Texas 

Hey there! If you're thinking of buying a home for the first time, and haven't saved up for a down payment, you still might be able to get it done.

Before I jump into the programs, let me briefly explain how down payment assistance works.

How it works

Down payment assistance comes in two forms: a grant, or a loan

A grant doesn't require repayment.

A loan does require repayment, but there are 3 different ways:

Monthly repayment. This is where they charge you interest and a monthly payment until the loan is paid off

Silent second. This is where they don't charge you interest, they don't charge you monthly payments, they just require that you pay it back when you sell the home.

Forgivable. This is where they forgive the loan as long as you meet certain criteria. A common requirement is that you live in the home as your primary residence for a set number of years. Once you've completed the timeframe, they forgive your loan and you don't need to pay it.

Approved lenders only

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's jump in! Below are the local programs available to help make homeownership more accessible.

Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable after three years if the buyer remains in the home.

  • Eligibility: First-time and repeat homebuyers with a minimum credit score of 620; income limits vary by county and household size.

  • More Information: TSAHC Home Sweet Texas Program

TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes Program

  • Assistance: Provides down payment assistance for teachers, firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and veterans.

  • Terms: Forgivable after three years.

  • Eligibility: Public service professionals with credit scores of 620 or higher; income limits based on AMI.

  • More Information: TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) My First Texas Home Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 0% interest second loan, forgivable after three years.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers and veterans with a minimum credit score of 620; income limits based on county and family size.

  • More Information: TDHCA My First Texas Home

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

TDHCA My Choice Texas Home Program

  • Assistance: Provides down payment and closing cost assistance for repeat homebuyers.

  • Terms: Forgivable loan after three years.

  • Eligibility: Homebuyers meeting credit and income requirements.

  • More Information: TDHCA My Choice Texas Home

City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $30,000 for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable after five years.

  • Eligibility: Homebuyers purchasing within Houston city limits; income limits based on HUD guidelines.

  • More Information: Houston Homebuyer Assistance

City of Dallas Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP)

City of San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 80)

  • Assistance: Provides up to $30,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within San Antonio city limits.

  • More Information: San Antonio HIP 80 Program

Travis County Down Payment Assistance Program

Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation (SETH) 5 Star Texas Advantage Program

  • Assistance: Provides down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a grant.

  • Eligibility: Available to homebuyers in various counties, including Harris County (Houston).

  • More Information: SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program

Program availability and terms can change, so it's essential to verify the most current information directly with the administering agencies.

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.