First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Texas: Your 2026 Guide

Texas homebuyer programs may help with a down payment or closing costs, depending on your income, loan, and the home you choose. Start with the program administrator and a participating lender to find out which options apply to you.

Check each program’s definition of a first-time buyer

Requirements differ. Some programs serve first-time buyers, some also serve repeat buyers, and some include exceptions for eligible veterans or designated areas. Ask how the specific program treats your previous ownership, household income, and proposed purchase.

TSAHC programs

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation offers Home Sweet Texas and Homes for Texas Heroes. Income limits apply, and Texas Heroes also has occupation or service requirements. Use TSAHC’s eligibility guidance and have a participating lender confirm the current rules.

Ask whether the assistance is a grant or a loan, what repayment conditions apply, and whether selling, refinancing, or moving out changes those obligations. Do not assume every assistance option is free money or can be combined with another offer.

TDHCA programs

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs lists My First Texas Home and My Choice Texas Home among its homebuyer options. Its official program directory explains the programs and directs buyers to participating lenders.

Ask about income and purchase-price limits, education requirements, available funding, and the assistance terms that apply when you reserve funds. Have the participating lender confirm the limits and assistance amount that apply to your application.

FHA, VA, and USDA financing

These loan programs are separate from state down payment assistance:

• FHA: HUD describes down payments as low as 3.5% for eligible borrowers. FHA loan information explains the program. Include the applicable mortgage-insurance costs in the lender’s comparison.
• VA: Eligible borrowers may be able to buy without a down payment, subject to the loan and property requirements. Funding fees and closing costs may still apply. Review the VA purchase-loan guidance.
• USDA: The guaranteed program can provide no-down-payment financing to qualifying borrowers buying an eligible rural property. Both household and address eligibility matter. See the USDA program information.

A home’s location in Willis or Montgomery County does not, by itself, establish eligibility for any program.

Compare the complete offer

Bring the same home price, down payment, and expected closing date to each lender. Request a written comparison showing the monthly payment, cash needed to close, loan fees, assistance obligations, and any required use of a particular lender or title company.

If a builder incentive is available, ask which homes qualify, when the offer expires, and whether it can be combined with assistance. Current terms belong in the written offer. A previously advertised rate does not establish what you can receive today.

Prepare for a useful first conversation

Gather your income documents, recent account statements, current debts, and the approximate amount you want to retain after closing. Ask the lender what else is needed before applying. Be clear about your preferred payment and timeline, including a lease ending or another home to sell.

Alta’s financing page is a starting point for exploring financing questions. For a particular home, use the current available-home listings and ask your Home Advisor for its price, included features, and any applicable incentive terms.