Thinking of buying a first home in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX: where do I start learning?

Buying a first home has many steps. It helps to learn the basics before you talk to sellers or lenders. These three government sources are a good place to start.

1. Start with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its website has home buying resources for first-time buyers [1]. It also helps you find a HUD-approved housing counselling agency [1]. A counsellor can walk you through the buying process and your budget [1]. 2. Learn about mortgages with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). It has plain guides on how mortgages work and what closing costs are [2]. It also explains the forms a lender gives you [2]. Check the CFPB for current figures instead of relying on what friends tell you [2]. 3. Check your agent with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Before you work with a real estate agent, look them up on the TREC website to confirm they hold a Texas license [3].

Some rules and buyer help programs differ by state, county and city. Dallas–Fort Worth covers many cities and counties. Ask a HUD-approved counsellor what applies where you plan to buy [1]. TREC covers Texas only, so use it for agents working in Texas [3].

Take your time and ask questions. Keep a copy of every document you receive.

Sources [1] US Department of Housing and Urban Development: https://www.hud.gov/ [2] Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ [3] Texas Real Estate Commission: https://www.trec.texas.gov/