First-time homebuyer in DFW: Complete guide from someone who just did it

Closed on my first house in DFW 3 months ago. Here's everything I wish I knew.

Budget reality check:

• Median home price DFW: ~$385K (Zillow, March 2026)
• Property taxes: 2.1-2.5% depending on city/county
• On a $385K home with 2.2% tax rate: ~$8,470/year in property taxes alone
• That's $706/month just in taxes. Budget accordingly.

Down payment programs:

• TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corp) — Down payment assistance up to 5% for first-time buyers. Income limits apply.
• My First Texas Home — 30-year fixed rate mortgage with down payment assistance.
• City of Dallas DPA — Up to $60,000 in assistance for Dallas residents. Income limits: $80K-100K depending on household size.

Timeline (what actually happened):

• Pre-approval: 1 week
• House hunting: 6 weeks (made 3 offers, lost 2)
• Under contract to close: 35 days
• Total process: ~3 months

Mistakes I made:

1. Didn't get pre-approved before looking — wasted 2 weeks
2. Fell in love with the first house — lost the bidding war, was crushed
3. Didn't budget for closing costs ($9,200 on a $370K house)
4. Didn't hire my own inspector — used the seller's recommended one. Don't do this.

Best areas for first-time buyers under $350K:

• Cedar Hill, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Garland, parts of Arlington
• Avoid: anything in Collin County under $350K (you'll compromise too much)

Sources:

• Zillow — DFW home price data
• TSAHC.org — down payment assistance programs
• City of Dallas Housing — DPA program details
• Collin/Dallas/Tarrant County CAD — tax rate data
• NerdWallet — first-time homebuyer guides

Am I wrong here?