How long does mortgage pre-qualification take?

The pre-qualification process is very fast. Once you submit your basic information, you can get a response and your letter in minutes, 100% digitally.

Can I get a mortgage with an ITIN instead of an SSN?

Yes. We offer specialized ITIN mortgage programs. We evaluate your employment history and payment capacity to find the best option.

Can self-employed borrowers qualify for a mortgage?

Yes! Self-employed individuals can qualify through Bank Statement programs or using net income from tax returns over the last two years.

What credit score do I need to buy a house?

Generally a minimum of 620 for conventional programs. FHA loans may allow scores from 580. ITIN and Non-QM programs have different requirements.

What states do you serve?

We are licensed in Texas, Florida (MBR6524), Oklahoma (MB016008), and California (60DBO-186180). Investment property loans available in 30+ states.

How much down payment do I need for a first home in Houston?

It depends on the program. FHA requires 3.5% down, conventional can be as low as 3%, and VA/USDA offer 0% down. On top of that, Houston-area down payment assistance programs can cover part or all of your down payment — some buyers get into a home with almost nothing out of pocket. Liuver will show you exactly which programs you qualify for.

What credit score do I need to buy my first home in Houston?

FHA accepts scores from 580, and some programs go lower. Conventional typically needs 620+. If your credit is not where you want it, Liuver can help you build a plan to improve it — many first-time buyers qualify within a few months of focused work.

Are there first-time home buyer grants in Houston or Harris County?

Yes. The City of Houston and Harris County both offer down payment assistance programs for qualifying buyers. Statewide programs like Texas Hero and SETH 5 Star also serve the Houston area. Grants typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount and do not need to be repaid if you live in the home for a set period.

Do I need to be a first-time buyer to use these programs?

Most programs define "first-time" as not having owned a home in the past three years. So even if you owned a home before, you may still qualify. Liuver will check your eligibility against each program's specific rules.

How long does the first-time buyer process take in Houston?

From pre-approval to closing, most first-time buyers in Houston take 30 to 45 days once they are under contract. Pre-approval itself takes a few days. Liuver recommends getting pre-approved before you start house hunting so you can move quickly when you find the right home.

Houston, TX — Greater Houston

First-Time Home Buyer in Houston, Texas

Your complete guide to buying your first home in Houston — down payment assistance, grants, and programs designed for first-time buyers. Bilingual help, every step.

Meet your loan originator

Originator

Liuver Duran

Mortgage Loan Originator

NMLS #2579601

Company

Sociable Mortgage LLC

NMLS #2498240

Mortgage broker

Languages

English & Spanish

Full process in Spanish

Buying your first home in Houston

Houston is one of the most affordable major metros in the U.S. for first-time home buyers. The median home price in Greater Houston sits well below national averages, and Texas has no state income tax — which means more of your income can go toward your mortgage.

As a first-time buyer in Houston, you may qualify for down payment assistance programs through Harris County, the City of Houston, and statewide programs like Texas Hero and SETH 5 Star. These can cover your entire down payment in some cases, and many first-time buyers are surprised to learn they do not need 20% down.

Liuver specializes in first-time buyers across Houston — from the Heights and Spring Branch to Pearland, Cypress, and Katy. He will walk you through every program you qualify for, explain the true cost of ownership, and make sure you understand each step before you commit.

FHA loans from 3.5% down — the most popular first-time buyer option
Conventional loans from 3% down with no upfront mortgage insurance
Down payment assistance grants up to 5% of the loan amount
MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) — a federal tax credit of up to $2,000/year
No state income tax in Texas — more buying power
Bilingual process — everything in English or Spanish

Available Programs

FHA Loan

3.5% down, 580+ credit, most popular for first-time

Conventional 3% Down

Lowest down, no upfront MI, 620+ credit

Down Payment Assistance

Grants up to 5% — may cover your full down payment

USDA Loan

0% down in eligible suburban/rural areas around Houston

VA Loan

0% down for veterans and active military

ITIN Loan

Buy with an ITIN — no Social Security number required

Frequently asked questions

What our clients say

"As a first-time buyer I was terrified. Liuver explained every program, found me a grant that covered my down payment, and I closed in 32 days. Todo en español."

Maria G.

Houston, TX

"I thought I needed 20% down. Liuver showed me I could buy with 3.5% and got me into a home in the Heights. Honest and patient the whole way."

James T.

Spring, TX

"The MCC tax credit saves me almost $2,000 a year. I did not even know that program existed until Liuver told me about it."

Patricia R.

Houston, TX

Liuver Duran — NMLS #2579601. Mortgage Loan Originator at Sociable Mortgage LLC — NMLS #2498240. Sociable Mortgage LLC is a licensed mortgage broker, not a lender. Not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Your next step

Let’s move forward, one step at a time.

Start my pre-qualification Talk through my options