Arlington sits at the exact center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex — equidistant from both downtowns, 12 miles from DFW International Airport, and home to one of the most recognizable entertainment districts in the country. AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys) and Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers) anchor a city that draws millions of visitors per year — and a surprisingly strong, stable housing market with median prices around $320K that consistently undercut both Dallas and Fort Worth for comparable square footage.
First Commerce Financial is licensed in Texas and serves Arlington buyers with wholesale rates from 20+ lenders, zero junk fees, and same-day pre-approvals. Kirk Chivas handles Texas directly — you are talking to a co-founder, not a call center.
Arlington's core advantage is location. Sitting roughly 20 miles west of downtown Dallas and 20 miles east of downtown Fort Worth, with I-20, I-30, and SH-360 all running through or near the city, Arlington gives buyers access to the entire DFW employment market without committing to one side of the metroplex. For families where one spouse works in Dallas and the other in Fort Worth, Arlington is genuinely the middle ground — not just geographically, but financially.
The city's economic base is more diverse than its entertainment identity suggests. The University of Texas at Arlington employs thousands and draws a consistent pipeline of education-sector buyers. General Motors, Sabre Corporation, and a broad logistics and manufacturing base anchor private-sector employment. And the Entertainment District — AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live!, Six Flags Over Texas — generates hospitality and service employment that keeps the local economy running year-round, not just on game days.
⚽ AT&T Stadium and the 2026 FIFA World Cup — Arlington's Moment
AT&T Stadium is hosting 9 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches — more than any other venue in the tournament — including a semifinal. That level of international attention is already driving interest in Arlington real estate from buyers who want proximity to the Entertainment District, and from investors exploring the city's designated short-term rental zone around the stadium complex.
Whether you are buying a primary residence or evaluating an investment property near the district, this is the right moment to have the financing conversation before competition for well-priced Arlington homes intensifies further.
🏛 Entertainment District & Town North
The area surrounding AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Texas Live! — Arlington's most nationally recognizable address and an active short-term rental investment zone. Well-priced homes and townhomes within walking distance of both stadiums. Demand has increased steadily with the 2026 World Cup approaching and year-round events drawing visitors from across the country.
🏛 South & Southwest Arlington
Newer subdivisions and family-oriented neighborhoods with good school access and lower price points than central or north Arlington. Popular with first-time buyers and families relocating from higher-cost DFW submarkets who want more square footage at a lower price. Strong FHA and conventional activity throughout this corridor.
🏛 North Arlington — Lake & Golf Communities
The higher-end residential tier of Arlington — golf course communities, lake-area homes, and larger lots that command a premium over the city median. Popular with move-up buyers and executives who want Arlington's central DFW location without sacrificing lifestyle amenities. Conventional and jumbo financing depending on price point.
🏛 UTA Area & Central Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington anchors a buyer and renter base of faculty, staff, and university-adjacent professionals. Central Arlington offers established neighborhoods with quick I-30 and I-20 access, affordable entry points, and strong rental demand from the university population. Good market for both owner-occupants and investors.
🏛 East Arlington
Established neighborhoods with older homes and the most affordable price points in the city — strong appeal for first-time buyers and investors looking for value-add opportunities. Quick access to I-30 and the broader DFW highway network. Consistent rental demand from the logistics and manufacturing employment base east of the city.
🏛 Dalworthington Gardens & Pantego
Small incorporated communities surrounded by Arlington — low property tax rates in some areas, established neighborhood character, and a quiet suburban feel that draws buyers who want the Arlington location without being in the city proper. Good conventional loan market with steady appreciation and low turnover.
🏠 Conventional Loans — The Most Common Arlington Program
3–20% DownMost Arlington purchases close with conventional financing. At a $320K median, the buyer profile spans first-time buyers using 3% down to move-up buyers bringing equity from a previous sale. We shop 20+ wholesale lenders to find your best conventional rate — no junk fees, full transparency from day one.
✈ VA Loans — DFW Military and Veterans
0% DownThe DFW metroplex has a substantial veteran and active-duty population, and Arlington's median home price is well within VA entitlement limits for 2026. If you have VA eligibility, this is almost always the best loan available — zero down, no PMI, wholesale VA rates. We handle the Certificate of Eligibility process completely.
