Team Baraz Knowledge Center

Mortgage Answers for Real-Life Decisions

Practical guides from Sarah Baraz on qualifying income, first-time homebuying, VA loans, new construction and second opinions, for buyers in Texas, Florida and California. Pick a topic or browse them all.

Self-employed and income

First-time buyers

First-time buyers · 2026 numbers · New

Down Payment Assistance in San Antonio: 2026 Guide

The City of San Antonio HIP program and statewide TSAHC, TDHCA and SETH programs, with price limits, income limits and credit minimums.

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2026 numbers · New

2026 Loan Limits in San Antonio: FHA, Conventional and VA

FHA $557,750 and conforming $832,750 for one unit in the 8 San Antonio metro counties, with duplex to fourplex limits.

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2026 numbers · New

San Antonio Property Taxes in 2026 and Your Mortgage Payment

Bexar County tax rates by school district, a worked $350,000 example and what the $140,000 school homestead exemption saves.

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First-time buyers · New

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Texas, Florida and California (2026)

Down payment and closing cost help in Texas, Florida and California for 2026: state and local programs, who qualifies and what assistance really costs.

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Buying process

Prequalification vs. Preapproval: What Homebuyers Should Know

Learn the difference between mortgage prequalification and preapproval, and what to review before submitting an offer.

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First-time buyers

FHA vs. Conventional Loans in Texas: What First-Time Buyers Should Compare

Compare down payment requirements, mortgage insurance, credit considerations and total cost when choosing FHA or conventional financing in Texas.

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Texas homebuyers

How Much Cash Do You Need to Close on a House in Texas?

Understand down payments, closing costs, prepaid expenses, escrow funding and ways to estimate cash to close.

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First-time buyers

Can You Buy a Home While Paying Student Loans?

Understand how student loan payments affect mortgage qualification and what first-time buyers can do before applying.

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VA and military buyers

New construction

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Sarah Baraz is based in San Antonio and licensed in Texas, Florida and California. Articles are general education, not a loan approval or commitment to lend.