Helping Parents Buy a Home in Texas: Whose Name Goes on the Loan?

Quick Answer: When you help your parents buy a home, the first question is whose name goes on the loan. There are three common ways: your parents borrow on their own, you co-borrow, or you gift part of the down payment with a gift letter. Each one changes who qualifies and who owns.

Option one: your parents borrow on their own

Their income and credit qualify for the loan.

Option two: you co-borrow

Your income can help them qualify, and the loan also shows on your credit.

Option three: you gift part of the down payment

Lenders need a gift letter and a paper trail for the funds.

What else should I know?

Each option has trade-offs for who owns the home and who is responsible. I walk families through it in Vietnamese, with your parents at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I co-sign a loan for my parents?
You can co-borrow. The loan shows on your credit, and your income can help them qualify. Talk to a loan officer about how it fits your file.

Can I gift my parents part of the down payment?
Often yes, with a gift letter and a paper trail. Lenders have rules, so ask first.

Can you explain this to my parents in Vietnamese?
Yes. I sit with your parents and explain it in Vietnamese. Text me PLAN.

Questions about this? Send me a message or call 512-300-8611, in English or Vietnamese. See also first-time home buyers in round rock with Ai Tran.

Ai Tran, NMLS #2627075. Loans through Loan Factory, NMLS #320841, in Texas and California only. Equal Housing Lender. Subject to underwriting approval; not all applicants qualify. Disclosures · Texas disclosures. This post was first published on 2026-10-20; market figures are as of that date.