Renting today,buying tomorrow.
Not ready to buy yet? Compare the math honestly, then work a three-step roadmap that turns rent into a Texas down payment.
- • "Am I really 'throwing money away' on rent?"
- • "How much do I actually need for a down payment in Texas?"
- • "What credit score do I need to qualify?"
- • "How long until I'm ready?"
Answered editorially. No sales pressure — the goal is to get you buyer-ready when the math works.
Honest math, not marketing.
A simplified 5-year comparison. Excludes appreciation, tax benefits, maintenance, and opportunity cost — those move both directions and belong to your specific situation.
Rent vs. Buy — 5-year outlook
Illustrative only. Excludes appreciation, tax benefits, maintenance, and opportunity cost.
The three-step Texas path.
Know your credit score
A 620 middle score opens FHA financing in Texas; 640+ opens most TDHCA and TSAHC programs. Pull your reports free at annualcreditreport.com.
Credit Playbook →Right-size the down payment
Texas first-time buyers often close with 0–3.5% down thanks to stacked DPA and grant programs — not the 20% myth.
Browse 80+ programs →Stack the assistance
Grants, forgivable second liens, MCC tax credits, and seller concessions layer together. The Playbook shows the order.
Get the Renter Playbook →Two playbooks. Pick your side of the lease.
Educational guides written for Texas — no fluff, no sales pressure. Choose the one that fits where you are today.
The Texas Landlord Playbook
Screening, lease clauses, security-deposit rules, eviction basics, tax deductions, and how to vet a property manager. Written for Texas Property Code.
Get the Landlord Playbook →The Texas Renter Playbook
Tenant rights, application red flags, deposit protection, repair-and-deduct rules, credit-building through rent, and the path from renting to owning.
Get the Renter Playbook →Find a top-quality Texas property manager.
A good property manager pays for themselves through better tenants, fewer vacancy days, and cleaner compliance with Texas Property Code. Tell us about your rental and we'll introduce you to vetted local companies.
- • Tenant screening — credit, criminal, eviction, income verification
- • Marketing & leasing — MLS + syndication, showings, lease execution
- • Rent collection — ACH, late-fee enforcement, owner disbursement
- • Maintenance coordination — vendor network, 24/7 emergency line
- • Compliance — TX security-deposit rules, notice periods, fair housing
- • Owner reporting — monthly statements, year-end 1099s and Schedule E prep