First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Waco, TX
You can do this — and there's more help than you think.
Work directly with Jodie Barber, a mortgage broker with 30 years of experience serving Waco and all of McLennan County.
Waco at a glance
Baylor + 'Magnolia/Fixer Upper' halo; very affordable (~$197K) between Austin & DFW. First-time/FHA + USDA fringe.
Serving Waco neighborhoods including Castle Heights, Woodway, Hewitt, Downtown Waco.
Why a first-time buyer program in Waco?
Anyone buying their first home (and many repeat buyers who qualify for the same programs).
- ✦Low- and no-down-payment loan options (FHA, VA, USDA, 3%-down conventional)
- ✦Down payment assistance programs that can cover most or all of your down payment
- ✦A step-by-step plan from pre-approval to keys
- ✦Straight answers, no pressure — 'homeownership is a partnership'
My First Texas Home (MFTH) — up to 5% of loan amount. First-time buyer (or veteran / targeted-area exemption); 620 min FICO; income limits vary by county/household (~$97K for 1-2 person, ~$111,550 for 3+ in most counties, higher in Austin/Dallas); homebuyer education required; stackable with MCC
First-Time Home Buyer Loans FAQ
- How much down payment do I actually need?
- Often far less than people expect — as little as $0 (VA/USDA) or 3–3.5% (conventional/FHA), and down payment assistance can reduce that further.
- What credit score do I need to buy a house?
- There's a program for a wide range of scores. Let's look at where you are today and build a simple plan to get you approved.

“Homeownership is a partnership.” Let's talk about your first-time buyer program in Waco. No pressure — just straight answers from someone who's done this for 30 years.