TDHCA: My First / My Choice
2%–5% DPA; My Choice has no first-time requirement.
Texas Down Payment Assistance: Two Statewide Programs, Up to 5% Help
Texas is one of the few states with two statewide down payment assistance programs, TDHCA and TSAHC, plus regional and city help. Together they can cover 2% to 5% of your loan, and some of it is forgiven. Here is how to use them.
How Texas down payment assistance works
Buying a home in Texas does not have to mean saving 3% to 5% in cash first. Two state agencies, TDHCA and TSAHC, both run statewide programs that put 2% to 5% of your loan toward the down payment and closing costs, delivered as a zero-percent second mortgage with no monthly payment. Some versions are forgiven after three years; TSAHC even offers a true grant. You use whichever program you qualify for, and a 620 credit score is enough to start. Repeat buyers are welcome too, through My Choice Texas Home.
The Texas programs at a glance
TSAHC: Homes for Texas Heroes
Teachers, first responders, veterans, nurses — higher limits.
Repayable or forgivable?
0% deferred second: due at sale, or forgiven after 3 years.
TDHCA vs. TSAHC
Two operators — how to pick the one that fits.
DPA + FHA loan
Cover FHA's 3.5% down with assistance.
Eligibility & limits
620 credit, county income and price limits.
Why work with us
A participating lender, not a referral site.
Cornerstone First Mortgage originates your TDHCA and TSAHC loans directly, we are an approved participating lender for both Texas programs, not a lead broker that sells your information. Mike Certo has closed these loans across Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso, and he will tell you straight whether a program fits before you apply. No obligation, no pressure.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Tell us your county, credit range, and whether you have owned before, and we will map your Texas options, TDHCA, TSAHC, and any local program, in a no-pressure call. Start with the quiz above, or reach Mike directly at (480) 296-6513.
Local guides
Down payment assistance by county
Income limits change from county to county. Start with yours.
Houston / Harris
TDHCA + TSAHC + regional SETH; two operators.
Dallas–Fort Worth
$121,100/$139,265 Dallas · plus City of Dallas DHAP.
San Antonio / Bexar
$104,725/$120,434 · JBSA military city.
Austin / Travis
$134,400/$154,560 · Texas's highest limits.
El Paso
Most affordable metro · Fort Bliss Heroes track.
All county limits
2026 TDHCA income + price by metro.
Compare your options
TDHCA vs. TSAHC
Two statewide operators — which fits you.
Homes for Texas Heroes
Teachers, first responders, veterans, nurses.
Repayable vs. forgivable
0% deferred second: due at sale, or forgiven after 3 years.
DPA + FHA loan
Cover FHA's 3.5% down with 2–5% help.
DPA + VA loan
Zero-down VA plus Homes for Texas Heroes.
Texas DPA blog
Guides and updates as programs change.
FAQ
Common questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Texas?
Both TDHCA and TSAHC provide 2% to 5% of the loan amount as a 0% deferred second mortgage. It covers your down payment and closing costs, with no monthly payment. Some versions are forgiven after three years, and TSAHC also offers a grant.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer for Texas down payment assistance?
Not always. TDHCA's My Choice Texas Home and TSAHC's programs serve repeat buyers, and veterans are exempt from first-time rules. My First Texas Home is for first-time buyers (with a veteran exemption).
What credit score do I need for Texas down payment assistance?
Both TDHCA and TSAHC require a 620 minimum credit score (640 on FHA manual underwriting). The assistance pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.
Is Texas down payment assistance forgivable?
It can be. Both operators offer a 3-year deferred forgivable second lien (no interest, forgiven after 36 months if you keep the home). They also offer a repayable deferred option, and TSAHC offers a grant that is never repaid.
See your Texas down payment options
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your Texas path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.