Who Is Actually Buying Homes in DFW?
Let's look at the real profile of a typical successful first-time buyer in Dallas-Fort Worth right now:
Age Profile
Median 36 years old. You aren't "too late"—you're right on schedule.
Credit Score Range
620 - 740 is the most common range. You don't need 800+.
Household Income
Varies wildly, but typically $75k - $125k combined for DFW.
Down Payment Reality
Often gift funds from family or 3-5% saved over 2 years, not 20%.
The median down payment for first-time buyers is just 6-7%. On a $350k home, that's roughly $21k, not $70k. And many programs allow as low as 3-3.5% down.
3 Myths Stopping You Today
Let's destroy the lies that are keeping you renting longer than necessary.
Myth #1: "I need 20% down to buy."
Truth: You can buy with as little as 3-3.5% down.
Conventional first-time buyer loans allow 3% down. FHA loans allow 3.5% down. VA loans allow 0% down. The 20% number allows you to avoid mortgage insurance (PMI), but paying PMI is often smarter than waiting 5 years to save 20% while home prices rise.
Myth #2: "I need excellent credit (750+)."
Truth: You can get approved with a 580-620 score.
FHA loans are designed for scores as low as 580. Conventional loans start at 620. While higher scores get lower interest rates, you absolutely do not need perfection to get the keys.
Myth #3: "I can't buy because I have student loans."
Truth: DTI (Debt-to-Income) matters more than total debt.
Lenders look at your monthly payments, not just your total balance. If your income can support the mortgage payment plus your monthly loan payments, you can qualify even with significant student debt.
What It Actually Feels Like
When you stop chasing "perfect" and look at "possible," the stress drops. You realize you might be 6 months away, not 5 years away.
You will have to share financial details that feel embarrassing. Lenders will ask about late payments or that one time you overdrew your account. It's uncomfortable, but it's their job, not a judgment on your character.
We will never push you to buy before you are financially safe. But we also won't let false myths keep you renting forever.