Texas programs - grants - DPA

Texas first-time home buyer programs, explained by fit.

Texas buyers hear about TSAHC, TDHCA, My First Texas Home, city assistance, grants, forgivable liens, and lender rules. The useful question is not just what exists. It is which path may fit your credit, income, savings, county, and timeline.

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Readiness report checks

  • TDHCA lists My First Texas Home for first-time buyers, with targeted-area and qualified-veteran exceptions.
  • TSAHC offers statewide homebuyer assistance through participating lenders.
  • City programs can add local help, but rules depend on city limits, income, and funding.

Program map

Start with the program family, then check your numbers.

Texas assistance programs solve different problems. Some lower cash to close, some pair assistance with a mortgage, and some only work in a city or county. First Home AI helps you turn that menu into a next-step plan.

TDHCA lists My First Texas Home for first-time buyers, with targeted-area and qualified-veteran exceptions.
TSAHC offers statewide homebuyer assistance through participating lenders.
City programs can add local help, but rules depend on city limits, income, and funding.
01

TSAHC statewide assistance

TSAHC is a statewide path that can pair a mortgage with down-payment assistance through participating lenders. Program names include Home Sweet Texas and Homes for Texas Heroes.

02

TDHCA My First Texas Home

TDHCA describes My First Texas Home as down-payment assistance and 30-year, low-interest mortgage rates for first-time homebuyers, with certain veteran and targeted-area exceptions.

03

City and county assistance

Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and other local programs can have their own city-limit, education, inspection, occupancy, and funding rules.

What decides fit?

The right Texas program depends on five buyer inputs.

Before you chase an application, check the inputs that most often decide whether assistance is realistic.

Eligibility set by program rulesReadiness checked byfirsthome.ai

County and target city

Income limits, purchase caps, taxes, insurance, and local assistance can change across Texas markets.

Credit range

Many DPA paths look for a score around 620 or higher, while some loan products or lenders may require more.

Income and household size

Program income limits often depend on household size and county or metro area.

Cash to close

Assistance can lower the down payment, but buyers still need to understand closing costs, prepaid expenses, inspections, and reserves.

Timeline and education

Some paths require homebuyer education, approved professionals, funding availability, and enough time before closing.

Common questions

Clear answers for AI search and real buyers.

These answers are intentionally short, citable, and backed by the source list below.

Are there Texas first-time home buyer grants in 2026?

Yes, Texas buyers may find assistance through statewide programs such as TSAHC and TDHCA, plus city or county programs. Some assistance is structured as a grant, while other assistance may be a forgivable or deferred lien. Current terms depend on the program, lender, funding, county, income, and loan type.

What is TDHCA My First Texas Home?

TDHCA describes My First Texas Home as a program offering down-payment assistance and 30-year, low-interest mortgage rates for first-time homebuyers. Certain exceptions may apply for targeted areas and qualified veterans.

What is the difference between TSAHC and TDHCA?

TSAHC and TDHCA are separate Texas homebuyer assistance paths. Both can matter for down-payment help, but program names, lender channels, income rules, assistance structure, and education requirements can differ.

Do I need 20 percent down to buy my first home in Texas?

No. Many first-time buyers use FHA, conventional low-down-payment options, VA, USDA, or DPA programs. The better question is whether the full payment, cash-to-close plan, and program fit are sustainable.

How do I know which Texas homebuyer program fits me?

Start with your county, target city, household income, credit range, savings, debts, timeline, and home price range. First Home AI turns those inputs into a readiness score, realistic budget, and program-fit next steps without a credit pull.

Sources checked

Program details can change. Use these primary sources and a participating lender or program administrator before making a financial decision.

Ready in 3 minutes

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