Resources
Mortgage guides for Texas buyers
Short guides that each answer one mortgage question, with the source of every fact. General information — not personalized financial, legal, or tax advice.
How Mortgage Pre-Approval Works
What a pre-approval letter is, what lenders look at and what it doesn't promise.
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Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
Why the two names mean different things at different lenders.
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How Much Cash May Be Needed at Closing
What Cash to Close includes, and when you see the number.
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Fixed vs. Adjustable Rates
How a fixed rate and an adjustable rate differ, and what to check on an ARM.
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Discount Points
Paying more at closing for a lower rate, and lender credits, which work the other way.
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Mortgage Insurance
What mortgage insurance is, who it protects and when it can end.
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Texas Property Taxes
Who sets Texas property taxes, how to protest a value and how escrow pays the bill.
Flagged for compliance review
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Texas Homestead Considerations
The residence homestead exemption, and Texas's own rules for borrowing against a homestead.
Flagged for compliance review
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Choosing Between FHA and Conventional
How an FHA loan and a conventional loan differ.
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VA Loan Basics
Who can use a VA loan, the funding fee and the Certificate of Eligibility.
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Mortgage Considerations for Self-Employed Borrowers
How a lender checks your income when you work for yourself.
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DSCR Loan Basics
What a DSCR loan looks at, and what no agency rule defines.
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Refinance Break-Even Analysis
How to weigh what a refinance costs against what it may save.
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Disclaimer
These resources are general educational information and do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, or a commitment to lend. Texas-specific items are flagged for compliance review. Discuss your situation with Lending 11 Up and qualified professionals.