Houston Down Payment Assistance

Texas grants, TSAHC, TDHCA, MCC & local programs in one place

Down Payment Assistance in Houston & Texas

Saving for a down payment is the number one thing that stops people from buying a home. The good news: Houston-area buyers have more help available than almost anywhere in the country. As The Mortgage Mentor, I run every grant and assistance program you may qualify for and show you, side by side, which one gets you into a home with the least money out of pocket.

Down Payment Assistance Programs I Work With

Statewide Texas Programs

TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation): Homes for Texas Heroes (teachers, first responders, veterans, nurses and more) and Home Sweet Texas. Assistance can be a grant that is forgiven over time. This is often my first choice when a buyer qualifies.
TDHCA My First Texas Home: down payment and closing cost help for first-time buyers.
TDHCA My Choice Texas Home: similar help for buyers who are not first-time buyers.
Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) through SETH and TDHCA: a federal tax credit you can claim every year you live in the home. Learn how an MCC works.

Houston-Area Local Programs

City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP): help for qualified buyers purchasing inside Houston city limits (city funds often run out, so apply early)
Harris County Down Payment Assistance for eligible homes in Harris County
City of Baytown Homebuyer Assistance
Texas City First-Time Homebuyer Program

National Programs

Chenoa Fund down payment assistance for FHA buyers
New American Funding Pathway to Homeownership grant options

Do I Qualify for Down Payment Assistance?

Most programs look at your household income, credit score, the price and location of the home, and whether it will be your primary residence. Some require a short homebuyer education class. Many buyers qualify for more than one program, and the “best” one depends on your goals: lowest cash to close, lowest monthly payment, or a grant you never pay back.

How I Help You Choose

Get pre-approved so we know your budget and which programs fit.
Run the numbers on every program you qualify for, side by side: estimated payment and estimated cash to close.
Pick the winner and shop with a pre-approval your Realtor can trust.

Pair assistance with an FHA loan, a VA loan, a USDA loan or a conventional loan. Veterans may not need assistance at all, since VA loans can require zero down.

¿Habla español? Visit our Spanish page; our team includes Spanish-speaking loan partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get down payment assistance?

Not always. Some programs, like TDHCA My First Texas Home, are for first-time buyers, but others such as My Choice Texas Home and TSAHC Home Sweet Texas are open to repeat buyers who meet income and credit guidelines.

Do I have to pay down payment assistance back?

It depends on the program. Some are grants that are forgiven after a set number of years, some are deferred second loans due when you sell or refinance, and some are repaid monthly. I will explain the terms of each before you choose.

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

Most Texas programs start around a 620 credit score, though requirements vary by program and loan type. If your score is lower, our credit enhancement partner, UQUAL, can help you rebuild it, and you get a $500 lender credit when you enroll through our link and buy with us.

Can I use down payment assistance with an FHA loan?

Yes. Many Texas programs, including TSAHC, TDHCA and Chenoa Fund, can be paired with FHA loans, which already have a low 3.5% minimum down payment.

Which Houston down payment assistance program is best?

There is no one best program. I run every program you qualify for side by side and show you which gives you the lowest cash to close or the best long-term payment.

Clifton Saunders, NMLS #230688 | New American Funding, NMLS #6606 | Equal Housing Opportunity. Subject to credit approval; not all applicants will qualify. Loan programs, grant funds, income limits and guidelines can change at any time and vary by county. This is not a commitment to lend. Call or text 281-978-2106 to confirm current details.