What are the best neighborhoods to buy a home in Plano TX?

Plano offers diverse neighborhoods: Legacy West for urban amenities, Willow Bend for established luxury, and East Plano for value. Each area offers excellent Plano ISD schools and easy access to major employers like Toyota, JPMorgan, and Liberty Mutual.

How much do I need to buy a home in Plano TX?

With Plano's median price around $400,000, buyers typically need $12,000 for a 3% conventional down payment. FHA loans require 3.5% down, and VA loans offer 0% down for eligible buyers.

Is Plano TX a good place to buy a home?

Plano consistently ranks among the best places to live in Texas. Top-rated Plano ISD schools, Fortune 500 employers at Legacy and Granite Park, low crime rates, and strong property values make it ideal for families and professionals.

Which loan types work best for Plano home purchases?

Plano's median home price of $400,000 falls within both FHA and conforming loan limits, giving you the widest range of options: FHA loans from 3.5% down ($14,000) with credit scores as low as 550, conventional loans from 3% down ($12,000) with scores of 600+, and VA loans with zero down for eligible veterans. All major loan types are available for most Plano purchases.

What is the FHA loan limit in Plano, TX?

The 2026 FHA loan limit in Plano (DFW MSA) is $563,500 for a single-family home — well above Plano's median home price of $400,000. That means FHA financing is available for virtually all standard Plano home purchases, with as little as 3.5% down and credit scores starting at 580 (or 550 with 10% down). The conforming loan limit for conventional loans is $832,750, also far above the typical Plano purchase price, giving buyers a wide range of program options.

What is the conventional loan limit in Plano, TX?

The 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 for Plano and the entire DFW metro. Conventional loans up to this amount qualify for competitive interest rates, require only 3% down for first-time buyers, and avoid the FHA mortgage insurance premium structure. At Plano's median price of $400,000, conventional financing easily covers all typical Plano purchases. The FHA loan limit in Plano is also $563,500 — both limits are well above the median, giving buyers flexibility to choose the program that fits their financial profile.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Plano, TX?

Credit score requirements vary by loan program for Plano homebuyers: FHA loans require 580+ for 3.5% down ($14,000 on the median Plano home) or 550+ with 10% down. Conventional loans need 600+ with AUS approval (620+ for manually underwritten loans) and offer as little as 3% down ($12,000). VA loans have no VA-mandated minimum — our company minimum is 550. Jumbo loans (above $832,750) typically require 700+. Even with lower scores, Non-QM options starting at 620+ may be available. We can review your credit profile and match you with the best program — get a free pre-approval to see your options.

How much home can I afford in Plano, Texas?

Based on Plano's median home price of $400,000, a typical monthly payment with 20% down ($80,000) would be approximately $2,023/month including principal, interest, Collin County property taxes, and homeowners insurance. First-time buyers can put as little as 3% down ($12,000) on conventional or 3.5% ($14,000) on FHA loans, though monthly payments will be higher with mortgage insurance. Our Plano mortgage calculator factors in exact Collin County tax rates by school district — try it to see personalized numbers for your budget.

How much are property taxes in Plano, Collin County?

Property tax rates in Plano vary by school district and special taxing districts within Collin County, typically ranging from 1.8% to 2.8% of assessed value. On a $400,000 home, that's roughly $733/month in property taxes. Texas has no state income tax, which partially offsets the higher property taxes. Some areas may include MUD (Municipal Utility District) or PID (Public Improvement District) fees. Our Plano calculator uses verified rates from the Collin County Appraisal District — enter any address to see exact tax estimates.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Plano?

Plano homebuyers in Collin County can access TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation) down payment assistance through two options: (1) a DPA Grant of 2-5% of the loan amount, forgiven after just 6 months — available with FHA, VA, or USDA loans, minimum 620 FICO; (2) a 3-Year Deferred Forgivable Second Lien of 2-5% at 0% interest, forgiven on the 3rd anniversary — available with all loan types including HFA Conventional, minimum 620-640 FICO. The Collin County income limit is $146,625 (Non-Bond DPA). First-time homebuyer status is NOT required for Non-Bond DPA. Teachers, veterans, police, firefighters, EMS, and corrections officers may qualify for the Homes for Texas Heroes program. FHA loans require just 3.5% down ($14,000 on a $400,000 home), and VA loans offer zero-down financing. Get pre-approved to see which DPA programs you qualify for.

How long does it take to close on a home in Plano?

