Buying your first home is a major mission, and as an eligible Texas veteran, you’ve got one of the strongest tools in your kit: the VA home loan.
This benefit doesn’t just help you get into a home with no down payment. It gives you a smarter, faster, and more flexible path to ownership, backed by your service.
But even with a VA loan’s built-in advantages, your success depends on preparation, the right guidance, and knowing how to work the system in your favor.
This article outlines what first-time VA buyers in Texas need to know, from eligibility to closing, and how to take each step with confidence.
Discover the VA loan basics by starting a no-obligation application today.
Why Texas is a great place to buy your first home with a VA loan
Texas isn’t just veteran-friendly, it’s one of the most strategic states in the country for using your VA loan. Here’s why:
- Large veteran population: With over 1.5 million veterans, Texas has well-established VA lending practices and a wide support network
- Affordable housing markets: Cities like San Antonio, Killeen, and El Paso offer entry-level home prices that stretch your benefits further
- No state income tax: That helps you retain more take-home pay, ideal when budgeting for a mortgage
- Homestead Exemption: Texas homeowners may qualify for property tax reductions, a huge perk over time
Plus, VA buyers in Texas can often close quickly with less competition than in high-cost markets, especially when paired with an experienced VA lender like Salute Mortgage.
What makes you eligible for a VA loan in Texas?
Before you start shopping, you’ll need to confirm your eligibility. The Department of Veterans Affairs sets the national standards, but here’s how it applies in Texas:
- Service Requirements: Most veterans qualify after 90 days of active-duty wartime service, 181 days of peacetime service, or six years in the Reserves or National Guard
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE): This document proves your entitlement and is required to apply. Your lender can often pull this for you instantly
- Texas Considerations: No separate state rules, but some local lenders may have overlays. Salute avoids unnecessary red tape by sticking to VA guidelines
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, don’t guess. Our team can verify your status and entitlement in minutes.
How to prepare financially for your first home purchase
Even with 0% down, buying a home comes with upfront costs and long-term responsibilities. Here’s how to get financially mission-ready:
- Review your credit: While VA loans allow for more flexibility, a score of 620 or higher will generally earn you better rates and terms
- Know your BAH: If you’re active duty, your Basic Allowance for Housing can count toward qualifying income. In Texas, that can cover most, if not all, of your mortgage payment
- Save for closing costs: VA loans still require funding fees (unless exempt) and closing costs. Budget roughly 2–4% of the purchase price
- Build a cushion: A few months of reserves, cash in the bank, can help you qualify more easily and provide peace of mind after closing
This prep phase is where Salute Mortgage really shines. We help you build a tactical pre-qualify file with no guesswork and clear next steps.
What’s different about buying a home in Texas?
While the VA loan rules are federal, the Texas housing market has its own unique elements:
- Homestead Exemption: Once you buy, you can apply to reduce your property taxes. This isn’t automatic, so be sure to file.
- Title and escrow: Texas uses title companies to handle closings (instead of attorneys), which typically speeds up the process.
- Flood zone concerns: Especially near the Gulf Coast, some homes may require flood insurance, even with a VA loan.
- HOA-heavy areas: Many Texas communities include homeowners associations. Review restrictions before you commit.
These aren’t obstacles, they’re just variables to navigate. The key is working with professionals who know the local terrain.
How Salute Mortgage supports Texas veterans
Your lender should do more than process paperwork. At Salute Mortgage, we specialize in guiding veterans like you through the full journey, with support that includes:
- Fast, tech-forward pre-approvals: Know your buying power in minutes, not days
- BAH optimization: We structure income the smart way to qualify you for more home without stretching thin
- Homebird real estate support: We connect you to trusted local agents who understand VA buyers and can negotiate accordingly
- Veteran-founded trust: Our team is led by Todd Jones, a military and mortgage veteran who built Salute to serve families like yours
You’re not just another file to us. You’re a mission.
What to expect from the VA loan process, step by step
If this is your first time buying a home, here’s what the process typically looks like, with VA-specific notes:
- Get pre-approved: Submit income and service documentation so you know your budget
- Find a VA-experienced agent: Someone who knows how to write strong VA offers
- Tour homes: Look for move-in-ready properties that meet VA appraisal guidelines
- Make an offer: Your lender can help structure terms that appeal to sellers
- Appraisal and inspection: VA appraisals check for habitability, not just value
- Clear to close: Once underwriting wraps, you’ll sign final docs and receive your keys
Most Salute VA buyers close in under 30 days, thanks to clear communication, local expertise, and no lender overlays.
Final tips for confident, first-time VA buyers
To wrap, here are tactical tips every first-time VA buyer in Texas should keep in mind:
- Start with a VA-focused lender, because not all lenders understand the nuance
- Ask about lender credits to offset closing costs
- Use your full entitlement if eligible and don’t settle for capped amounts
- Compare rate quotes, but beware of lenders who charge fees for “access”
- Avoid assumptions about seller resistance because many will gladly accept VA offers with the right structure
Buying your first home should feel empowering, not overwhelming. With a good team and the right strategy, your VA loan becomes the launchpad, not the hurdle.
Your mission is homeownership, we’re here to guide you through it
At Salute Mortgage, we don’t just offer loans. We offer clarity, speed, and real support, delivered by people who understand what it means to serve.
Whether you’re based in Texas or relocating here soon, our team is ready to walk you through every step with the discipline and follow-through you expect. Explore VA loan options today.
