Buying a Texas home
Texas First-Time Homebuyer Programs
A practical starting point for Texas mortgage assistance, down-payment help, homebuyer education, lender questions, and official program verification.
Start with affordability
Estimate the complete monthly payment before comparing assistance. Include principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, HOA dues, utilities, maintenance, and an emergency reserve.
How assistance may be structured
Programs may use grants, forgivable liens, deferred loans, repayable second mortgages, mortgage-credit certificates, or lender-specific mortgage products. Compare the interest rate, repayment terms, cash to close, second-lien conditions, and what happens after a sale or refinance.
Application checklist
- Review credit reports and establish a sustainable budget.
- Complete accepted homebuyer education early.
- Check current income, purchase-price, property, and geographic limits.
- Use an approved participating lender when the program requires one.
- Request side-by-side written estimates with and without assistance.
- Keep cash reserves after closing.