Buying a home in Texas can be exciting—but also overwhelming without the right support. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a veteran using VA benefits, choosing the right mortgage is a critical first step.

At Philip Cloutier Mortgage, we specialize in helping buyers across Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Galveston navigate their loan options. Here’s how FHA, VA, and Conventional loans stack up—and which one might be right for you or your clients.

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🎯 For First-Time Homebuyers: FHA & Low Down Payment Conventional Loans

Buying your first home? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. In Texas markets like San Antonio, Galveston, and suburban Houston, there are plenty of starter homes, and two great mortgage options for first-time buyers:

🔹 FHA Loans: Flexible & Affordable

• Only 3.5% down payment required
• Credit score as low as 580
• Gift funds can be used for down payment
• Great for buyers with limited credit history

✅ Best for: New buyers who need a smaller down payment or have had past credit challenges.

🔹 Conventional 97 Loans: Low Down with Fewer Restrictions

• Just 3% down for qualified first-time buyers
• Better long-term savings if you have higher credit
• Can remove PMI after 20% equity

✅ Best for: Buyers with stronger credit looking for long-term savings.

For Veterans: VA Loans Offer Zero Down & Big Savings

If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, a VA loan may be your best path to homeownership.

Key VA Loan Benefits:

• $0 down payment required
• No PMI (private mortgage insurance)
• Lower average interest rates
• Flexible credit and income guidelines

VA loans are especially popular in San Antonio (home to Fort Sam Houston), Houston, and Dallas/Fort Worth, where many veterans settle after service.

✅ Pro Tip: Many veterans don’t know they can reuse their VA loan benefits—even if they’ve used them before.

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📍 Local Texas Expertise Across 5 Major Markets

Whether you’re buying in the city, suburbs, or near the coast, we understand the unique dynamics of each region:

• Houston: Diverse home options, from inner loop townhomes to sprawling suburbs
• Austin: Competitive market with tech-driven growth and rapid appreciation
• San Antonio: Affordability and military-friendly neighborhoods
• Dallas/Fort Worth: Strong job market and booming new construction
• Galveston: Great for second homes or beachfront properties

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🤝 Let’s Make Home Happen—Together

Whether you’re a first-time buyer just starting out or a veteran looking to leverage your VA benefits, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

🔍 Visit us at PhilipCloutierMortgage.com to get started or request your personalized rate quote.
📞 Have questions? Let’s talk—we respond quickly and locally.