🏠 FHA Loans — First-Time Buyers
3.5% DownArlington's price point — meaningfully below Dallas and Fort Worth medians — makes FHA a genuine first-time buyer path. At $320K median, an FHA down payment is roughly $11,200. We run FHA and conventional side by side on every first-time buyer scenario so you can see the real long-term cost difference before you choose.
📈 Investment Property Loans — Entertainment District STR Zone
DSCR AvailableArlington's designated short-term rental zone around the Entertainment District has drawn investor attention — particularly with the 2026 World Cup bringing international exposure. We offer DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loans that qualify based on rental income rather than personal income, as well as conventional investment property programs with 15–25% down.
💰 What the Wholesale Rate Advantage Means in Arlington
On a $320,000 Arlington home, a 0.25% rate difference saves approximately $12,800 over the life of the loan. Add zero junk fees — no processing, underwriting, or admin charges that most retail lenders bolt on — and the total advantage vs. going directly to a bank is often $15,000–$22,000 over 30 years. We show you the math before you commit to anything.
See the Full Broker vs. Bank Breakdown →🏠 Arlington Investment Property — What to Know Before You Finance
The Entertainment District short-term rental zone has created real investor interest in Arlington — homes and townhomes within walking distance of AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field that can generate meaningful short-term rental income year-round given the volume of Cowboys, Rangers, Six Flags, and now World Cup traffic.
Investment property financing is different from primary residence financing — down payment requirements are higher (typically 15–25%), rates run slightly above primary residence rates, and DSCR programs that qualify based on rental income are often a better fit than traditional income documentation. We have financed investment properties across Texas and will walk you through every option before you commit to a purchase.
Is Arlington a good place to buy compared to Dallas or Fort Worth right now?
For most buyers, yes — especially on value. Arlington's median home price of around $320K runs below both Dallas and Fort Worth for comparable square footage, and the central location gives you access to both cities' job markets without paying either city's premium. It is a stable, mature market that has appreciated steadily without the volatility that hit some DFW submarkets harder during the rate cycle.
I am interested in a short-term rental property near AT&T Stadium. How does the financing work?
Investment property financing requires a higher down payment than a primary residence — typically 15–25% depending on the loan program and property type. DSCR loans, which qualify based on the property's projected rental income rather than your personal income, are often the right fit for STR investors. We run both conventional investment and DSCR scenarios side by side so you can see which structure makes the most financial sense for your specific property and income situation.
I work in Dallas but want to live in Arlington. Does that commute make sense?
For many buyers it does — Arlington is roughly 20 miles from downtown Dallas via I-30, and the price difference on comparable homes can be $50K–$100K depending on the neighborhood. The commute is car-dependent (Arlington does not have DART rail service), so it is a trade-off worth running the numbers on. We can help you model the mortgage payment difference and let you decide whether the savings justify the drive.
Do I need a 20% down payment to buy in Arlington?
No. Conventional loans start at 3% down. FHA requires 3.5%. VA requires zero down for eligible veterans. The 20% rule eliminates PMI and gets you a slightly better rate, but it is not a requirement — and for many buyers putting less down and keeping cash reserves makes more financial sense than depleting savings to hit 20%. We model every down payment scenario so you can see the real monthly cost difference.
How does First Commerce Financial serve Arlington if you are not based there?
Everything is done virtually — upload documents securely, communicate by phone, text, and Zoom, and close from wherever you are. We are licensed in Texas and Kirk Chivas handles Texas personally. You are talking to a co-founder with 28+ years of experience — not a commissioned loan officer working from a call center. Same-day pre-approvals in most cases.
Wholesale rates from 20+ lenders, zero junk fees, same-day pre-approvals. Kirk Chivas handles Texas personally. Talk to the owner before you talk to anyone else.
Get Your Free Pre-Approval →Or call or text us directly at (248) 459-5511 · NMLS #137512
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First Commerce Financial | Licensed Independent Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | Licensed in Michigan, Florida, Arizona, and Texas | Ken Turkington NMLS #137873 | Kirk Chivas NMLS #160828 | Equal Housing Opportunity
