Houston Down Payment Assistance Guide: TSAHC, TDHCA, City and County Programs

The biggest myth in home buying is that you need 20% down. In the Houston area, most of my buyers put down far less, and many get grant money to help with the down payment and closing costs. Here is a quick tour of the programs I use most.

Statewide Texas Programs

• TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation): Homes for Texas Heroes for teachers, first responders, veterans and other public servants, and Home Sweet Texas for low- and moderate-income buyers. Assistance can be a grant forgiven over time.
• TDHCA My First Texas Home for first-time buyers and My Choice Texas Home for repeat buyers.
• Mortgage Credit Certificates through SETH and TDHCA.

Local Programs

• City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program for homes inside city limits. Funds often run out, so start early.
• Harris County Down Payment Assistance
• City of Baytown and Texas City homebuyer programs

National Options

Chenoa Fund assistance for FHA buyers and New American Funding’s Pathway to Homeownership grant options.

How to Pick the Right One

Each program has its own income limits, credit requirements, price limits and repayment terms. The best program for your neighbor might not be the best for you. I run every program you qualify for, side by side, so you can see your estimated payment and estimated cash to close before you choose.

See the full list on our Houston Down Payment Assistance page.

Let’s Run Your Numbers

Call or text me at 281-978-2106 or get started on your pre-approval. I will show you every option side by side so you can choose with confidence.

Clifton Saunders, The Mortgage Mentor

Clifton Saunders, NMLS #230688 | New American Funding, NMLS #6606 | Equal Housing Opportunity. Subject to credit approval; not all applicants will qualify. Programs and guidelines change; call or text 281-978-2106 for current details. This article is general information, not tax or legal advice.