The Top 10 Questions Buyers Ask — Answered Honestly

Buying a home, especially in Texas, can feel like a maze of paperwork, questions, and jargon. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a military family relocating, or just tired of renting, you probably have a dozen questions spinning in your head.

We’ve rounded up the top 10 questions we get from buyers — and we're giving you the real answers, not the sugar-coated stuff.

**1. “How much do I need for a down payment?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** Not always 20%.
With FHA loans, you might put down as little as 3.5%. VA loans? Zero down. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% for qualified buyers. Bottom line — don’t let down payment myths keep you stuck renting.

**2. “Is my credit score good enough?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** Probably.
Conventional loans go as low as 620. A score of 580+ can qualify you for FHA. VA loans are flexible. Yes, better scores get better rates — but don’t count yourself out before talking to a lender.

**3. “What’s the first step I should take?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** Get pre-approved.
This shows sellers you're serious, helps you budget, and keeps you focused. Don’t fall in love with a house you can’t afford. A solid lender will walk you through the whole thing.

**4. “How long does the buying process take?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** Around 30–45 days once under contract.
Searching? That depends on you. We’ve had clients find ‘the one’ on day one — others take months. If you’re decisive, we can move fast.

**5. “What’s included in my monthly payment?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** It’s more than your mortgage.
Expect PITI — Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. If you’re in a community with HOA dues, that’s another layer. We’ll help you understand the full monthly cost upfront.

**6. “Is buying really better than renting?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** In Texas, most of the time — yes.
Rents are climbing fast. Home prices have leveled out in many areas, and ownership builds equity. If you’re staying in the area for a few years, it’s usually a smart move.

**7. “Can I use a VA loan more than once?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** Absolutely.
Many military families think it’s a one-time benefit — it’s not. You can reuse your VA loan multiple times, even have more than one at once in certain cases. You can even use your VA loan while you're still enlisted.

**8. “Are there hidden costs when buying?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** Yes — and I’ll make sure you know about them.
Closing costs, inspections, appraisals, moving expenses, utility deposits — they add up. But we can often negotiate seller credits or use grants to offset those.

**9. “What if something’s wrong with the house after I buy it?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** That’s why you get inspections.
We’ll bring in a licensed inspector before closing. You’ll see the full report. You can walk away or negotiate repairs. And many buyers opt for a home warranty, just in case.

**10. “Will I regret buying?”

🟢 Honest Answer:** Not if you do it the right way.
Buy what you can afford, not what a bank approves. Work with people who care more about your long-term success than a quick sale. This is a big deal — and we’ll help you make the right call.

Final Word

Buying a home doesn’t have to be confusing — you just need someone willing to give it to you straight. If you’ve got more questions (or want to ask the same ones again, no shame), I’m just a text or call away.

📍 Based in San Antonio. Serving first-time buyers, military families, and future homeowners across Texas.

Want a downloadable checklist of everything we just covered?
📩 [Request it here] or DM me on Instagram @VelvetRealtyGroup.