If you’re researching Texas down payment assistance, you’re in the right place.
Below, you can instantly check your eligibility using our Texas Down Payment Assistance Calculator. In less than 30 seconds, you’ll see which programs you may qualify for based on your county, household size, and income.
Start by checking your eligibility below.
Steve Tomaselli NMLS 358920 | Edge Home Finance NMLS 891464
All program rates, down payment assistance amounts, income limits, and availability are subject to change without notice. This calculator is provided for informational purposes only. Final qualification is contingent upon credit approval and full underwriting. Minimum middle credit FICO of 620 is required for most programs.
Steve Tomaselli (NMLS 358920) | Edge Home Finance (NMLS 891464).
Fees: Compliance Review ($225), Funding Fee ($319), Tax Service ($80), Fraud Prevention ($20). MCC Fee $400 applies if combined.
Texas down payment assistance programs are designed to help homebuyers cover upfront costs like the down payment and closing expenses.
Many buyers assume they need 10%–20% down. That’s simply not true.
State-backed programs often provide:
2%–5% of the total loan amount
Forgivable second liens
Deferred, no-payment assistance
Fixed 30-year mortgage options
FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional financing
These programs are available across Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and the Texas Hill Country.
There are three major statewide options homebuyers should understand:
My First Texas Home (TDHCA)
My Choice Texas Home (TDHCA)
TSAHC Home Sweet Texas & Homes for Texas Heroes
Let’s break them down.
The My First Texas Home program is built specifically for first-time home buyers in Texas.
To qualify as a first-time buyer, you generally must not have owned a primary residence within the past three years (with certain veteran and targeted census tract exceptions).
First-time home buyer requirement
Income and purchase price limits apply
620 minimum credit score
FHA, VA, and USDA loan options
2%–5% down payment assistance
3-year forgivable or deferred second lien options
May be subject to federal recapture tax
This program is ideal for buyers entering the market for the first time and needing help with upfront costs.
If you’re searching for first-time home buyer programs in Texas, this is one of the most widely used options.
Unlike My First Texas Home, My Choice Texas Home does not require first-time buyer status.
This makes it a strong solution for:
Buyers who owned a home more recently
Move-up buyers with income limits
Households that still need help with upfront cash
No first-time buyer requirement
Income limits apply (based on borrower income)
620 minimum credit score
FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional options
2%–5% down payment assistance
3-year forgivable or 30-year deferred second lien
Not subject to federal recapture tax
If you’re looking for Texas homebuyer assistance programs but don’t meet first-time buyer rules, this is often the best fit.
The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) offers two powerful options under its umbrella:
Home Sweet Texas
Homes for Texas Heroes
These are among the most searched TSAHC down payment assistance programs statewide.
Open to qualified buyers across Texas who meet county-based income limits.
30-year fixed-rate mortgage
2%–5% assistance
Forgivable and repayable options
Available statewide
This track is specifically designed for:
Teachers
Police officers
Firefighters
EMS personnel
Veterans
Public service professionals
Many counties allow higher AMI limits for Heroes — sometimes up to 170% of area median income.
If you serve your community, this may be the most powerful down payment help in Texas available to you.
1. Can I really buy a home for zero down in Texas in 2026? Yes. While most people believe they need a massive savings account, you can actually reach a zero-down closing by combining a 4% or 5% assistance grant with a negotiated seller credit. This is a common strategy I use for clients across the state, from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. To see if this strategy works for your numbers, use my DPA Calculator here.
2. What are the new 2026 income limits for my specific county? Texas recently overhauled these guidelines to reflect the current market. In many major metro areas and surrounding counties—including Harris, Dallas, and Bexar—income limits have been boosted to $167,000. In high-cost regions like Austin (Travis County) and parts of North Texas (Collin/Denton), limits can soar above $225,000. Because these limits are so specific, I recommend you schedule a consultation to review your county’s exact threshold.
3. Is there a minimum credit score required for statewide programs? Most statewide programs, including those offered by TSAHC and TDHCA, require a minimum middle FICO score of 620. Whether you are buying in Houston, San Antonio, or El Paso, this 620 threshold is the gateway to accessing thousands of dollars in assistance. If you aren’t sure where your score stands, we can discuss your eligibility in a quick 5-minute call.
4. I’ve owned a home before. Am I disqualified? Not at all. While certain programs like “My First Texas Home” are reserved for first-time buyers, the “My Choice Texas Home” and TSAHC programs are available to repeat buyers across the state. As long as the home will be your primary residence, you can take advantage of these 2026 updates even if it’s your second or third home purchase. Check your program eligibility now to see which track fits you.
5. Are these programs available in rural Texas counties or just big cities? These programs are available in all 254 Texas counties. Whether you’re looking at a suburban lot in Cibolo or a larger property in rural West Texas, these state-backed funds are designed to support homeownership in every corner of the state. If you have a specific property in mind, book a time to chat and we can verify the address together.
6. How do “Texas Heroes” qualify for extra benefits? If you are a teacher, police officer, firefighter, EMS provider, or veteran, you qualify for the Homes for Texas Heroes track. This often provides more aggressive interest rate options and even higher income caps in many counties. To see the specific “Hero” rates and limits for your profession, run your numbers through the DPA Calculator.
Texas down payment assistance can absolutely move the needle — but the real question is whether it fits your specific financial picture. The smartest next step isn’t guessing… it’s running the numbers.
If you’d like to talk through your options, compare programs side-by-side, or map out a strategy that protects your long-term wealth, let’s connect.
You can get preapproved to see exactly where you stand, or start by using my Home Affordability Navigator to understand your buying power before you shop. Either way, don’t leave thousands of dollars on the table. Let’s build a smart plan and move forward with clarity.
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