FHA vs. Conventional: Which Loan Is Right for Your First Texas Home?

Almost every first-time buyer I talk with asks the same question: FHA or conventional? There's no universal answer, but there is a right answer for you. It usually comes down to four things: your credit score, your down payment, how long you'll keep the loan, and how much help the seller will give with costs. Here's how the two compare in 2026, using Houston-area numbers.

Both loan types have a maximum loan amount, and the two limits are different.

On a larger purchase, FHA may simply not stretch far enough, and conventional (or jumbo) becomes the conversation.