Houston Mortgage Education
A clear, straightforward guide to interest rates, mortgage insurance, adjustable-rate loans, and the approval process for Houston and Texas homebuyers.
Your mortgage interest rate affects your monthly payment and total loan cost over time. Rates are influenced by market conditions, inflation expectations, economic data, and your individual financial profile.
Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, and loan type all play a role in determining the rate available to you.
A fixed-rate mortgage maintains the same interest rate for the life of the loan, offering stability and predictable payments.
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) typically starts with a lower introductory rate that adjusts after a set period. ARMs may make sense for borrowers planning shorter-term ownership.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) applies to many conventional loans when putting less than 20% down. It protects the lender, not the borrower, but allows buyers to purchase sooner with a smaller down payment.
PMI can typically be removed once sufficient equity is built in the home.
Pre-qualification is an initial estimate based on self-reported financial information.
Pre-approval is a verified review of income, credit, and assets — providing stronger credibility when making an offer in competitive Houston markets.
Closing costs typically include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, underwriting, and escrow services. These costs vary based on loan type and transaction details.
Reviewing these expenses upfront ensures transparency and financial clarity before closing day.
Let’s review your goals and build a mortgage strategy that fits your financial future.
Begin My Mortgage Plan