interest rate for 30 years would result in a monthly payment of $1,520. If the interest rate increases by just 1 percentage point to 5.5%, the monthly payment jumps to $1,703 — a difference of $183 per month.
Over the life of the loan, the higher interest rate would add up to a total of $65,992 in additional interest paid. This illustrates how even a small increase in interest rates can make a significant difference in the overall cost of a mortgage.
Should Homebuyers Wait for Interest Rates to Drop?
Many first-time homebuyers wonder if they should buy now or wait for interest rates to come down. While it’s impossible to predict the future, there are a few factors to consider when making this decision.
First, it’s important to remember that mortgage rates are cyclical and have historically fluctuated over time. While rates may be higher at the moment, there’s no guarantee that they will drop in the near future. Waiting too long could mean missing out on the opportunity to purchase a home at a favorable price.
Second, homeowners can always refinance their mortgage after rates come down. A mortgage refinance involves taking out a new loan with a lower interest rate to replace the existing mortgage. This can help borrowers save money on their monthly payments and reduce the overall cost of their loan.
Texas Mortgage Rate Trends
Understanding historical mortgage rates can provide valuable insights into where rates are headed. Over the 20-year period covered by the chart below, mortgage rates in Texas ranged from a low of 3.59% in 2012 to a high of 8.03% in 2000. While rates have risen in recent years, they remain below historical highs. Indeed, they are currently around the 50-year average.
| Year | Texas Rate | U.S. Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 8.03 | 8.14 |
| 2001 | 7.01 | 7.03 |
| 2002 | 6.61 | 6.62 |
| 2003 | 5.81 | 5.83 |
| 2004 | 5.94 | 5.95 |
| 2005 | 5.98 | 6.00 |
| 2006 | 6.71 | 6.60 |
| 2007 | 6.54 | 6.44 |
| 2008 | 6.15 | 6.09 |
| 2009 | 5.04 | 5.06 |
| 2010 | 5.04 | 4.84 |
| 2011 | 4.52 | 4.66 |
| 2012 | 3.59 | 3.74 |
| 2013 | 3.80 | 3.92 |
| 2014 | 4.08 | 4.24 |
| 2015 | 3.79 | 3.91 |
| 2016 | 3.66 | 3.72 |
| 2017 | 3.98 | 4.03 |
| 2018 | 4.57 | 4.57 |
Historical U.S. Mortgage Rates
For a broader perspective, it’s helpful to consider historical U.S. mortgage rates. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the United States has followed a similar trend to Texas, with rates rising in recent years but remaining below historical highs.
According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the U.S. was 6.09% in September 2024. This is higher than the record low of 2.65% reached in January 2021 but much lower than the peak of 18.63% reached in 1981.
Factors Affecting Mortgage Rates in Texas
Many factors influence mortgage rates in Texas and nationwide. Some of these factors are economic, but others are entirely within the homebuyer’s control.
Economic Factors
Economic factors that affect mortgage rates include the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions, inflation, and the unemployment rate.
• The Feds sets the short-term interest rates that banks use as a benchmark for setting mortgage rates. When the Fed’s interest rate is high, mortgage rates tend to be higher as well.
• Inflation, or the rate at which prices increase over time, can also impact mortgage rates. When inflation is high, the purchasing power of money decreases, making it more expensive for lenders to lend money. As a result, they may increase interest rates to compensate for the loss of purchasing power.
• The unemployment ratealso plays a role in mortgage rates. Lower unemployment can result in higher mortgage rates. A low unemployment rate indicates a strong economy, which typically leads to increased demand for housing. This increased demand puts upward pressure on home prices and, not surprisingly, mortgage interest rates.
Consumer Factors
On the consumer side, factors such as credit score, down payment, income, assets, and the type of mortgage loan can all influence the interest rate offered by lenders.
• Credit score: A higher credit score indicates a lower risk of default, making borrowers more attractive to lenders. As a result, lenders are more likely to offer lower interest rates to borrowers with high credit scores.
