Rate Structure
Fixed-rate mortgages, and when paying for that certainty is worth it.
Not a loan programme in itself, but a choice that sits inside almost every one.
Licensed Texas Mortgage Broker · Based in Katy, TX
No credit pull to get started · no obligation · a real person responds fast.
Loan Selection
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Not a loan programme in itself, but a choice that sits inside almost every one.
A Structure, Not a Programme
Available inside conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans. Choosing fixed doesn't change that programme's underwriting rules.
Only Principal and Interest Are Fixed
Escrowed property taxes and insurance still move. In a Katy MUD district that can matter more than the rate.
Term Is the Bigger Lever
A 15-year fixed prices below a 30-year and saves considerable interest, at a materially higher monthly payment.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage Full Description
Everything you need to know before you apply.
A fixed-rate mortgage holds the same interest rate for the whole life of the loan, so the principal and interest portion of your payment never moves. It's worth being straight about what this is: not a separate loan programme, but a rate structure available inside nearly all of them. Conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans can each be written fixed or adjustable, and choosing fixed doesn't change the credit, income or down payment rules that come with whichever programme you're actually using. Anyone presenting it as its own product is padding a menu.
Not sure if a fixed-rate mortgage fits your situation?
Choosing the Term
The real decision is what the certainty costs and whether you'll be there long enough to use it. A fixed rate normally starts above the introductory rate on a comparable adjustable loan, and you're paying that difference for protection against rate rises you may never experience. Term matters more than most buyers expect: a 15-year fixed carries a lower rate than a 30-year and saves a great deal of interest, but the payment is substantially higher and it's not adjustable if your circumstances change. Escrowed taxes and insurance move regardless - in parts of Katy sitting inside a MUD district, those can shift your total payment more in a year than a rate change would.
If you would like to explore whether a fixed-rate mortgage matches your purchase price, credit profile and long-term budget, reach out to 3E Lending to speak with our licensed Texas mortgage team in Katy.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage - Quick Reference
Straight answers to what borrowers ask most, each one showing the guideline or investor practice it comes from — so you can see where the answer came from, not just take our word for it.
Credit Score
Set by the underlying programme: no numeric minimum through DU, 620 manual conventional, 580 FHA, none for VA. Overlays sit above all of them, commonly 620-640.
Source: Fannie Mae B3-5.1-01; HUD 4000.1 II.A.2; VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch.4 · varies by lender
Credit History / Strength
Governed by the underlying programme, not by the rate structure.
Source: Fannie Mae; HUD Handbook 4000.1 · varies by lender
Interest Rates
15-year typically prices 0.50-0.80 below 30-year, and a fixed rate normally starts 0.25-1.00 above a comparable ARM's introductory rate.
Source: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey · varies by lender
Income / Employment Verification
Full doc, per the underlying programme.
Source: Fannie Mae B3-3.1-01 · varies by lender
Self Employment Qualifications
2 years of returns, per the underlying programme.
Source: Fannie Mae B3-3.2-01 · varies by lender
Documentation Difficulty
Identical to the programme you are using. The rate choice adds nothing.
Source: Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac guidelines
Debt to Income (DTI)
Per the underlying programme, typically 43-50%.
Source: Fannie Mae DU / Freddie Mac LPA · varies by lender
Down Payment Requirement
Per the programme: 0% VA and USDA, 3% conventional, 3.5% FHA.
Source: Fannie Mae B5-6; HUD 4000.1 II.A.2
Down Payment Collateral Alternatives
Gifts, grants and assistance, as the underlying programme allows.
Source: Fannie Mae B3-4.3-04 · varies by lender
Out of Pocket Fees
Standard closing costs. Discount points can buy the fixed rate down further.
Source: CFPB Loan Estimate · varies by lender
Process Speed / Timeframe
30-45 days, per the underlying programme.
Source: Industry standard, 2026 · varies by lender
Figures on this page reviewed by Kimberli Pham, Mortgage Broker · NMLS ID 2459395, on . Program terms are set by the lender a file is placed with and change over time — each figure cites its source above.
The figures above are program guidelines and illustrative examples, not a quote. Actual terms vary by circumstances - your credit profile, income, the property, occupancy, loan amount, and the lender the file is placed with. Individual lenders also apply their own overlays on top of agency minimums. Nothing on this page is a commitment to lend. Approval depends on completion of underwriting, and not every applicant qualifies.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from 3E Lending borrowers, verified on Google.
“This was by far the smoothest, most straightforward, and best-informed lending experience I have had. Kimberli's knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to customer service were evident at every stage.”
Neil Milan
Verified Google Review
“She went above and beyond by conducting a thorough industry comparison to secure the absolute best rate for my unique situation. The whole mortgage process was better than any I've experienced before — transparent and easy, even with my issues. I will be back again!”
Thanh Tran
Verified Google Review
Estimate Your Payment
Adjust the numbers below for a rough monthly estimate. For an accurate, personalized rate, our licensed team is one call away.
Estimate Your Payment
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,524
Estimate only, not a loan offer or rate quote. Talk to our licensed team for a personalized number based on your credit profile.
Or Call NowReady to move forward with a fixed-rate mortgage in Texas?
Serving Katy, greater Houston, and all of Texas with local, friendly service.