How Much House Can I Afford in Texas on $40K?
Based on Texas's 1.8% property tax rate and $3,800/yr homeowners insurance.
Can You Afford the Median Home in Texas?
The median home in Texas ($310K) exceeds your $81K budget by $229K. But many areas in Texas have homes well below the median. Check the affordable cities below for areas within your budget.
Most Affordable Cities in Texas
No tracked cities in Texas have a median below your $81K budget. Here are the most affordable options.
Up to 5% DPA grant. First-time buyers in Texas should explore this program to reduce upfront costs. Combined with your $81K budget, state assistance can significantly lower the cash you need to close.
Buying a Home in Texas on $40K
In Texas, higher-than-average costs reduce your purchasing power. With a 1.8% property tax rate above $3,800/yr insurance, your maximum affordable price is $81K — that is $32K less than the $114K you would get using national averages. Texas's high property taxes are the main factor eating into your budget.
Property taxes are the biggest wildcard in Texas. At 1.8%, a $81K home costs $1,461/yr in property taxes alone — that is $122/mo baked into your payment before you make a single mortgage payment. When shopping in Texas, pay close attention to the assessed value and actual tax bill, not just the listing price. Some municipalities within Texas have rates significantly higher or lower than the state average. A home in a lower-tax district could save you hundreds per month.
Budget $5K for closing costs in Texas (roughly 1.7% of the purchase price). Combined with your $8,115 down payment, you will need approximately $13K in cash to close. TDHCA My First Texas Home may help offset these costs — especially since their assistance does not need to be repaid in full. Get pre-approved with a Texas-based lender who understands local programs and can close efficiently.