• Down payment: A larger down payment reduces the amount of money that the borrower needs, which lowers the risk for the lender. As a result, lenders may offer lower interest rates to borrowers who make larger down payments.
• Income and assets: A steady income and valuable assets indicate a borrower’s ability to repay the loan, making them more attractive to lenders. As a result, lenders may offer lower interest rates to borrowers with stable income and assets.
• Type of mortgage loan: Different types of mortgage loans have different interest rate structures. For example, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) typically offer lower initial rates than fixed-rate mortgages, but the interest rate can adjust over time. Government-backed loans, such as VA loans and FHA loans, may also have lower interest rates than conventional loans.
Types of Mortgages Available in Texas
Various types of mortgage loans — including fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA, and USDA loans — are available to meet the needs of different homebuyers in Texas.
Conventional loans, which are not backed by the government, can be fixed-rate or adjustable-rate. Fixed-rate loans offer a stable interest rate throughout the life of the loan, while adjustable-rate loans have an initial fixed rate that adjusts after a certain period. Government-backed loans, such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans, are available to specific groups of borrowers and may have more favorable terms and lower interest rates than conventional loans.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Fixed-rate mortgages maintain the same interest rate throughout the life of the loan, ensuring that the principal and interest payments remain constant. This type of mortgage provides stability and predictability in monthly payments, making it a good option for borrowers who prefer certainty and want to lock in a low interest rate.
Fixed-rate mortgages are available with repayment terms of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. The longer the loan term, the lower the monthly payments will be, but the more interest the borrower will pay over the life of the loan.
For example, a $300,000 fixed-rate mortgage with a 30-year term and an interest rate of 6.92% would result in a monthly payment of $1,979. If the same loan had a 15-year term, the monthly payment would be $2,353, but the total interest paid over the life of the loan would be significantly lower: $198,387 less!
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) initially offer a lower interest rate than fixed-rate loans. This can be beneficial for borrowers who plan to sell their home or refinance before the fixed-rate period ends.
However, ARMs come with the risk that the interest rate can increase after the initial fixed-rate period, which can lead to higher monthly payments. The interest rate on an ARM is typically adjusted every 6 months or a year.
For example, a $300,000 ARM with a 5-year fixed-rate period and an initial interest rate of 4.5% could have a monthly payment of $1,520 during the fixed-rate period. However, after the fixed-rate period ends, the interest rate could adjust to a higher rate, such as 6.5%, resulting in a monthly payment of $1,896.
FHA Loan
FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are designed to make homeownership more accessible for borrowers with lower credit scores and smaller down payments.
FHA loans require a minimum credit score of 580 for a 3.5% down payment or 500 for a 10% down payment. The maximum loan amount for FHA loans in Texas is $524,225 for a single-family home.
FHA loans have less stringent credit and income requirements compared to conventional loans, making them a good option for first-time homebuyers or borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.
VA Loans
VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty military members, and some Reserve and National Guard members, and surviving spouses. VA loans offer competitive interest rates and do not require a down payment.
VA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are available to eligible borrowers with a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The VA does not set a maximum loan amount, but lenders may have their own limits.
VA loans also have competitive interest rates and do not charge mortgage insurance, which can save borrowers money over the life of the loan. However, there is a one-time funding fee that is paid either at closing or rolled into your mortgage balance. A first-time VA loan borrower with a 0% down payment would pay a 2.15% funding fee.
USDA Loans
USDA loans are designed for low-income borrowers looking to purchase a home in a rural area. USDA loans offer competitive interest rates and do not require a down payment.
USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are available to eligible borrowers in designated rural areas. The USDA does not set a maximum loan amount, but lenders may have their own limits.
USDA loans also have competitive interest rates and do not charge mortgage insurance, which can save borrowers money over the life of the loan. USDA loans do require a 1% upfront guarantee fee and a 0.35% annual guarantee fee, based on the remaining principal balance each year.
