FHA makes up 24.8% of Houston originations, with JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo leading FHA volume — comparing their MIP structures on $204,000 surfaces $864+ in first-year MIP cost differences. Always request side-by-side MIP schedules from both JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo before choosing.
Houston, Texas: 2026 Market Data
📊 LOCAL MARKET DATA
- Median home price: $248,000
- Year-over-year price change: 4.2%
- FHA loan share: 24.8%
- Conventional loan share: 63.1%
- Property tax rate (Harris County): 2.42%
- Top local lenders: JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, HMDA, county assessor
FHA Loans in Houston: 2026 Market Snapshot
Houston's housing market gives buyers a range of financing options to weigh. The median home price stands at $248,000, up 4.2% over the past year, which influences both your down payment and your monthly costs. FHA loans make up 24.8% of mortgages in the area, while conventional loans account for 63.1%. The right path depends on your credit, your down payment, and your plans, so it pays to compare both with more than one lender. Property taxes are a meaningful part of the math here: Harris County's rate of 2.42% adds notably to the monthly payment, so factor it in when you estimate what you can afford. Several established lenders serve Houston borrowers, including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, along with regional banks, credit unions, and independent mortgage brokers. Instead of assuming a familiar name is automatically cheapest, gather quotes from several, compare the interest rate against fees and closing costs, and ask each lender for a full cost breakdown so you can see which offer works best for your situation.
Median Loan Amount in Houston: $204,000 and the Conforming Limit Question
With a median loan amount sitting around $204,000 in Houston, most buyers here land comfortably below the conforming loan limit, which means the conforming-versus-jumbo debate rarely enters the conversation for typical FHA shoppers. That $204,000 figure tells you something useful: the bulk of activity happens in the moderate price band where FHA financing shines. The FHA loan limit for Harris County tends to sit above this median, giving buyers room to move up without hitting a ceiling. For most Houston households, the question isn't whether you'll exceed conforming limits, it's how to optimize the loan you're already eligible for. That said, if you're eyeing pricier pockets like the Heights or West University, you can brush against higher thresholds, and at that point comparing FHA limits to conventional conforming caps becomes worthwhile. For the median buyer, though, the takeaway is reassuring: your loan amount fits well within standard financing structures, keeping your options broad.
