Think You Can’t Buy a Home in DFW? The 2026 Market May Surprise You

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines because you think your credit score isn’t high enough or you don’t have $20,000 sitting in the bank for a down payment, it may be time to take another look at homeownership.

The Dallas–Fort Worth real estate market has changed, and so have some of the financing and down payment assistance options available to buyers.

At Sutton Realty Group with Real Broker, we believe one of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that you need perfect credit, a huge down payment, and a large savings account before you can even think about buying a home.

For some buyers, that simply isn’t true.

What Is Happening in the DFW Housing Market?

The DFW housing market in fall 2026 looks very different from the fast-moving market many buyers remember from just a few years ago.

Homes are generally taking longer to sell, buyers have more choices, and price reductions have become much more common.

Recent September 2026 market data showed a DFW median listing price of approximately $422,495, with homes spending a median of about 62 days on the market. Approximately 27.5% of listings had experienced a price reduction.

Why does that matter to a buyer?

Because a market with more inventory, longer selling times, and price reductions can create opportunities for buyers to negotiate that simply weren't as common during the height of the seller's market.

That could include negotiating the purchase price, seller-paid closing costs, repairs, or other contract terms depending on the property and seller.

What About the Garland, Texas Real Estate Market?

For buyers considering Garland, there may be even more reason to explore what's currently available.

In September 2026, Garland's median listing price was approximately $329,000, while the median sale price was approximately $315,000. Homes were spending a median of roughly 57 days on the market.

As longtime Garland residents, this is particularly important to us at Sutton Realty Group.

We've lived in the Garland area for more than 20 years, so we don't simply look at the numbers—we understand the community, neighborhoods, surrounding areas, and changes we've watched happen over the years.

The question for today's buyer shouldn't necessarily be:

“Is this a good or bad housing market?”

A better question might be:

“Where are the opportunities in this market for me?”

“But My Credit Isn't Great…”

This is where we encourage prospective buyers not to disqualify themselves before speaking with a knowledgeable mortgage professional.

You don't necessarily need a 700+ credit score to purchase a home.

Different mortgage programs have different requirements, and lenders can also have their own underwriting standards.

Your credit score is important—but it's only one part of the overall financial picture.

FHA Loans May Be an Option for Buyers With Lower Credit Scores

FHA financing continues to be an important option for buyers who may have less-than-perfect credit or limited funds available for a down payment.

Under FHA guidelines, qualifying borrowers with credit scores of 580 or higher may potentially qualify for the minimum 3.5% down payment.

FHA guidelines can also permit borrowers with scores between 500 and 579 with at least 10% down, although individual lenders may establish stricter credit requirements.

The important takeaway?

Don't assume the credit score you see on an app automatically determines whether you can purchase a home.

A mortgage professional can evaluate the entire financial picture and explain what options may actually be available.

What If You Don't Have Much Money Saved for a Down Payment?

This is another area where buyers are often surprised.

You don't necessarily need a 20% down payment to purchase a home.

In fact, Texas has programs specifically designed to help eligible buyers overcome one of the biggest obstacles to homeownership: the upfront cost.

Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) offers programs that may provide eligible buyers with assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount to help with down payment and/or closing costs.

Depending on the program and buyer's eligibility, assistance may be structured differently, including certain grant or forgivable second-lien options.

Texas buyers may also have options through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).

Programs such as My First Texas Home and My Choice Texas Home may combine qualifying mortgage financing with down payment and closing cost assistance.

And here's something many buyers don't realize:

Not every assistance program is limited to first-time homebuyers.

That's one reason we encourage buyers to investigate their options before assuming they won't qualify.

Could You Actually Buy a Home With 0% Down?

For certain qualifying buyers, the answer can be yes.

Two of the best-known options are USDA and VA financing.

USDA Home Loans — Potentially 0% Down

The USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program can offer 100% financing for qualifying borrowers purchasing eligible properties.

And don't automatically dismiss USDA financing because you've heard the word “rural.”

Property eligibility is determined by USDA guidelines, so it's worth checking a property's eligibility rather than assuming an area won't qualify.

VA Home Loans — Potentially 0% Down

For eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses, VA financing remains one of the most powerful home financing options available.

Qualifying borrowers may be able to purchase with no down payment, subject to VA and lender requirements.

Conventional Loans Don't Always Require 20% Down Either

Another common misconception is that conventional financing automatically means putting 20% down.

It doesn't.

Programs such as Fannie Mae's HomeReady® and Freddie Mac's Home Possible® can allow qualifying borrowers to purchase with as little as 3% down.

Depending on the program and buyer's circumstances, eligible gifts, grants, and other approved sources may also be used toward down payment or closing costs.

Does 0% Down Mean I Need $0 to Buy a House?

Not necessarily.

This is an important distinction.

Zero down payment does not always mean zero dollars out of pocket.

Homebuyers may still encounter expenses such as:

• Earnest money

• Option fees

• Home inspections

• Appraisal costs

• Homeowners insurance

• Prepaid property taxes

• Lender fees

• Other closing costs

However, depending on the mortgage program, assistance program, property, and negotiated contract, some expenses may potentially be covered or offset through down payment assistance, eligible grants or gifts, lender programs, or negotiated seller contributions.

That's why we believe buyers shouldn't begin with:

“How much money do I need?”

Instead, start with:

“What programs could I qualify for, and what would buying realistically cost me?”

Your Credit Doesn't Have to Be Perfect Before You Start

One of the most common things we hear is:

“I'll call you when I get my credit fixed.”

We'd rather you ask the questions now.

You don't have to apply for a mortgage tomorrow. You don't have to start looking at houses this weekend.

Sometimes the issue preventing someone from qualifying is smaller than expected.

Other times, a prospective buyer may need six months or a year to improve their financial position.

Either answer is valuable.

Because once you know where you stand, you can create a plan.

Why the Current DFW Market Could Create Opportunities for Buyers

Today's DFW market isn't necessarily about finding huge discounts on every home.

It's about having more options and potentially more negotiating power than buyers experienced during the extremely competitive housing market of previous years.

When homes remain on the market longer and sellers are making price reductions, buyers may have more room to negotiate.

Combine that with low-down-payment mortgages and Texas down payment assistance programs, and the possibilities may look very different from what a prospective buyer assumed.

Education Before the House Hunt

At Sutton Realty Group with Real Broker, we're big believers in education.

Several members of our team come from education backgrounds, and we bring that same philosophy into real estate.

We don't believe you should feel pressured into making one of the largest financial decisions of your life.

We want you to understand the process.

Maybe you're ready today.

Maybe you're six months away.

Maybe your credit needs some work first.

Or maybe you'll discover you're in a much better position to purchase than you thought.

The goal isn't to pressure you into buying a house. The goal is to help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision.

Ready to Find Out What's Possible?

If you're considering purchasing a home in Garland, Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere throughout the DFW Metroplex, don't count yourself out because of your credit score or the amount you currently have saved.

Start with a conversation.

We'll help you understand the home-buying process and connect you with knowledgeable lending professionals who can evaluate the financing and down payment assistance programs that may be available to you.

No pressure. No obligation. Just information that can help you make a plan.

Sutton Realty Group | Real Broker

James Sutton — Broker & Realtor®
469-877-6837

Cassie Sutton — Realtor® & Admin
469-544-9479

Serving Garland and the entire Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex

Ready to start? Call, text, or send us a message today.

Loan programs, credit requirements, interest rates, income limits, down payment assistance, and underwriting guidelines are subject to change. Eligibility is determined by the applicable program and participating lender. Sutton Realty Group and its real estate professionals do not provide mortgage lending or credit advice.