Jumbo Loans
Jumbo loans are conventional loans that exceed the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In Texas, the conforming loan limit for a single-family home is $806,500. Anything above that requires a jumbo mortgage.
Jumbo loans are not backed by the government and may have higher interest rates and stricter credit requirements than conforming loans. However, jumbo loans can be an option for borrowers who need to borrow more than the conforming loan limit.
Recommended: Cost of Living in the U.S.
Popular Places to Get a Mortgage in Texas
Securing a mortgage often depends on choosing the right location, where the home prices, cost of living, and mortgage terms are affordable.
The cost of living refers to the average monthly expenses for one person, which varies wildly from urban and suburban neighborhoods to rural areas, and from state to state. Texas offers a variety of cities and towns that cater to different home buyers’ needs and budgets. Some popular places to get a mortgage in Texas include:
• Austin: Austin is a vibrant city known for its tech industry, music scene, and outdoor activities. The average home value in Austin is $527,213.
• Dallas: Dallas is a major business and cultural center in Texas. The average home value in Dallas is $313,158.
• Houston: Houston is a diverse city with a strong economy and a large job market. The average home value in Houston is $266,515.
• San Antonio: San Antonio is a historic city with a rich culture and a growing economy. The average home value in San Antonio is $255,778.
These cities offer a range of housing options, from affordable starter homes to luxury properties, and have a variety of lenders and mortgage brokers to help homebuyers secure financing.
Least Expensive Locations
For homebuyers looking for more affordable housing options, there are several cities in Texas with lower median home prices.
• El Paso: The average home value in El Paso is $223,427, making it one of the most affordable cities in Texas.
• Brownsville: Brownsville is another affordable city in Texas, with an average home value of $186,700.
• McAllen: McAllen is located in the Rio Grande Valley and has an average home value of $223,755.
• Laredo: Laredo is another city in the Rio Grande Valley with an average home value of $209,111.
These cities offer lower housing costs and may be a good option for first-time homebuyers or those on a tight budget.
Tips for Securing a Competitive Mortgage Rate in Texas
A competitive mortgage rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Here are a few tips for securing a competitive mortgage rate in Texas:
Compare Interest Rates and Fees
Take the time to compare interest rates and fees from multiple lenders. Be sure to ask about any upfront costs and closing fees associated with the loan.
Get Preapproved
Getting preapproved for a mortgage strengthens your position as a buyer and allows you to move quickly when you find the right property. If you’re worried about interest rates rising, you can pay a fee to the lender to lock in your rate for up to 90 days. Just be aware that the mortgage preapproval process can take up to ten days.
Improve Your Credit Score
A higher credit score can lead to a lower mortgage interest rate. Pay your bills on time, reduce your debt, and avoid opening new credit accounts before applying for a mortgage.
Make a Larger Down Payment
A larger down payment can lower your mortgage interest rate. If you can afford it, try to make a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price.
Consider a Shorter Loan term
Shorter loan terms typically have lower interest rates than longer loan terms. If you can afford it, opt for a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year mortgage.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of securing a competitive mortgage rate in Texas and saving money on your home purchase.
Texas Mortgage Resources
Texas offers various resources and programs to assist homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers and those with limited financial resources.
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA): The TDHCA offers a variety of programs to help Texans buy homes, including down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, and mortgage credit certificates.
• Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB): The VLB offers low-interest loans to eligible veterans, active-duty military members, and their families.
• USDA Rural Development: USDA Rural Development offers a variety of programs to help rural Texans buy homes, including direct loans, guaranteed loans, and home improvement loans.
These resources can provide valuable assistance to homebuyers in Texas, making it easier to achieve their dream of homeownership.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Texas offers several programs to help those who qualify as a first-time homebuyer to overcome the challenges of buying a home.
• My First Texas Home My First Texas Home
• Homes for Texas Heroes Homes for Texas Heroes
Down Payment Assistance
Down payment assistance can help homebuyers overcome one of the biggest challenges of buying a home.
