Statewide and local programs can reduce the cash needed to buy a home, including City of Houston assistance of up to $75,000 based on need and percentage-based options through Texas housing agencies.
See Which Texas First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Get 5% Down Payment Assistance – That's over $17,000 for the average Texas home!
Exclusive Programs for Veterans and Public Service Professionals.
Forgivable Loans, Grants, and Tax Credits Available.
Texas offers several statewide and local programs for first-time homebuyers, providing grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits to ease the financial burden of homeownership.
Below are the key statewide programs:
Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program: Up to 5% of the mortgage loan amount through available grant or three-year forgivable second-lien options; no first-time buyer requirement.
Homes for Texas Heroes Program: Exclusive for public service professionals.
My First Texas Home Program: A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with assistance of 2% through 5% of the total mortgage loan amount for eligible first-time buyers, veterans, and targeted-area buyers.
My Choice Texas Home Program: Available for both first-time and repeat buyers.
Veterans Land Board Housing Assistance Program (VHAP): Special low-interest loans for veterans.
Local programs have their own funding and service areas. Current maximums include up to $75,000 in Houston, $60,000 in Dallas High Opportunity Areas, $40,000 in Austin, and $30,000 through San Antonio HIP when applications are open.
To qualify for most Texas Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs, you typically need to meet the following criteria:
Income Limits: Vary by program and location.
Credit Score: Minimums vary by program and loan type, commonly 620 for government financing and 640 for some conventional or SETH options.
Homebuyer Education: Completion of a certified course is often required.
Primary Residence: The home must be your primary residence.
First-Time Buyer Status: Defined as not owning a primary residence in the last three years. Veterans and certain professionals may also qualify regardless of prior homeownership.
If you don’t qualify for the statewide programs, consider these alternatives:
City-Specific Programs: Cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston offer generous assistance tailored to local needs.
USDA Loans: Zero down payment loans for rural homebuyers.
VA Loans: Zero down payment loans for veterans and active military members.
Texas Bootstrap Loan Program: For low-income families willing to provide 65% of labor for construction or repair.
A person who hasn’t owned a home as their primary residence in the past three years. Veterans and certain professionals may also qualify.
Statewide programs can offer up to 5% of the loan amount, while current city and county maximums vary by location and documented need.
Yes, most programs require completing a course before you qualify for assistance.
We bring decades of experience and billions of dollars in residential financing expertise to help first-time homebuyers secure their dream homes.
Our personalized guidance ensures you get the most out of every available program, with no unnecessary stress.
