Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs
There are multiple options for Texas homebuyers when it comes to down payment assistance programs.
Security First Financial provides a great selection of down payment assistance loan programs, including TSAHC, SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage, and The Texas Homebuyer Program.
We're here to help you get started or assist you with any questions you may have.
TSAHC Programs
The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) offers the Home Sweet Texas and Homes for Texas Heroes Programs to help low and moderate-income homebuyers, including teachers, veterans, police officers, corrections officers, and firefighters, purchase a home anywhere in Texas.
TSAHC offers several loan types, interest rates, and DPA options.
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DPA is available as a grant or 3-year deferred forgivable second lien loan.
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You do not need to be a first-time homebuyer to use our DPA programs.
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You can use TSAHC’s DPA to purchase a home, even if you’ve been a homeowner before.
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Homebuyers may purchase a home anywhere in Texas using TSAHC programs.
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Closing a loan using TSAHC programs doesn't take any longer than a traditional mortgage loan.
Two types of assistance are available:
Fixed-Rate Loans with Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
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Several rate, loan, and DPA options available
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DPA can be up to 5% of the loan amount
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DPA provided as a grant or 3-year second lien loan
Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC)
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A special tax credit that reduces your federal income taxes every year
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Save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan
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Only for first-time homebuyers or those who have not owned a home in the last three years
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Can be used with TSAHC’s DPA
No Down Payment Disclaimer: Closing cost and fees may still apply. Down Payment Assistance Disclaimer: First lien interest rates may be higher when using DPA second.
SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program
The SETH 5 Star Program provides eligible homebuyers several options for a loan program that meets their needs. The program provides down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing a home.
The maximum Assistance is 5% and is based on the final loan amount. Grants are provided for Conventional loans with no repayment or recapture. Other options provide assistance as a Community Second, completely forgiven after 3 years. There are no monthly payments for the assistance provided with either option. The program also provides a 30 year fixed FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional mortgage loan.
This program is available in Texas but outside of Travis County and the city limits of El Paso, McKinney and Grand Prairie.
Buyers must be income limits (see below) and will be required to complete the SETH on-line Homebuyer Education Course.
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No First Time Homebuyer Requirement
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Minimum FICO Score of 640
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Maximum Sales Price: $484,350
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Meet Program Income Limits
No Down Payment Disclaimer: Closing cost and fees may still apply. Down Payment Assistance Disclaimer: First lien interest rates may be higher when using DPA second.
The Texas Homebuyer Program
My First Texas Home
My First Texas Home is available only to first-time homebuyers and veterans. It provides a 30-year, low interest rate mortgage with up to five percent of assistance. Combine your loan with a Mortgage Credit Certificate and potentially save even more.
My Choice Texas Home
Perhaps you are already a homeowner, but you could still use a little help. We’ve got you covered. We offer a 30-year low interest rate mortgage loan and up to five percent of assistance.
The Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
The MCC is available to veterans and first-time homebuyers and as a stand-alone option. This certificate entitles you to a dollar-for-dollar reduction on federal tax liability. There is no minimum credit score requirement for MCCs.
No Down Payment Disclaimer: Closing cost and fees may still apply. Down Payment Assistance Disclaimer: First lien interest rates may be higher when using DPA second.
VA Loan Programs
VA Loans are great for veterans who are first-time homebuyers with limited savings for down payments and closing costs. They are also great for purchasing or refinancing in high-cost areas.
Qualifications:
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Down Payment: None*
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Credit Score: 580 minimum
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Mortgage Insurance: No
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Maximum Loan Limit: Yes, varies by county
Eligibility:
With a VA loan, the borrower must be a qualifying active duty member of the U.S. military, veteran, or surviving spouse. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required.
You might be eligible if:
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You served 90+ days active duty during wartime
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You served 180+ days active duty during peacetime
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You were not dishonorably discharged
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You are currently active duty
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You are the surviving spouse of a veteran who died during service or because of service-related injuries and are not remarried
No Down Payment Disclaimer: Closing cost and fees may still apply. Down Payment Assistance Disclaimer: First lien interest rates may be higher when using DPA second.
Rural Housing (USDA) Loan
The USDA determines what “rural” means, and that varies widely by state. But if you’re eligible, you can qualify for lower monthly payments and you don’t need money for a down payment. You’ll also spend less time in traffic driving to the closing.
Click here to check property eligibility
Requirements:
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Down Payment: None*
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Terms: 30 years, fixed
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Credit Score: 620 Minimum
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Mortgage Insurance: Yes
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Maximum Loan Limit: Yes, varies by county
No Down Payment Disclaimer: Closing cost and fees may still apply. Down Payment Assistance Disclaimer: First lien interest rates may be higher when using DPA second.
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