• Home Sweet Texas Home Home Sweet Texas Home
Tools & Calculators
There are a variety of tools and calculators available to help homebuyers estimate their monthly mortgage payments, compare interest rates, and make other important decisions.
Run the numbers on your home loan.
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Mortgage calculator
Punch in your home loan amount and a new interest rate, and we’ll estimate your payoff date.
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Down payment calculator
Enter a few details about your home loan and we’ll provide your monthly mortgage payment.
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Home affordability calculator
Provide us with a few details and see how much you can afford to spend on a home purchase.
Using the free calculators is for informational purposes only, does not constitute an offer to receive a loan, and will not solicit a loan offer. Any payments shown depend on the accuracy of the information provided.
Refinancing Options in Texas
Refinancing a mortgage can be a smart way to lower your monthly payments, get a lower interest rate, or cash out some of your home equity.
• FHA Streamline Refinance: The FHA Streamline Refinance allows FHA-insured homeowners to refinance into current mortgage rates with minimal hassle.
• VA Interest-Rate Reduction Refinance Loan: The VA IRRRL can reduce the monthly payments on VA loans by adjusting the APR.
• Conventional refinance: Conventional refinance loans are available to homeowners who do not have FHA or VA loans. Conventional refinance loans can offer lower interest rates than FHA or VA loans.
Refinancing can be a complex process, so it’s important to talk to a mortgage lender to see if it’s right for you.
Closing Costs, Taxes, and Fees in Texas
Buyers in Texas can expect to pay between 2% and 5% of the home’s purchase price in closing costs. That includes the following required costs:
• Title insurance: Title insurance protects the lender against any claims against the title to the property.
• Recording fees: Recording fees are paid to the county to record the deed and mortgage.
• Transfer taxes: Transfer taxes are paid to the state when the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer.
• Loan origination fee: The loan origination fee is a fee charged by the lender for processing the loan application.
• Appraisal fee: The appraisal fee is paid to an appraiser to determine the value of the property.
Closing costs can vary depending on the lender and the purchase price of the home. It’s important to factor closing costs into your budget when buying a home.
The Takeaway
Texas’s mortgage landscape offers a range of options for homebuyers. By staying informed about current mortgage rates, exploring assistance programs, and carefully considering refinancing options, individuals can make strategic decisions that align with their financial goals and achieve successful homeownership.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.FAQ
What is a mortgage rate?
A mortgage rate is the interest rate charged on a mortgage loan. It determines the amount of interest that borrowers will pay over the life of the loan.
Will mortgage rates drop in Texas?
Predicting future interest rate movements is challenging, and there is no guarantee that rates will drop. Homebuyers should make decisions based on their current financial situation and housing needs rather than speculating on future interest rate changes.
Will mortgage rates ever go back to normal?
“Normal” depends a lot on how far your memory goes back. Mortgage rates have fluctuated throughout history and are influenced by various economic factors. It is difficult to predict when or if rates will return to a specific level. But by some measures, rates are normal now.
Will Texas home prices ever drop?
Real estate market conditions, including home prices, are influenced by supply and demand, economic factors, and local market dynamics. Texas is a big state, and there is no guarantee that prices will drop in a particular area.
Is it a good time to buy a house in Texas?
The decision of whether to buy a house depends on individual circumstances and preferences. Factors such as financial readiness, housing needs, and market conditions should be carefully considered when making this decision.
How to lock in a mortgage rate?
Borrowers can lock in their mortgage rate by getting preapproved for a mortgage. This process involves providing the lender with information about their financial situation and credit history. Once preapproved, the lender will provide a commitment letter that locks in the interest rate for a specified period.
How do mortgage interest rates work?
Mortgage interest rates are determined by various factors, including the overall economy, the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, and the supply and demand for mortgage loans. Lenders consider these factors when setting the interest rates they offer to borrowers.
SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.
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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
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More home loan resources.
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First-Time Homebuyer Guide
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