Your First Home. Your Future. Your Move.
Buying your first home is a big milestone, and you do not have to figure it out alone. Whether you are ready to buy or just starting to explore, I will walk you through each step, from financing and assistance programs to finding the right home, negotiating your offer, and getting to closing. I serve first-time buyers in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, El Paso, and surrounding Texas communities.
You Might Be Closer Than You Think
Many first-time buyers assume they need perfect credit, 20% down, or years of saving before they can start. Depending on your finances and the loan program, you may be able to buy with:
- A down payment well below 20% (and $0 down for eligible VA and USDA borrowers).
- Down payment or closing cost assistance through Texas programs.
- Loan programs built for first-time buyers, with flexible credit options.
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. That is what the first conversation is for.
Why Work With Me
Education first. I explain the process in plain language so you can make confident decisions.
Built around you. Your goals, budget, and timeline drive the plan.
Strategic representation. I advocate for your interests from the first showing through closing.
My background in higher education has been about helping people navigate complex systems and make decisions that shape their futures. I bring that same approach to buying your first home.
How the Process Works
01. Talk About Your Goals
We start with what you want: location, lifestyle, budget, and timeline. No commitment, just a plan.
02. Understand Your Buying Power
I connect you with lenders who can review your finances, explain loan options, and check eligibility for assistance. We also look at taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and upkeep, so the payment makes sense, not just the approval.
03. Find a Home That Fits
I help you compare neighborhoods, schedule showings, and look past the listing photos at condition, maintenance, and resale.
04. Make a Strong Offer
Using comparable sales and current market conditions, we set your price and terms, including earnest money, the option period, and seller concessions.
05. Inspection to Closing
I track every contract deadline, review inspection findings with you, negotiate repairs when needed, and keep the lender, title company, and other parties moving.
06. Welcome Home
You get your keys knowing exactly what you bought and why. I am still here for questions after closing.
How Working With Me Works
Before we tour homes together, we will sign a written buyer representation agreement. It spells out the services I provide, how long the agreement lasts, and how I am paid. My compensation is negotiable and is not set by law. Sellers and builders sometimes agree to cover some or all of it, and we can request that as part of your offer.
We will go through the agreement together, line by line, before you sign anything, so there are no surprises.
Texas Homebuyer Assistance Programs
Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles for first-time buyers. Texas offers programs that can help with the down payment, closing costs, or both. Eligibility depends on income, credit, purchase price, location, and the loan program, and most require a homebuyer education course.
My First Texas Home
From the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for first-time buyers and qualified veterans, with optional down payment assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount. The assistance is a 0% second loan; depending on the option, it is either forgiven after three years or repaid when you sell or refinance.
Home Sweet Texas
From the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC). Helps low- and moderate-income Texans buy a home, with down payment assistance offered as a grant or as a second loan forgiven after three years. You do not have to be a first-time buyer.
Homes for Texas Heroes
Also from TSAHC, for full-time K-12 teachers and school staff, nursing and allied health faculty, peace officers, corrections officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and veterans and active-duty service members. You do not have to be a first-time buyer.
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): a federal tax credit for part of the mortgage interest you pay each year, available to qualifying first-time buyers and veterans through state programs.
Local programs: cities and counties in the Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and El Paso areas may offer additional help with their own rules and funding. I will help you find the ones worth a look.
Program details reviewed October 2026. Terms, funding, and eligibility change often, so confirm current details with the program and a participating lender.
What It Really Costs
The down payment is only part of the picture. Here is what to plan for:
Upfront
Down payment, earnest money, option fee, inspections, appraisal, and closing costs.
Ongoing
Principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, HOA dues, utilities, and maintenance.
Example: on a $250,000 home, a 3% down payment is $7,500, and a 3.5% FHA down payment is $8,750. Eligible VA buyers may put $0 down. These figures do not include closing costs, and actual requirements vary by lender and program.
Veterans and Active Duty
As a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), I help service members, veterans, and their families buy on a PCS timeline, use their VA loan benefit, and buy from a distance when needed. Veterans may also qualify for Homes for Texas Heroes and are exempt from the first-time buyer rule in My First Texas Home.
Renting Now? Let's Explore What's Next
Not sure buying makes sense yet? I also help with leasing and apartment locating. We can compare renting and buying side by side, find a rental that fits while you prepare, and map out when buying could work for you. See all services
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 20% down to buy my first home?
No. Many loan programs allow much less than 20% down, and eligible VA and USDA borrowers may put $0 down. Your lender can explain the costs and requirements of each option.
What credit score do I need?
It depends on the loan program and lender. Government-backed loans often allow lower scores than conventional loans, and Texas assistance programs set their own minimums. If your credit is not where you want it, we can still make a plan.
Do I have to pay you?
My compensation is set in our written buyer representation agreement and is negotiable. Sellers and builders sometimes agree to cover some or all of it, and we can ask for that in your offer. We will discuss it openly before you sign anything.
I owned a home before. Can I still qualify as a first-time buyer?
Possibly. Many programs count you as a first-time buyer if you have not owned and lived in a home as your primary residence in the past three years, and some programs do not require first-time buyer status at all.
Should I get pre-approved before contacting you?
Pre-approval helps set a realistic price range and makes your offer stronger, but you are welcome to reach out first. I can connect you with lenders, and you are always free to choose your own.
Can I use a REALTOR® to buy a new construction home?
Yes. Your own representation helps with builder contracts, incentives, and timelines. Contact me before your first visit to a builder's model home, because many builders require your agent to register you on that first visit.
Do I have to be ready to buy before reaching out?
Not at all. Whether you plan to buy in 30 days or next year, we can start with a conversation about your goals.
Your First Home Starts With a Conversation
You do not need a lender, a perfect plan, or an offer ready. Tell me about your goals and I will help you take the next step with knowledge, confidence, and a plan.
Or call (346) 299-5215
Browse homes: Houston | Dallas-Fort Worth | El Paso
John R. Harrell II is a licensed Texas REALTOR® with eXp Realty. I am not a mortgage lender. Loan approval, interest rates, and assistance program eligibility are determined by participating lenders and program administrators.