Getting a Mortgage in Fort Worth, One Step at a Time
Buying a home in Fort Worth goes more smoothly when you know what happens between your first conversation with a lender and the day you get your keys. This guide covers each stage, from budgeting and pre-approval through underwriting and closing, with notes on the local costs Fort Worth buyers should plan for.
Most of Fort Worth sits in Tarrant County, though parts of the city extend into neighboring counties. The county and local taxing units tied to a specific address affect the property tax bill, so confirm them for any home you are considering.
Step 1: Build a Realistic Fort Worth Budget
Your monthly payment is more than principal and interest. In Texas, property taxes and homeowners insurance are often a large share of the total, and they are usually collected through an escrow account with your mortgage payment. When you run the numbers, include:
Principal and interest based on the loan amount, rate and term
Property taxes for the specific address (rates vary by city, school district and other taxing units)
Homeowners insurance, plus mortgage insurance if your loan requires it
HOA dues, if the neighborhood has an association
Once you own the home and live in it as your primary residence, you may apply for the Texas homestead exemption through your county appraisal district, which can lower the taxable value of the home.
Step 2: Review Your Credit
Pull your credit reports before you apply and dispute any errors. Your credit history affects which programs fit and the rate you are offered, so keeping payments on time and balances low in the months before you apply can help.
Step 3: Plan for Your Down Payment and Closing Costs
How much you put down depends on the loan program. Some programs allow a small down payment, and VA and USDA loans may allow no down payment for eligible borrowers. You will also need funds for closing costs and, in some cases, reserves. If cash to close is the hurdle, review down payment assistance in Texas; eligibility depends on the borrower and property.
Richard Haskell is an experienced Senior Mortgage Loan Officer with a proven track record of excellence in the financial services industry. His expertise includes sales, credit analysis, FHA financing, VA loans, and sales management. Richard is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and expertise to his clients, leveraging his degree from Webster University to provide a solid foundation in finance.
Throughout his career, Richard has consistently achieved outstanding results by understanding his clients' needs and customizing solutions to meet their unique financial goals. His commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity ensures a seamless and successful loan process for every client.
The most exciting and enjoyable part of a real estate transaction for Reef has always been financing. Today Reef enjoys managing Texas United Mortgage where he works and mentors borrowers, realtors, his team of loan officers, and staff! When not exceeding clients' expectations, Reef enjoys spending time with his wife Valerie and his two daughters. Reef’s hobbies include golf and tennis!
Prior to Reef’s Mortgage/Real Estate career, Reef graduated at Texas A&M University. After graduation, Reef took a teaching/coaching position at The Woodlands High School, located in The Woodlands, Texas.
Scott attended college in his home state of Indiana while playing tennis in college. Wanting to start a new life after school in a new state he moved to Texas 13 years ago. When moving to Houston, he worked as a tennis coach teaching younger children. Alongside working with Reef, Scott also began to invest in real estate and flip houses.
After finishing his career in tennis he moved on to being a loan officer, where he now works at Texas United Mortgage, as a producing loan originator and the operations manager assisting Reef Merhi, Kristy Taylor and Team! He is very passionate about what he does and loves helping people. People know Scott as being a family man. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children – Case, Cali & Crew. Scott’s hobbies include woodworking, golfing, fishing and playing tennis.
Claudia is a fifth-generation Texan and longtime Woodlands resident since 2004. A dedicated professional in the Texas real estate industry since 2001, she has successfully navigated and closed a wide range of transactions, always ensuring contracts meet every agreement and condition. Claudia is known for her high fiduciary standards, consistently acting with integrity, confidentiality, and the best interests of her clients at the forefront.
Today, Claudia brings her experience and energy to Texas United Mortgage, where she serves as Executive Assistant to Reef and the team. Her goal is to keep the team moving efficiently by ensuring meetings are organized, schedules/files are coordinated, communication flows smoothly, and key administrative tasks bridge gaps in operations.
In addition to her role at Texas United Mortgage, Claudia continues to serve clients as a Texas Realtor, combining her deep industry knowledge with a passion for helping families achieve their homeownership goals.
Outside of work, Claudia treasures time with her husband and two sons. She is an active member of Faith Bible Church, where she enjoys serving her community. When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll likely find her RVing with her family, enjoying the outdoors, or staying active with regular workouts.
Step 4: Compare Loan Options for a Fort Worth Home
The right program depends on your credit, income, savings, the property and how you plan to use it. Eligibility depends on the borrower and property. Options a loan officer can help you compare include:
Conventional loans for primary homes, second homes and investment properties
A pre-approval means a loan officer has reviewed your credit, income, assets and debts and issued a letter showing how much you may be able to borrow. Many Fort Worth sellers and listing agents expect one with an offer, and it keeps your search in the right price range.
Expect to provide a photo ID, recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements and details on your debts. A pre-approval letter is time-limited and is not a final loan commitment; final approval follows underwriting and an appraisal.
Why Fort Worth Borrowers Choose Texas United Mortgage
Licensed throughout Texas
Texas United Mortgage, LLC (NMLS #2442778) is a Texas mortgage brokerage based in The Woodlands that works with buyers and homeowners in Fort Worth and across Tarrant County.
Several programs, one conversation
Compare conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, bank statement and DSCR options with one loan officer, including rates, fees and terms. Eligibility depends on you and the property.
Updates you can count on
We tell you what's needed and keep you informed from pre-approval through closing. Call 888-505-1718 or get a custom quote.
Step 6: Choose a Fort Worth Real Estate Agent
A local agent can help you compare neighborhoods across Fort Worth and Tarrant County, schedule showings, write an offer and negotiate repairs. Share your pre-approval letter with your agent so you focus on homes that fit your budget.
Step 7: Make an Offer and Finish Your Application
After your offer is accepted, you will complete your loan application, decide when to lock your rate and order the appraisal. Review your Loan Estimate for the rate, APR, closing costs and estimated cash to close.
Step 8: Underwriting, Appraisal and Closing
Underwriting verifies your file, and the appraisal checks that the home's value supports the loan. Avoid opening new credit, changing jobs or moving large sums of money during this stage. You will receive a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing; compare it with your Loan Estimate, then sign and get your keys.
After you move in, remember to file for your homestead exemption if the home is your primary residence.
What do I need to get pre-approved for a mortgage in Fort Worth?
Plan to provide a photo ID, recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements and details on your current debts. Self-employed buyers may be able to use a bank statement loan instead of tax returns, depending on eligibility.
How much do I need for a down payment on a Fort Worth home?
It depends on the loan program. Some conventional and FHA options allow a small down payment, VA and USDA loans may allow none for eligible borrowers, and down payment assistance may help with upfront costs.
What costs besides principal and interest should Fort Worth buyers budget for?
Property taxes and homeowners insurance are often a large part of a Texas mortgage payment, and the tax rate depends on the taxing units tied to the address, most of which are in Tarrant County. Also plan for mortgage insurance if required and any HOA dues.
How long does it take to close on a home in Fort Worth?
Timing depends on the loan type, appraisal scheduling, the contract terms and how quickly documents come in. Your loan officer can give you an estimated timeline once your offer is accepted.
When can I apply for a homestead exemption on my Fort Worth home?
Once you own the home and live in it as your primary residence, you may apply through your county appraisal district. The exemption can reduce the taxable value used to calculate your property taxes.
Ready to start your Fort Worth mortgage?
Talk with a licensed Texas loan officer about your budget, loan options and next steps, or get a custom rate quote.
Texas United Mortgage, LLC · NMLS #2442778 · 2170 Buckthorne PL STE 200, The Woodlands, TX 77380 · 888-505-1718
