Texas Down Payment Assistance & Grants 2026 | Travis Goltz
Minnesota — 2026 Programs Available

Texas Down Payment
Assistance & Grants

Texas has two powerful statewide programs — TDHCA and TSAHC — plus city-specific grants in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Assistance up to 5% of your loan amount, and in some cities much more.

Up to 5%Statewide programs
$40,000Austin city max
FreeTo find out
See What I Qualify For Book a Free 15-Min Call
Branch Manager, Granite Bank Fannie Mae Approved NMLS #351337 Licensed All 50 States ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 Rating

Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs — 2026

Texas offers 75+ down payment assistance programs statewide and locally. These are the primary programs available to Texas homebuyers in 2026. Many can be stacked for maximum benefit.

First-Time Buyers

TDHCA My First Texas Home

Up to 5% of Loan Amount

A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) paired with up to 5% of the loan amount in down payment and closing cost assistance. Available as a grant or forgivable second mortgage. Restricted to first-time buyers, though veterans are exempt from this requirement.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income limits by county · First-time buyer or veteran · Must use TDHCA-approved lender · Homebuyer education course required
First-Time & Repeat Buyers

TDHCA My Choice Texas Home

Up to 5% of Loan Amount

The same program as My First Texas Home but open to ALL buyers — not just first-timers. Provides up to 5% of the loan amount in assistance as a grant or deferred second mortgage. A strong option for repeat buyers who still need help with upfront costs.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income limits by county · Not restricted to first-time buyers · Must use TDHCA-approved lender · Homebuyer education course required
Grant Option Available

TSAHC Home Sweet Texas & Homes for Texas Heroes

Up to 5% — True Grant

Administered by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation. Home Sweet Texas is open to all buyers. Homes for Texas Heroes targets teachers, first responders, veterans, and other public servants. The key advantage over TDHCA: assistance can be structured as a true grant that never has to be repaid — not a loan.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income and purchase price limits by county · Heroes program: eligible occupation required · Must use TSAHC-approved lender · Homebuyer education course
Southeast Texas

SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage

Up to 5% of Loan Amount

Administered by the Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation through participating lenders statewide. Available to first-time and repeat buyers. Assistance can be structured as a forgivable second lien with options depending on your lender. Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income limits apply · Not restricted to first-time buyers · Must use SETH-participating lender · Primary residence only
Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio

City-Specific Programs

Up to $40,000

Austin offers up to $40,000 (forgivable, income under 80% AMI). Houston's NeighborhoodLIFT provides up to $15,000. Dallas has its own Homebuyer Assistance Program. San Antonio offers HIP 80 and HIP 120 programs. City programs can often be stacked with TDHCA or TSAHC statewide programs.

Key RequirementsMust purchase within city limits · Income limits apply (often 80% AMI) · First-time buyer typically required · Homebuyer education required · Availability varies by funding cycle
Tax Credit

Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

Up to $2,000/Year

Available to first-time buyers and veterans through TDHCA. Provides a federal tax credit of up to 40% of annual mortgage interest (max $2,000 per year). Unused credits can be carried forward 3 years. Can be combined with My First Texas Home or TSAHC programs for ongoing savings beyond closing.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · First-time buyer or veteran · Income and purchase price limits · Must use TDHCA-approved lender · Homebuyer education course

Not sure which programs apply to you? That's exactly what a free 15-minute call is for.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Do You Qualify?

Most buyers are surprised to find they meet the requirements. Here's what lenders look at.

📊

Credit Score

Most MHFA programs require a 620 minimum. If your score needs work, there are still paths forward.

620+ for most programs
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Household Income

Income limits vary by program, household size, and county. Moderate and above-average incomes often still qualify.

Varies by program
🏠

First-Time Buyer Status

Defined as not having owned a home in the past 3 years. Programs like Step Up don't require this.

Required for some only
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Own Contribution

Some programs require as little as $1,000 from your own savings. Gift funds are often allowed.

As low as $1,000

The only way to know for certain is to review your specific situation.

