Presented by Megan Bludau, Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS #2466297) with Contour Mortgage, in collaboration with The Jamie McMartin Group at Compass.
If you’ve started dipping your toe into the Texas homebuying process, you’ve probably already realized something important: mortgages can feel a little… overwhelming.
FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, it’s like alphabet soup. And every website seems to give a different answer when you search “What mortgage is best for me?”
Here’s the truth I share with every buyer I work with in the Greater Houston area:
The best mortgage depends entirely on you, your goals, your budget, and how you want your monthly payment to feel, not just what a calculator says you can afford.
As a top mortgage originator serving Houston and surrounding Texas communities, I walk buyers through this decision every single day. And alongside trusted real estate partners like The Jamie McMartin Group, we make sure the loan strategy and the home search work together seamlessly.
So let’s break this down in a simple, no-pressure way.
The four most common mortgage options in Texas
Before you can choose the best mortgage, you need to know what’s actually on the menu. These are the loan types most Texas homebuyers consider.
1. Conventional loan
Best for: Buyers with strong credit, stable income, or those looking for the lowest long-term cost.
Conventional loans often offer:
- Lower mortgage insurance costs.
- More flexibility when it comes to removing PMI.
- Competitive interest rates for well-qualified buyers.
Why clients love this option:
If you plan to stay in your home for several years, conventional financing often results in the lowest total cost over time.
2. FHA loan
Best for: First-time homebuyers, buyers with lower credit scores, or those with smaller down payments.
FHA loans allow:
- As little as 3.5% down.
- More flexible credit score requirements.
- Higher debt-to-income allowances.
Why FHA works for many Texas buyers:
It makes homeownership possible sooner, not “someday.”
This is a loan I often review with buyers working alongside The Jamie McMartin Group, especially when the goal is to get into a home confidently without overextending financially.
3. VA loan
Best for: Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualified surviving spouses.
VA loans come with some of the strongest benefits available:
- 0% down.
- No monthly mortgage insurance.
- Extremely competitive interest rates.
If you qualify for a VA loan, it is almost always the best mortgage option available.
4. USDA loan
Best for: Buyers purchasing in eligible rural or semi-rural Texas areas, and yes, many Houston-area suburbs qualify.
USDA loan benefits include:
- 0% down.
- Lower monthly mortgage insurance.
- Competitive interest rates.
This can be an excellent option for families buying in areas like Montgomery County, Waller County, Conroe, Magnolia, and surrounding communities.
How to choose the best mortgage for You
When I sit down with a buyer for a mortgage strategy session, here’s exactly where we start:
1. What monthly payment feels comfortable?
Not what you can afford, what actually feels good month after month.
2. How long do you plan to stay in the home?
Some loans cost less upfront, while others save more over time.
3. How strong is your credit profile today?
Your credit score often points clearly toward one loan option over another.
4. How much do you want to put down?
You don’t need 20%, but your down payment affects which loan is most cost-effective.
5. How quickly do you want to remove mortgage insurance?
This is where conventional loans often stand out.
The #1 mistake Texas homebuyers make when choosing a mortgage
Shopping only based on interest rate.
Yes, rate matters. But what matters more is: the total cost of your loan over time.
I see buyers choose a lower advertised rate, only to discover later that the mortgage insurance, fees, or structure actually cost them more long-term.
This is why working with a local Texas lender you trust matters , and why so many realtors, including The Jamie McMartin Group, confidently refer their clients to me.
How I help you choose the best mortgage (without the guesswork)
When we work together, I compare every loan option side-by-side using real Texas numbers, including property taxes, insurance, and local market conditions.
You’ll see clearly:
- Your estimated monthly payment for each loan type.
- Your expected cash-to-close.
- Which loan saves you the most over time.
- Where your strengths are as a buyer.
- What steps could make you even stronger.
No guesswork. No confusing charts. Just clarity.
This is why buyers consistently choose Megan Bludau as their mortgage partner, and why I’m proud to work alongside experienced real estate teams like The Jamie McMartin Group throughout the Greater Houston area.
So… what’s the best mortgage for you?
There’s only one way to know for sure:
Run the numbers with someone who understands the Texas market inside and out.
Whether you’re buying in:
- Katy
- The Woodlands
- Conroe
- Spring
- Montgomery County
or anywhere in between, we’ll build a mortgage strategy that truly fits your budget and your goals.
Ready to find your best mortgage option?
Let’s make this simple.
Start with a quick pre-approval or a mortgage strategy call, and I’ll walk you through every option, clearly, confidently, and with real Texas numbers.
The home you choose and the mortgage behind it should work hand-in-hand. The Jamie McMartin Group at Compass provides expert local guidance, strong negotiation skills, and a client-first approach, ensuring you feel confident from your first showing to closing day.
👉 Schedule your mortgage strategy session.
👉 Start your pre-approval at www.lendingwithmeg.com
👉 Connect with The Jamie McMartin Group to start your home search with clarity and confidence.