Moving to Garland TX — Mortgage Guide for Relocating Buyers (2026)

I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), and Garland is where I'm based — I work out of my office at 1919 S. Shiloh Rd, and I've closed loans for buyers relocating here from every direction: other DFW suburbs, other Texas cities, and out of state. If you're moving to Garland, this guide covers what you actually need: price ranges, neighborhoods, loan programs, down payment assistance, and how to get pre-approved before you ever set foot in Texas.

Why People Are Moving to Garland

• Affordability — Garland offers some of the lowest entry prices in the Dallas-area suburbs, often $60,000–$120,000 below comparable homes in Plano or Richardson
• Location — roughly 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, with direct DART rail access into the city for commuters who don't want to drive daily
• Lake Ray Hubbard — Garland's eastern edge borders the lake, with parks, marinas, and waterfront dining a short drive away
• Firewheel Town Center — a major retail and dining hub that covers most day-to-day shopping without a drive to Dallas or Plano
• Diversity — Garland is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in DFW, with a wide range of restaurants, grocers, and community institutions
• No state income tax — a major draw for buyers relocating from California, Illinois, or the Northeast

Garland Home Price Ranges (2026)

Garland covers a range of price points depending on the part of the city and home age:

Loan Programs for Garland Buyers

FHA Loans — My Most Common Garland Loan

The 2026 FHA loan limit for Dallas County (Garland's county) is $524,225. With Garland's median price well under that figure, FHA covers the vast majority of the market. FHA allows a 580+ credit score with 3.5% down, or a 500–579 score with 10% down. FHA Loan details →

Conventional Loans

The 2026 conforming loan limit for Dallas County is $806,500. With 620+ credit and as little as 3% down through HomeReady or Home Possible, conventional is a strong option for Garland buyers with stronger credit who want to avoid FHA's lifetime mortgage insurance. Conventional Loan details →

VA Loans — Zero Down for Veterans

Veterans with full entitlement can purchase in Garland with zero down payment and no loan limit. Garland has a meaningful veteran population, and I handle VA loans here regularly, including COE verification and funding fee questions. VA Loan details →

Down Payment Assistance

Garland buyers are eligible for the Dallas DHAP program, offering up to $60,000 in forgivable assistance over 5 years for qualifying first-time buyers, plus statewide programs like TSAHC Home Sweet Texas and TDHCA My First Texas Home. Down Payment Assistance details →

Garland Neighborhoods at a Glance

Firewheel / North Garland

Newer housing stock and the closest proximity to Firewheel Town Center's shopping and dining. Prices run $320,000–$450,000 for 3–4 bedroom homes built in the 1990s–2010s.

Lake Ray Hubbard Area

Homes closest to the lake's western shoreline command a premium for water views or proximity, typically $400,000–$550,000+.

Central and South Garland

Garland's most affordable housing stock, with established neighborhoods from the 1960s–1980s. Excellent value for buyers prioritizing price over newer construction, typically $200,000–$300,000.

Getting Pre-Approved When You're Out of State

Many of the buyers I work with are relocating from out of state and want to lock down financing before they ever visit Garland in person. The process:

1. Initial call — 15–20 minutes to discuss your income, credit range, down payment, and timeline
2. Document upload — 2 years W-2s, 30 days paystubs, 2 months bank statements, and ID via secure link
3. Credit pull — with your authorization, I pull a tri-merge credit report and confirm your qualifying score
4. Pre-approval letter issued — usually within 24–48 business hours
5. Remote offers — your Realtor handles tours and offer submission; most paperwork can be signed via DocuSign

Out-of-state income — W-2, self-employed, or remote work — is fully acceptable. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 to start.

Property Taxes in Garland

Garland (Dallas County) property tax rates run approximately 2.1%–2.4% of assessed value annually. On a $300,000 home, that's roughly $6,300–$7,200/year, or $525–$600/month added through escrow. File for the Texas Homestead Exemption at dallascad.org immediately after closing.