Short answer: Texas has two main state agencies that help first-time buyers: the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC). Their programs typically provide 2% to 5% of your loan amount for down payment and closing costs, along with a 30-year fixed mortgage. On a $300,000 loan, that's $6,000 to $15,000. Most require a 620 credit score, income within program limits and a homebuyer education course.

Texas programs at a glance

Program	Who it's for	Assistance
TDHCA My First Texas Home	First-time buyers and veterans	2%–5% of loan
TDHCA My Choice Texas Home	First-time and repeat buyers	2%–5% of loan
TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes	Teachers, police, firefighters, EMS, veterans, military and others	2%–5% of loan
TSAHC Home Sweet Texas	Income-qualified buyers in any job	2%–5% of loan

TDHCA My First Texas Home

This is the state's main program for first-time buyers.

• Assistance: 2% to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs
• How it's structured: Usually a 0% interest second loan. Depending on the option you choose, it's either repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the mortgage, or forgiven after a set number of years.
• Loan types: FHA, VA and USDA loans (ask your lender about conventional options)
• Credit score: 620 minimum
• Income limits (Houston area): Recently about $101,100 for 1–2 people and $116,265 for 3 or more
• First-time buyer: Required, unless you're a veteran or buying in certain targeted areas

TDHCA My Choice Texas Home

This program works like My First Texas Home, but you don't have to be a first-time buyer. It's a good option if you've owned a home before and want help moving into a new one.

TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes

This program thanks Texans who serve their communities. Eligible professions include:

• Teachers, school counselors and other public school staff
• Police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel
• Corrections officers
• Veterans and active-duty military
• Nursing faculty and allied health faculty

Assistance is 2% to 5% of the loan, as a grant or as a deferred, forgivable second loan. Income limits are generally higher than other programs, around 125% of the area median income.

TSAHC Home Sweet Texas

Home Sweet Texas offers the same type of assistance as Homes for Texas Heroes, but you don't need to work in a specific profession. It's for low- and moderate-income buyers across Texas.

Can you combine programs?

Sometimes. Statewide programs can occasionally be paired with local help, like the City of Houston or Harris County programs. Not every combination is allowed, so ask your lender. Read more about local options in our guide to Houston first-time homebuyer assistance.

How to apply for Texas first-time buyer programs

1. Find a participating lender. You don't apply directly to TDHCA or TSAHC. You apply through an approved lender.
2. Check your credit and aim for 620 or higher.
3. Confirm your income is under the limit for your county and household size.
4. Complete homebuyer education. Many courses are online.
5. Get pre-approved with the program built in, then start shopping.

Things to know before you use assistance

• Rates may be a bit higher. Some assistance programs come with a slightly higher interest rate than a standard loan. Compare the total cost.
• Know what you'll owe later. Some help is forgivable, and some must be repaid when you sell or refinance.
• Limits change every year. Income and price limits are updated regularly. Confirm current numbers with your lender.

Start your home search

Ready to see what's out there? Search homes for sale in Houston, Pearland, Pasadena, Sugar Land and nearby cities.

Program details are based on recently published guidelines and can change at any time. Confirm current terms with TDHCA, TSAHC or a participating lender.