Buy Your First Home in Garland, TX

One of Garland’s most affordable neighborhoods with excellent balance of amenities and value. Parks, schools nearby, and easy highway access make it ideal for first-time buyers.

Popular with budget-conscious buyers seeking value. Features mature trees, walking trails along Duck Creek, and community-oriented atmosphere. Excellent starter home territory.

Attractive option for first-time buyers with various affordable homes surrounded by parks and schools. Close to shopping and dining with easy access to major highways.

Garland’s premier neighborhood near Firewheel Town Center shopping, golf courses, and trails. Strong appreciation potential and upscale homes for buyers ready to stretch their budget.

Well-established neighborhood with strong schools and beautiful parks. Offers mid-range pricing with excellent appreciation history. Popular with growing families seeking more space.

Garland’s most affordable area with revitalization projects underway. DART light rail access, historic character, and excellent value. Perfect for buyers seeking urban convenience on a budget.

Why Garland Is Perfect for First-Time Buyers

SmartAsset ranked Garland #1 in Texas and #8 nationally for first-time homebuyers—and the reasons are clear. With a median home price of just $288K (nearly half what you’d pay in neighboring Plano or Richardson), Garland delivers incredible value in the heart of the DFW metroplex.

Garland offers DART light rail access to downtown Dallas, over 2,800 acres of parks, a growing arts and cultural scene, and one of the region’s most diverse housing stocks—from charming mid-century ranches to modern new construction. All at prices first-time buyers can actually afford!

Garland HFC MCC+DPA

Garland’s signature program combining MCC tax credit with down payment assistance. $10K second lien + $5K non-repayable grant!

• ✓ $5,000 grant (never repaid)
• ✓ $10,000 deferred second lien
• ✓ 30% MCC tax credit (up to $2K/yr)
• ✓ Must purchase in Garland city limits

City of Garland FTHB Program

City program for low-to-moderate income first-time buyers. Forgivable loan based on individual financial need.

• ✓ Amount based on need
• ✓ Forgivable after 5 years
• ✓ No ownership in past 3 years
• ✓ Must be primary residence

TSAHC Programs

Statewide Texas programs—grants or forgivable second liens up to 5% of loan amount for eligible buyers.

• ✓ Home Sweet Texas (all buyers)
• ✓ Homes for Texas Heroes
• ✓ Grant or forgivable 2nd lien
• ✓ 620+ credit score typically

SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage

Southeast Texas HFC program with assistance up to 5% of loan amount. Options include 3-year forgivable loans!

• ✓ 3-year forgivable option
• ✓ FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
• ✓ 30-year fixed rate
• ✓ Available in Garland

FHA Loan

• ✓ Credit scores 580+ accepted
• ✓ Gift funds for down payment
• ✓ Higher DTI ratios OK
• ✓ Seller pays up to 6% costs

Conventional 97

• ✓ Credit scores 620+ typically
• ✓ PMI removable at 20%
• ✓ No upfront mortgage insurance
• ✓ Competitive interest rates

VA Loan

• ✓ Veterans & active duty
• ✓ No monthly PMI
• ✓ Competitive rates
• ✓ Seller pays closing costs

Renovation Loan

• ✓ Finance purchase + repairs
• ✓ Great for older Garland homes
• ✓ FHA 203(k) available
• ✓ Build instant equity

Education-First Approach

We explain everything clearly—no jargon, no pressure. You’ll understand every option before making decisions.

Veteran-Owned & Operated

Retired Army Captain bringing military values of integrity, service, and dedication to every transaction.

DPA Experts

We know every Garland and Texas assistance program—and help you stack them for maximum benefit.

Direct Lender Power

Movement Mortgage’s dedicated team means faster processing, competitive rates, and on-budget closings.

On-Time Closings

We close when we say we will. Movement Mortgage’s team structure keeps you on track.

Lender for Life

Annual real estate reviews to help you build wealth—your success doesn’t end at closing.

“We thought homeownership was years away until we learned about Garland’s down payment assistance. Adam’s team helped us qualify for $15,000 in assistance and we closed on a beautiful home in Duck Creek. Now we’re building equity instead of paying rent!”

“I commute to downtown Dallas and the DART access in Garland was a huge selling point. Adam helped me find a great starter home near the Blue Line for half what I’d pay in Plano. His education-first approach made a complicated process simple!”

“As a Navy veteran, working with Adam—a fellow service member—gave me confidence. He got us into a great home in Spring Park with zero down using our VA benefit. The whole team communicated every step of the way. Couldn’t be happier!”

How much home can I afford in Garland?

Garland’s median home ($288K) requires only about $67K annual income. More affordable areas like Downtown Garland and Panther Creek offer homes in the $200K-$275K range, requiring around $50K-$60K income. We’ll help you find YOUR comfort zone.

How does Garland’s $15K down payment assistance work?

The Garland HFC MCC+DPA program provides a $5,000 non-repayable grant plus a $10,000 deferred second lien. You also get a 30% Mortgage Credit Certificate worth up to $2,000/year in tax credits. Must purchase within Garland city limits.

Why is Garland ranked #1 for first-time buyers in Texas?

SmartAsset ranked Garland #1 in Texas and #8 nationally based on 12 metrics including 32% income growth, 56% home appreciation, low unemployment, and excellent value. You get DFW access at prices 40-50% below neighboring cities!

What are the most affordable Garland neighborhoods?

Downtown Garland ($200K-$275K) offers the best value with DART access. Panther Creek ($200K-$300K) and Duck Creek ($225K-$325K) are also excellent for first-time buyers seeking affordable starter homes with community amenities.

Can I commute to Dallas from Garland without a car?

Yes! Garland is one of few DFW suburbs with DART light rail access. The Blue Line connects directly to downtown Dallas, making it perfect for commuters who want suburban prices with urban accessibility.

I’m a veteran—what are my options?

VA loans are perfect—0% down, no PMI! With Garland’s affordable prices, your VA benefit goes even further here than in pricier suburbs. Plus, Texas Homes for Texas Heroes offers additional grants for veterans. As a veteran-owned business, we’re VA loan experts.