Our average closing time for Plano home purchases is 21 days from contract to keys, compared to the industry average of 45+ days. This speed advantage makes your offer more competitive with Plano sellers. Pre-approved buyers often close even faster since appraisal and underwriting begin immediately. We coordinate directly with Collin County title companies and appraisers to prevent delays. Getting pre-approved before house hunting puts you in the strongest position.

What's the first step to buying a home in Plano?

The first step is getting pre-approved — it's free, takes about 15 minutes, and gives you a clear picture of your Plano home buying budget. Pre-approval shows sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer and strengthens your offer in competitive Collin County neighborhoods. You'll know exactly which loan programs you qualify for (conventional, FHA, VA, or jumbo), your maximum purchase price, and estimated monthly payment including Collin County taxes. Start your free pre-approval online or call us to discuss your Plano home buying goals.

Plano TX Home Loans | FHA, VA, Jumbo & Conventional

<div style="max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;padding:20px;font-family:system-ui,sans-serif;" role="main" aria-label="Plano mortgage information"> <nav style="font-size:14px;color:#718096;margin-bottom:20px;" aria-label="Breadcrumb"> <a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com">Home</a> > <a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/cities">Cities</a> > <span>Plano</span> </nav> <main> <article> <header> <h1 style="color:#1a365d;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:2rem;">Buy Your Plano Home — We Handle the Mortgage</h1> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Plano TX mortgage expert — home to Plano ISD, Legacy West & top employers. FHA, VA & jumbo options at competitive rates. 21-day average close. See your options — no credit check. Patrick Glaros</p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Get pre-approved in minutes, not days. Local Collin County expertise with personalized service from application to closing.</p> </header> <p style="color:#2563eb;font-size:1.1rem;font-weight:600;margin:15px 0;">Corporate Capital of North Texas</p> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">Why Plano Appeals to Homebuyers</h2> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Plano's economic foundation is anchored by Fortune 500 headquarters including Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, and PepsiCo, creating exceptional career opportunities within the city. The Legacy West development has transformed Plano into a premier live-work-play destination.</p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Plano ISD consistently ranks among Texas's top school districts, with multiple schools earning exemplary ratings and strong college preparation programs. For families prioritizing education, Plano delivers exceptional value with diverse neighborhood options across price points.</p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">The city's careful planning has created walkable retail districts, extensive trail systems, and well-maintained neighborhoods that support strong property values. Plano's established infrastructure and mature landscaping provide stability while proximity to major employers ensures continued demand.</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li>Toyota North American headquarters</li> <li>JPMorgan Chase regional headquarters</li> <li>Plano ISD - consistently top-rated Texas district</li> <li>Legacy West live-work-play development</li> <li>Extensive trail systems and parks</li> </ul> </section> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">Frequently Asked Questions About Plano Home Loans</h2> <details style="margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;padding:0;"> <summary style="padding:12px 15px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#2d3748;">What is the median home price in Plano?</summary> <p style="padding:0 15px 12px;color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:0;">The median home price in Plano is currently competitive pricing, with prices changing steadily year-over-year. Plano offers diverse neighborhoods from $350K East Plano to $2M+ Willow Bend estates. At the median of $470,000, conventional down payments start at $14,100 (3%) and FHA at $16,450 (3.5%).</p> </details> <details style="margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;padding:0;"> <summary style="padding:12px 15px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#2d3748;">How long do homes stay on the market in Plano?</summary> <p style="padding:0 15px 12px;color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:0;">Plano homes currently average 30 days on market, up from pandemic-era rapid turnover. Balanced conditions provide negotiating opportunities for qualified buyers. A pre-approval letter strengthens your position and can help you close in as little as 21 days.</p> </details> <details style="margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;padding:0;"> <summary style="padding:12px 15px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#2d3748;">What makes Plano schools exceptional?</summary> <p style="padding:0 15px 12px;color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:0;">Plano ISD ranks among Texas's top districts with 95%+ graduation rates, extensive AP programs, and strong college placement. Multiple high schools rank in Texas's top 100. Our familiarity with Collin County school boundaries helps families target the right attendance zones when house hunting.</p> </details> <details style="margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;padding:0;"> <summary style="padding:12px 15px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#2d3748;">Is Plano good for corporate relocation?</summary> <p style="padding:0 15px 12px;color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:0;">Plano hosts Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, PepsiCo, and numerous Fortune 500 companies. Legacy West provides walkable live-work-play environment ideal for executives and professionals. Get pre-approved in about 15 minutes so you're ready to act when the right Plano home hits the market.