Dallas-Fort Worth Mortgage Market Guide 2026
Comprehensive mortgage guide for the DFW metroplex covering 2026 loan limits, available loan programs, property tax considerations, and market trends across Collin, Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and surrounding counties.
2026 DFW Loan Limits
Understanding your loan limits is the first step to choosing the right mortgage program for your DFW home purchase.
| Loan Type | 2026 Limit (DFW) | Minimum Down Payment |
|---|
| Conforming (Conventional) | $832,750 | 3% (first-time) / 5% (repeat) |
| FHA | $563,500 | 3.5% (580+) / 10% (550-579) |
| VA | No limit (with full entitlement) | 0% |
| Jumbo | Above $832,750 | 10-20% |
| DSCR (Investment) | Varies by lender | 20-25% |
Mortgage Programs Available in DFW
Conventional Loans
Best for buyers with good credit (600+ with AUS approval, 620+ for manual underwriting) and stable income. Conforming loans up to $832,750 in 2026 offer competitive rates across all DFW counties. PMI is required below 20% down but can be removed once you reach 20% equity.
FHA Loans
Popular with first-time buyers in DFW. The 2026 FHA limit for the Dallas-Fort Worth MSA is $563,500. Down payments start at 3.5% with a 580+ credit score, or 10% down with scores from 550-579. FHA loans are available in all DFW counties including Collin, Dallas, Tarrant, and Denton.
VA Home Loans
Available to eligible veterans and active-duty service members stationed at or near DFW military installations. Zero down payment with no PMI and competitive interest rates.
DSCR Investment Property Loans
Designed for real estate investors purchasing rental properties across the DFW metroplex. Qualification is based on the property's rental income rather than personal income. Use our DSCR Calculator to check estimated eligibility.
DFW Property Tax Overview
Texas has no state income tax, but property tax rates in DFW vary significantly by county and school district. Understanding your property tax obligation is critical for accurate mortgage payment planning.
- Collin County: Effective rates 2.0-2.4%. Cities like Plano, Frisco, and McKinney have varying rates by school district.
- Dallas County: Effective rates 2.1-2.5%. Dallas ISD, Richardson ISD, and Irving ISD each have different tax structures.
- Tarrant County: Effective rates 2.1-2.4%. Fort Worth, Arlington, and Southlake rates differ by school district and special districts.
- Denton County: Effective rates 2.0-2.3%. Fast-growing cities like Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Denton itself.
Use our mortgage calculators to estimate your total monthly payment including property taxes for any DFW city.
DFW Counties
- Collin County - Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Celina
- Dallas County - Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, Garland, Richardson, Mesquite
- Tarrant County - Fort Worth, Arlington, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine
- Denton County - Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Little Elm, The Colony
Start Your Home Search
Contact Patrick Glaros for personalized mortgage guidance in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Get pre-approved and know your budget before you start house hunting.