How is the October 2025 government shutdown impacting the real estate market and government-backed loan programs like FHA, VA, and USDA? While the federal shutdown is slowing some parts of the housing market, it’s not bringing everything to a halt. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what you can do if you’re buying or selling a
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wichita Falls REALTOR® Tim Lockhart Launches The Falls Home Front Podcast This all-new podcast offers a local perspective on real estate, business, and lifestyle in North Texas WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, OCTOBER 3, 2025 – Tim Lockhart, a locally leading Keller Williams REALTOR® and retired Air Force officer, is pleased to announce the official debut
How long does it take to buy a home in Wichita Falls, TX? Answer: Most buyers in Wichita Falls can expect 30–50 day from contract to close with financing, and as little as 7–14 days with cash. The full journey—including prep, tours, and offer—often takes 6–10 weeks depending on your loan type, market conditions, and
How does the Fed’s latest rate cut affect your ability to buy a home—or refinance one you already own? On September 17, 2025, the Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point rate cut. What does that mean to you as a home buyer or homeowner? A 0.25% cut by the Federal Reserve immediately affects short-term
VA loan vs. conventional loan—which is best for buying a home in Wichita Falls? Answer: VA loans are often the best option for veterans and active-duty military families in Wichita Falls because they require no down payment and have flexible credit standards. Conventional loans, however, may be better for buyers with strong credit and a
What credit score do you need to buy a house in Wichita Falls? Most Wichita Falls homebuyers need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a conventional mortgage, but FHA loans allow scores as low as 580. VA loans, popular with veterans near Sheppard Air Force Base, often have flexible credit requirements,
Are you a first-time buyer in Wichita Falls, TX and wondering how to navigate the home buying process? If you’re a first-time buyer in Wichita Falls, TX, start by assessing your budget, getting pre-approved for a loan, and partnering with a trusted local REALTOR® like Tim Lockhart. With expert guidance, you can move from planning
In Wichita Falls, the amount of money you need to buy a home depends on your loan type, down payment, and closing costs. On average, buyers should prepare for 3–5% of the purchase price in upfront costs, though veterans using VA loans may qualify with no down payment.
Many first-time home buyers ask why buying a house makes sense. Your home is most probably the single largest purchase people will make for the next decade. This is a big deal, and deserves to be respected and treated with the appropriate attention. After all, all people who have never bought a home previously have
How Much are Closing Costs when Buying a Home in Texas? Calculating your closing costs when buying a home in Texas is going to be dependent upon which type of loan you receive. The closing costs will also be significantly less when paying cash for a house versus obtaining a mortgage. Typically, when obtaining a
Searching for a Home is Stressful Most home buyers in today’s market are very savvy and know what they want. An enormous amount of information is available on the Internet, however when embarking on the path to an effective home search know that searching for a home is stressful. Knowing where to start is important.
6 Steps to Buying a Home Buying a home is a very important decision and can be very intimidating. The 6 steps to buying a home below will help clarify the process. Here at the Lockhart Real Estate Team | Keller Williams Realty, we understand and take the time to listen to you to learn
