Priced Out or Psyched Out? Survey Reveals North Texas Homebuyers Are Battling Both

New research reveals knowledge gap, low confidence, and plans to make significant life trade-offs among aspiring D-FW homebuyers

DALLAS, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey of aspiring North Texas homeowners conducted by Texans Credit Union finds that while most remain hopeful they'll one day own, uncertainty about the homebuying process is creating challenges that go beyond affordability.

A majority of North Texans (80%) say they are only "somewhat," "not very," or "not at all knowledgeable" about the homebuying process. More than half (58%) report they are only "slightly" or "not at all" confident they could qualify for a mortgage today despite the most recent federal data showing just 8% of mortgage applications are denied.

"Though interest rates remain elevated, prices are softening, and unlike other markets right now, people are buying homes in North Texas," said David Frazier, president and CEO of Texans Credit Union. "The typical bumps and hurdles of buying a home become mountains when you take into account the knowledge and confidence gaps this study reveals."

The survey reveals a lack of knowledge around key aspects of the homebuying process that directly affect affordability and access:

• 61% are unsure when private mortgage insurance, or PMI, can be removed.
• 73% are unfamiliar with or unsure about rate buydown options.
• 60% are unfamiliar with or unsure about the Texas homestead exemption.
• 94% are unaware that individuals who have not owned a home in the past three years qualify for first-time homebuyer assistance.

"These are the kinds of details that can meaningfully change what's possible for a buyer," said Angie Jackson, VP of real estate lending at Texans Credit Union. "With the right information, many potential buyers may find they have more paths to homeownership than they expected."

The knowledge gap is compounding other perceived barriers:

• Nearly all (97%) report at least one financial obstacle, with the most common being saving for a down payment (42%), credit score concerns (41%), and high home prices (40%).
• A majority (79%) of aspiring buyers are delaying major life decisions to afford a home, including taking vacations (41%), buying a car (33%), saving for retirement (23%), having children (22%), and getting married (17%).
• Roughly 1 in 4 (28%) say they are likely to actively pursue homeownership if rates remain near or above 6% over the next 12 months, while a large share remains undecided (39%).

Closing the Gap Between Aspiration and Action

As part of its mission to help Texans advance their financial lives no matter where they are, Texans Credit Union is hosting a free, fun, and educational trivia night where participants can win home loan credits and other prizes. Limited seating is available. Sign up here.

When: Thursday, April 9, from 7-9 p.m.

Where: Tupps Brewery in McKinney

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted by Atomik Research, a part of 4media group, on behalf of Texans Credit Union. It included 1,000 adults 18-plus in the Dallas-Fort Worth DMA who are not homeowners but aspire to own a home. Fieldwork took place Feb. 27-March 18, 2026. The overall margin of error is approximately 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

About Texans Credit Union

Texans Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that has served Texas since 1953. With a mission to empower members to manage and advance their financial lives, Texans offers a complete suite of banking, lending, and investment services supported by intuitive digital tools and personal, local service. The credit union fosters a people-first culture and has been recognized for three consecutive years as a Top Workplace by The Dallas Morning News. Its member service approach is rooted in expertise, care, and innovation in every interaction. To learn more, visit texanscu.org.

Media Contact:

Erin Consler
Texans Credit Union
[email protected] | 214-533-6446

SOURCE Texans Credit Union