Home Loan Guides
These plain-English guides are designed to help you understand the bigger picture before you apply, compare options, or make a major home loan decision.
Start with the guide that matches your goal
Each guide connects to one of our main home loan paths. If you aren’t sure where to begin, start with the guide that sounds closest to what you are trying to do.
Buy a home
What to Know Before Buying a Home
Understand the basic decisions, steps, and questions involved in buying a home in Texas.
Read guideFirst-time homebuyer
What to Know Before Buying Your First Home
Learn what to expect when you are buying your first home, including qualifying, payment planning, and next steps.
Read guideRefinance your home
Should You Refinance Your Home?
Review common refinance goals, including lowering payments, changing loan terms, removing mortgage insurance, or using equity.
Read guideUse you home equity
Ways to Use Your Home Equity
Compare ways to use home equity, including home equity loans, HELOCs, cash-out refinancing, and renovation options.
Read guideInvestment property loans
What to Know Before Financing a Rental Property
Learn how investment property financing differs from buying a primary residence and what lenders may review.
Read guideMortgage Planning
What Happens Before and After You Apply for a Mortgage?
Understand what to prepare before applying and what to expect after your application is underway.
Read guideNot sure which guide to read first?
Start with the home loan path that best matches your goal, or contact us if you want help figuring out where to begin.