Home financing in Crockett County.

Home financing is a loan — called a mortgage — that lets you buy a house by paying for it over time instead of all at once. You agree to repay the loan in monthly installments over a set number of years, usually 15 or 30. The home itself serves as collateral, meaning the lender has a legal claim on it until the loan is fully paid.

There are several common types of home loans available to buyers in Crockett County:

• **Conventional loans** — offered by banks and credit unions, typically requiring good credit and a down payment of 3–20%.

• **FHA loans** — backed by the Federal Housing Administration, allowing lower credit scores and down payments as low as 3.5%. A practical option for first-time buyers.

• **USDA Rural Development loans** — very relevant for Crockett County. Because Ozona and the surrounding area are designated rural, many buyers here may qualify for a USDA loan with zero down payment and competitive interest rates.

• **VA loans** — for eligible U.S. veterans and active-duty service members, with no down payment required.

• **ITIN loans** — for buyers who do not have a Social Security number but do have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Several Texas lenders offer these.

Understanding the type of loan that fits your situation is the first step. The local intermediaries listed in Section 4 can help you compare options without any pressure.

Crockett County is a sparsely populated, rural West Texas county centered around Ozona. The local economy runs on oil and gas production, ranching, agriculture, and small independent businesses.

Many residents work as independent contractors, oilfield workers, ranch hands, or are self-employed.

This matters for financing because lenders look at your income differently depending on how you earn it.

**If you are a W-2 employee** (paid by an employer who withholds taxes), qualifying is more straightforward. Lenders will look at your pay stubs and tax returns.

**If you are self-employed or an independent contractor** — which is common in Crockett County's oilfield and agricultural sectors — lenders typically want to see two years of tax returns and may average your net income. Keeping organized records is critical.

**If you work seasonally or in agriculture**, some lenders understand irregular income patterns, especially CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) that specialize in underserved rural communities.

**If you do not have a Social Security number**, you may still qualify using an ITIN. Several lenders in the region offer ITIN mortgage programs — see Section 4.

General qualification factors lenders consider:

- Credit score (many programs accept scores as low as 580–620)

- Stable income history (usually 2 years)

- Debt-to-income ratio (your monthly debts vs. your monthly income)

- Down payment savings

- Proof of residency or intent to occupy the home

Do not assume you do not qualify before speaking with a local lender or CDFI. Many programs are specifically designed for buyers in rural counties like Crockett.

Gathering your paperwork before you apply saves time and reduces stress. Below is a plain-language list of what most lenders will ask for. Not every program requires all of these — your lender will tell you exactly what they need.

**Identity & Residency**

- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID / matrícula consular)

- Social Security number OR ITIN (Form W-7 from the IRS if you need to apply for an ITIN)

- Proof of current address (utility bill, bank statement)

**Income — Employed or W-2**

- Last 2 years of federal tax returns (Form 1040)

- Last 2 years of W-2 forms

- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)

**Income — Self-Employed or Contractor**

- Last 2 years of federal tax returns, including all schedules

- Year-to-date profit and loss statement

- Business bank statements (last 12–24 months)

- Any 1099 forms received

**Assets & Savings**

- Bank statements from the last 2–3 months

- Documentation of any gift funds if someone is helping with your down payment

**Property**

- Purchase agreement (once you have an accepted offer)

- Homeowner's insurance quote

**Tip:** In Crockett County, some properties are on large rural lots or have agricultural exemptions. Let your lender know upfront about any land or outbuilding attached to the property — it can affect appraisal and loan type.