</p> </details> <details style="margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;padding:0;"> <summary style="padding:12px 15px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#2d3748;">What are property taxes like in Plano?</summary> <p style="padding:0 15px 12px;color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:0;">Collin County property taxes average 2.1-2.3% annually - moderate by Texas standards. Premium services and exceptional schools justify rates. No state income tax offsets costs. Use our Plano mortgage calculator to see how taxes, insurance, and your loan combine into one monthly payment.</p> </details> <details style="margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;padding:0;"> <summary style="padding:12px 15px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#2d3748;">How do I get pre-approved for a home loan in Plano?</summary> <p style="padding:0 15px 12px;color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:0;">Getting pre-approved for a Plano home loan takes about 15 minutes online. You'll need basic income and asset information — no hard credit pull for the initial consultation. Pre-approval shows Plano sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer and can help you close in as little as 21 days. With pre-approval, you'll know exactly which loan programs fit your situation, whether that's conventional, FHA, VA, or jumbo financing in Collin County. Start your free pre-approval today to shop Plano neighborhoods with confidence.</p> </details> </section> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">Plano Neighborhoods by Price Range</h2> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Explore Plano neighborhoods organized by home price to find the perfect fit for your budget.</p> <div style="background:#f8fafc;padding:15px;border-radius:8px;margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;"> <h3 style="color:#4a5568;margin-top:20px;">Entry-Level Homes ($350,000 - $450,000)</h3> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><strong>East Plano</strong> - Homes from $350,000 to $450,000</li> </ul> </div> <div style="background:#f8fafc;padding:15px;border-radius:8px;margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;"> <h3 style="color:#4a5568;margin-top:20px;">Mid-Market Homes ($450,000 - $650,000)</h3> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><strong>Central Plano</strong> - Homes from $450,000 to $600,000</li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;font-weight:bold;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/neighborhoods/pittman-creek">Pitman Creek Estates</a> - Homes from $425,000 to $600,000</li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;font-weight:bold;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/neighborhoods/west-plano">West Plano</a> - Homes from $500,000 to $700,000</li> </ul> </div> <div style="background:#f8fafc;padding:15px;border-radius:8px;margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;"> <h3 style="color:#4a5568;margin-top:20px;">Upper-Mid to Luxury Homes ($650,000 - $1,200,000)</h3> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;font-weight:bold;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/neighborhoods/willow-bend">Willow Bend</a> - Homes from $650,000 to $2,500,000</li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;font-weight:bold;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/neighborhoods/legacy-granite-park">Legacy / Granite Park</a> - Homes from $600,000 to $1,000,000</li> </ul> </div> <div style="background:#f8fafc;padding:15px;border-radius:8px;margin:10px 0;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;"> <h3 style="color:#4a5568;margin-top:20px;">Luxury Market Homes ($1,200,000+)</h3> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><strong>Willow Bend Estates</strong> - Homes from $1,200,000 to $2,500,000</li> </ul> </div> </section> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">School Districts in Plano</h2> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Plano is served by highly-rated school districts, making it ideal for families.</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><strong>Plano ISD</strong> - A</li> <li><strong>Frisco ISD (portions)</strong> - A+</li> </ul> </section> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">Major Employers Near Plano</h2> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Convenient commutes to major employment centers make Plano an attractive location for professionals.</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li>Legacy West</li> <li>Toyota North American HQ</li> <li>JPMorgan Chase</li> <li>Granite Park</li> <li>Shops at Legacy</li> </ul> </section> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">Why Buy a Home in Plano?</h2> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><strong>Fortune 500 Hub:</strong> Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, PepsiCo headquarters and major employers throughout.</li> <li><strong>Elite Schools:</strong> Plano ISD top-rated with 95%+ graduation rates and extensive AP programs.</li> <li><strong>Legacy West:</strong> Premier live-work-play development with retail, dining, and entertainment.</li> <li><strong>Established Infrastructure:</strong> Mature landscaping, maintained neighborhoods, extensive trail systems.</li> <li><strong>Diverse Housing:</strong> Options from $350K East Plano to $2M+ Willow Bend luxury estates.</li> <li><strong>Strong Values:</strong> Careful planning and corporate presence support long-term property values.</li> </ul> </section> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">Mortgage Options for Plano Homebuyers</h2> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Find the right financing for your Plano home purchase in Collin County with these mortgage programs:</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><strong>FHA Loans</strong>: Government-backed loans with 3.5% down and flexible credit requirements starting at 550 FICO. Most Plano homes fall within the $563,500 DFW FHA loan limit.</li> <li><strong>VA Loans</strong>: Zero down payment for eligible veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses. No PMI and competitive rates — no loan limit with full entitlement.</li> <li><strong>Conventional Loans</strong>: Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages with as little as 3% down. Plano homes up to $832,750 qualify for conforming loan rates.