Watch
Watch a short introduction to the homebuying process.
Play videoAI-assisted video. Guidance provided by Texas Lone Star Lending.
Buy a Home
Understand what you can afford, what to expect, and how to move forward before you apply.
Whether this is your first home or your next one, this page will help you get oriented.
Start here
A simple way to begin if you're not sure what to do first.
Estimate
Use our payment calculators to estimate a comfortable monthly payment.
Open calculator
Understand
Read a simple guide to learn what happens before and after you apply.
Read guide
Move forward
Ready to take the next step? Start your application here.
ApplyAlso explore
Featured videos
Helpful videos for buyers at different stages of the process.
Plan your payment
Before you choose a home, it helps to understand what monthly payment feels manageable.
Payment calculator
See how you down payment and loan term affect your mortgage payment.
Open calculatorAffordability calculator
See how payment, taxes, insurance, and down payment affect how much home you can afford.
Open calculatorBuy vs. rent calculator
Compare the long-term cost of renting with the potential cost and benefits of buying a home.
Open calculatorExtra payment calculator
See how making extra payments could reduce interest and shorten the life of your mortgage.
Open calculatorCan I qualify?
Answers to common qualification questions about income, credit, and down payment.
Featured qualification topic
Can I Qualify With Student Loans?
Learn how student loans are counted when qualifying for a mortgage, including deferred loans, income-based repayment plans, and differences among conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA guidelines.
More qualification topics
- Can I Qualify With Limited Savings? How Much Money Do I Need to Close? Learn how down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses, escrow deposits, insurance, taxes, and prepaid interest combine to determine the total funds needed to close.
- Can I Qualify If I'm Self-Employed? Learn how self-employment income is reviewed for mortgage qualification, including tax returns, income history, business stability, and documentation requirements.
- Can I Qualify With Credit Card Debt? Learn how credit card debt affects mortgage qualification, including debt ratios, minimum payments, credit utilization, and options for paying down debt before applying.
More ways we can help
Some loan options are designed around a specific goal or situation. If one of these fits what you're trying to do, visit the page to request details or answer a few questions.
You're eligible for a VA loan
VA loans include benefits many eligible buyers do not fully understand. Request details to learn how VA loan features may make buying a home easier or more flexible.
Request detailsRE agents: You can buy
your own dream home!
Real estate agents often have income that does not fit neatly into traditional mortgage guidelines. This option may help you buy your own home without relying on tax returns to qualify.
Request detailsCould a mortgage interest tax credit help you buy more home?
A mortgage interest tax credit may increase your effective qualifying income and help you explore a larger home budget. Take the quiz to see whether it may fit.
Take the quizBuy a home without using tax returns!
Business owners do not always show income the way traditional mortgage guidelines expect. This option may help you buy a home without using tax returns to qualify.
Request detailsWorkshops
Learn live and ask questions in a low-pressure setting.
First Time Homebuyer Class
Type: Online
A plain-English class for first-time homebuyers covering affordability, pre-approval, credit, down payment options, loan programs, and practical first steps.
RegisterHelpful articles
More reading if you want to go deeper.
- What Is Title Insurance? Learn what title insurance is, why lenders require it, how it protects against title problems, and the difference between lender and owner title policies.
- USDA Rural Development Loans: What Homebuyers Should Know Learn how USDA Rural Development loans work, including no-down-payment financing, property eligibility, income limits, and why some suburban and rural buyers may consider them.
- Mortgage Credit Certificates: What Texas Homebuyers Should Know Learn how mortgage credit certificates may help eligible Texas homebuyers reduce their federal tax liability and how MCCs may fit into a broader homebuying plan.
- Canceling Private Mortgage Insurance Learn when private mortgage insurance may be canceled, how borrower-requested and automatic PMI cancellation work, and why FHA mortgage insurance follows different rules.
What clients say
“We have been working with Stacy and Steve Bray for over 10 years since relocating to Texas. We have gone through multiple home refinances or purchases during that time. We highly value the relationship we have with Lone Star Lending and trust them completely. They prove their value and loyalty by taking the time to ensure our understanding of and comfort with the process and the meticulous details involved in every transaction. They spend additional time and effort to explain, teach and further clarify any and all questions that almost certainly arise. They are extremely knowledgeable of the requirements, process, and anticipated timing and help us identify and avoid potential pitfalls by providing invaluable insight and advice. They are professional and remain extremely easy to work and do business with by accommodating our erratic schedules and unforeseen conflicts as a young family. We highly recommend them to family and friends and they are always our first lender of choice. Thank you for everything you have done for us!”
— Josh and Suzanne P.
From the kitchen
Because life is not all mortgages. Click on a recipe card to enlarge and print it.
Sheet Pan Chicken
Salmon Bites
Ready to move forward?
When you're ready, the next step is simple.
Have a question? Use the chat icon in the bottom right - we’re here to help.