What Are Texas First-Time Homebuyer Programs?

If you are buying your first home in Texas, there is a meaningful amount of money available to help you get there. The challenge is knowing which programs exist, whether you qualify, and how to access them before you sign a contract.

The Texas Housing Market for First-Time Buyers in 2026

According to LendingTree's 2026 Texas first-time homebuyer guide, the median Texas home price was approximately $330,000 as of December 2025. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was hovering around 6% in early 2026. Home sales rose 6.1% year-over-year as of December 2025 per the Texas Real Estate Research Center, reflecting sustained buyer demand even in a higher-rate environment. The average Texas credit score was 692 as of 2025 per Experian — well within the qualifying range for most assistance programs.

Key Texas First-Time Homebuyer Programs

My First Texas Home (TDHCA)

Administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, My First Texas Home offers down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the mortgage loan amount, combined with a competitive 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. The Mortgage Credit Certificate option lets qualifying buyers claim 40% of annual mortgage interest as a federal tax credit, up to $2,000 per year. Requirements include first-time homebuyer status (or not having owned a primary home in the past three years) and a minimum credit score of 620.

TSAHC Home Sweet Texas

Offered by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, this program provides down payment assistance for low- to moderate-income households regardless of first-time buyer status. Income limits vary by county. Assistance may come in the form of a non-repayable grant or a second lien loan. A minimum credit score of 620 is required per TSAHC's published program guidelines.

Homes for Texas Heroes

This TSAHC program provides down payment assistance of 3% to 5% for Texas teachers, police officers, correctional officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and veterans. The assistance is available as either a non-repayable grant or a repayable second lien loan. It can be combined with an FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional mortgage.

Homeownership Across Texas (HAT)

This program provides grants of 5% of the loan amount for VA, FHA, or USDA-financed loans, and 3% for conventional loans. Per FHA.com, grants through HAT do not come with any repayment or recapture period, and there is no first-time homebuyer requirement — making it one of the broadest options available.

How to Start the Application Process

Per LendingTree's 2026 guide, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation website at tsahc.org offers an eligibility quiz that asks about your job, whether you are a first-time homebuyer, your household size, and your household income. This is the simplest starting point for most Texas buyers. To qualify for most programs, you generally need a credit score of 620 or higher and must fall within income limits for your county.

A Note for Military Families

San Antonio is home to multiple major military installations, and many buyers in the Boerne and Kendall County market are active-duty military, veterans, or surviving spouses eligible for VA loans. VA loans offer zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates — making them one of the most powerful mortgage tools available. If you or your spouse has served, a VA loan should be the first option you explore before any other.

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