What First Time Buyers Should Consider

Before choosing a community, it helps to think through a few key factors: your daily commute, the type of home you want (new construction vs. resale), your budget including property taxes, and the amenities that matter most to your lifestyle.

The DFW Metroplex is large roughly 9,000 square miles so location relative to your workplace matters significantly. A community that looks affordable on paper may add significant commute costs in time and fuel.

• Total monthly cost: mortgage + property taxes + HOA + utilities
• Commute time and transportation options
• New construction vs. resale availability
• Down payment assistance programs
• School district boundaries (if relevant to your household)
• Proximity to shopping, healthcare, and parks

New Construction vs. Resale

Many first-time buyers in DFW choose new construction because it offers predictable maintenance costs, builder warranties, and the ability to customize finishes. Builders in growing communities like Forney, Royse City, and Burleson are actively building entry-level and move-up homes.

Resale homes in established communities like Mesquite and Grand Prairie can offer more square footage per dollar and mature neighborhoods with established trees and infrastructure.

Down Payment Assistance Resources

Texas offers several programs to help first-time buyers with down payment and closing costs. The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) both administer programs with income and purchase price limits.

Many DFW cities also participate in local assistance programs. Always verify current eligibility requirements directly with the program administrator.

• TSAHC Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program
• TDHCA My First Texas Home
• Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP)
• Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program
• Collin County Housing Finance Corporation programs

Property Taxes: What to Expect

Property taxes in DFW vary significantly by county and city. Collin County communities generally have lower combined rates than Dallas County communities, though this varies by specific taxing entities.

As a first-time buyer, you'll want to apply for the homestead exemption after closing it reduces your taxable value and caps annual increases. See the Property Tax Rates by County guide for detailed breakdowns.