Find Out What I Qualify For

See What Texas Programs You Qualify For

There are multiple assistance programs available in Texas and the right combination depends on your income, credit, and situation. Fill out the form and Travis will review your options personally.

Typical assistance in Texas: Up to 5% of loan amount or $40,000+ in cities like Austin TDHCA and TSAHC programs statewide — city programs in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio can go much higher
  • Free, no obligation — no commitment required to find out what's available
  • Programs can stack — MHFA assistance + conventional loan can cover your entire down payment
  • Direct access to Travis — not a call center, a real mortgage professional reviews your file
  • Fannie Mae approved lender — direct access to conventional products that pair with state assistance

"I had no idea Texas had this many programs. Travis matched me with a TSAHC grant that covered my entire down payment. Zero out of pocket."

— Marcus W., First-Time Homeowner in Dallas, TX

Check Your Texas Options

Free · No obligation · Takes 2 minutes

Travis Goltz — Texas Mortgage Lender, Branch Manager Granite Bank

Why Work With Travis for Texas Down Payment Assistance?

Not every lender is approved to offer TDHCA and TSAHC programs. Knowing which of Texas's 75+ programs you qualify for, how to stack a TDHCA first mortgage with city-specific grants, and how to add the MCC tax credit on top is the difference between a smooth closing and leaving thousands behind.

Travis works with Texas buyers statewide — from Dallas and Houston to Austin, San Antonio, and beyond.

  • Fannie Mae Approved Seller: Direct access to conventional products that pair with MHFA assistance.
  • 120-Year Bank Backing: The stability and flexibility of Granite Bank behind every loan.
  • Direct Access: You get Travis's number. Not a 1-800 call center.
  • No Surprises: Transparent on costs, timeline, and program requirements from day one.
  • Licensed in All 50 States: Serving Texas statewide — Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and everywhere in between.
Check My Eligibility Call (763) 360-4507

Travis Goltz · NMLS #351337 · Branch Manager, Granite Bank NMLS #405434 · Member FDIC · Equal Housing Lender

Common Questions About Texas Down Payment Assistance

Do I have to be a first-time buyer for Texas down payment assistance? +

Not for all programs. TDHCA's My Choice Texas Home and TSAHC's Home Sweet Texas are available to repeat buyers. My First Texas Home is restricted to first-time buyers, though veterans are exempt. SETH's 5 Star program also does not require first-time buyer status.

What's the difference between TDHCA and TSAHC programs? +

Both provide up to 5% assistance but structured differently. TSAHC offers a true grant option that never has to be repaid — TDHCA assistance is typically a deferred second mortgage forgiven over time. TSAHC's Homes for Texas Heroes provides additional benefits for teachers, first responders, and veterans. Travis will compare both for your specific situation.

Can I stack city programs with state programs in Texas? +

In many cases yes. Austin's city program (up to $40,000) can sometimes be layered with TDHCA or TSAHC state programs. Houston's NeighborhoodLIFT can be paired with state assistance. The key is finding a lender who knows both layers. Travis will identify what combinations are available in your city.

What credit score do I need for Texas down payment assistance? +

Most TDHCA and TSAHC programs require a minimum 620 credit score. Some city-specific programs require 640. If your score needs work, Travis can identify steps to improve it before applying so you don't miss out on the programs you're targeting.

What is the Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate and is it worth using? +

The MCC gives you a federal tax credit of up to 40% of your annual mortgage interest (max $2,000 per year) — every year you own the home. Over a 30-year mortgage that can add up to $60,000 in tax savings. It can be combined with TDHCA assistance programs, making it one of the most overlooked benefits available to Texas first-time buyers.

How long does the process take in Texas? +

From application to closing typically takes 30–45 days. TSAHC grant funds can run out in popular funding cycles — starting early protects your options. City-specific programs like Austin's may have income documentation requirements that add a few days to the process.

Ready to Find Out What You Qualify For?

It's free, takes 2 minutes, and you'll know exactly which Texas down payment assistance programs you qualify for.

See My Texas Options Book a 15-Min Call

Call or text Travis directly: (763) 360-4507 · M–F 7am–7pm · NMLS #351337