VA loans
Eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses can use VA loans in Amarillo like anywhere in Texas, usually with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.
Amarillo at a glance
- County
- Randall County and Potter County
- Metro area
- Amarillo, TX
- Population (2024)
- 203,729 (+1.7% since 2020)
- Median home value
- $186,800 (Texas: $260,400)
- Land area
- 103.62 sq mi
- Nearest major city
- Lubbock, about 113 miles
- Nearest military installation
- Sheppard Air Force Base, about 208 miles
Home prices in Amarillo
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Amarillo is about $186,800, below the Texas median of $260,400 and compared with $227,500 across Randall County.
Home loan options in Amarillo
USDA loans
Most of Amarillo is too populated for USDA Rural Development loans, but some surrounding areas near smaller communities like Canyon and Claude may qualify. Eligibility is set address by address on USDA's map.
FHA and conventional loans
FHA loans offer flexible credit guidelines and a low down payment, while conventional loans can work well for buyers with stronger credit. Both are available throughout Randall County and Potter County.
Refinancing a home in Amarillo
A rate-and-term refinance can lower your rate or change your loan term without taking cash out. If you want to tap your equity, Texas treats any cash-out refinance of your homestead as a home equity loan under Section 50(a)(6) of the Texas Constitution: the new loan plus other debt on the home generally can't exceed 80% of its value, and closing waits at least 12 days after you apply and receive the required notice. Veterans may also use a VA streamline (IRRRL) refinance, and FHA borrowers an FHA streamline refinance.
Down payment help for Amarillo homebuyers
Buyers in Amarillo can apply for Texas state programs, including My First Texas Home, My Choice Texas Home, Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate, Homes for Texas Heroes, as well as programs run by Randall County or local housing agencies where available. Income, purchase price and eligibility rules apply.
Texas rules that apply in Amarillo
Texas cash-out refinance and home equity loans (Section 50(a)(6))
Texas has stricter home equity rules than any other state. They apply whenever you take cash out of your homestead, through a cash-out refinance or a home equity loan.
Property taxes, homestead exemptions and escrow
Texas has no state income tax and no state property tax, but local taxes set by counties, cities, school districts and special districts are among the higher rates in the country. Most lenders collect property taxes and homeowners insurance monthly in an escrow account.
Title insurance and closing
Title insurance premiums in Texas are set by the Texas Department of Insurance, so the base premium is the same at every title company. Closings usually take place at a title company.
Home loans near Amarillo
Amarillo mortgage FAQs
What is the median home value in Amarillo, Texas?
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About $186,800, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019-2023 American Community Survey. The Texas median is $260,400 and the Randall County median is $227,500.
What county is Amarillo, TX in?
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Amarillo is mainly in Randall County, and also extends into Potter County. Property taxes and the homestead exemption are handled by the appraisal district for the county where the home is located.
What is the conforming loan limit in Randall County?
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For 2026, the conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750, the same in every Texas county. Larger loans are jumbo loans.
Can I get a USDA loan in Amarillo?
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Most addresses inside Amarillo are not USDA-eligible because of its population, but some nearby rural areas may be. Eligibility depends on the exact address and your household income.
Can I do a cash-out refinance on a home in Amarillo?
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Yes, under Texas home equity rules (Section 50(a)(6)). Your new loan plus other debt on the home generally can't exceed 80% of its value, and the loan can't close until 12 days after you apply and receive the required notice. A rate-and-term refinance with no cash out isn't subject to these limits.
Ready to buy or refinance in Amarillo?
Talk with a licensed HomyLoan loan officer: Office (830) 200-0016 · Cell (817) 305-3724