</li> <li><strong>Jumbo Loans</strong>: Financing for properties exceeding the $832,750 conforming limit. Competitive rates for qualified borrowers with 700+ credit scores and 10-20% down.</li> <li><strong>DSCR Loans</strong>: Investment property financing qualifying on rental income, not personal income. 20-25% down payment.</li> <li><strong>Construction Loans</strong>: Interim construction financing for custom home builds with two-time close and construction-to-permanent takeout options.</li> <li><strong>Texas VLB Loans</strong>: Texas Veterans Land Board home loans for veterans and active-duty military with below-market rates.</li> <li><strong>Non-QM Loans</strong>: Bank statement, asset-based, and alternative income documentation for self-employed borrowers.</li> <li><strong>Home Refinancing</strong>: Rate-and-term, cash-out, and streamline refinance options for current Plano homeowners.</li> </ul> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">The 2026 conforming loan limit for Collin County is $832,750. VA-eligible buyers have no loan limit with full entitlement. <a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/calculators/mortgage-calculator">Use our mortgage calculator</a> to see current rates and payment estimates for Plano.</p> </section> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Try our interactive Plano calculators: <a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/calculators/mortgage-calculator">Payment Calculator</a>, <a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/calculators/affordability-calculator">Affordability Calculator</a>, and <a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/plano-home-loans#calculators">Buydown Calculator</a> — all pre-loaded with Collin County tax rates and live PMMS interest rates.</p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Seller-paid temporary buydowns (2-1 or 3-2-1) can reduce your Plano mortgage payment by $400–$900/month in the early years. <a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/plano-home-loans#calculators">Try our Buydown Calculator</a> to compare options with your specific home price.</p> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">Collin County Property Tax Data</h2> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Our Plano calculators use verified property tax rates from the Collin County Appraisal District — not generic estimates or national averages. Texas has no state income tax, making accurate property tax calculations essential for budgeting.</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><strong>Data Source:</strong> Collin County Appraisal District official rates</li> <li><strong>Coverage:</strong> Tax rates broken down by city, school district, and special districts</li> <li><strong>MUD/PID:</strong> Municipal Utility Districts and Public Improvement Districts included where applicable</li> <li><strong>Exemptions:</strong> Homestead exemption ($100,000 school district exemption), over-65, disability, and veteran exemptions supported</li> <li><strong>Updates:</strong> Rates verified and updated annually from County Appraisal District sources</li> </ul> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Property taxes in Collin County vary significantly by school district and location. Our calculators let you select your specific school district for accurate monthly payment estimates in Plano.</p> </section> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">Contact Your Plano Mortgage Expert</h2> <address style="font-style:normal;background:#f7fafc;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;margin-top:20px;"> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;"><strong>Patrick Glaros</strong></p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Producing Branch Manager</p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Directions Home Loan</p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">NMLS #308804</p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Phone: <a style="color:#2563eb;" href="tel:(469) 399-2411">(469) 399-2411</a></p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Email: <a style="color:#2563eb;" href="mailto:pglaros@directionshomeloan.com">pglaros@directionshomeloan.com</a></p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;"><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.google.com/maps?cid=18250188646545171064" rel="noopener">View on Google Maps</a> · 5.0 star rating on Google Reviews</p> </address> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">FHA, VA, and conventional loans available for Plano — find the best fit for your budget. Free pre-approval in 15 minutes.</p> <p style="color:#4a5568;line-height:1.6;margin:10px 0;">Ready to buy in Plano? Contact Patrick Glaros for personalized mortgage guidance and competitive rates.</p> </section> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">More Collin County Cities</h2> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/frisco-home-loans">Frisco Home Loans</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/celina-home-loans">Celina Home Loans</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/prosper-home-loans">Prosper Home Loans</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/allen-home-loans">Allen Home Loans</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/mckinney-home-loans">McKinney Home Loans</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/murphy-home-loans">Murphy Home Loans</a></li> </ul> </section> <section> <h2 style="color:#2d3748;margin-top:30px;font-size:1.5rem;">Explore More</h2> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20px;color:#4a5568;"> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/cities">Browse all DFW cities →</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/neighborhoods">Explore DFW neighborhoods →</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/calculators/mortgage-calculator">Mortgage Calculator</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/calculators/affordability-calculator">Affordability Calculator</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/calculators/refinance-calculator">Refinance Calculator</a></li> <li><a style="color:#2563eb;" href="https://www.patrickglaros.com/dscr-calculator">DSCR Calculator</a></li> </ul> </section> </article> </main> </div>