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Not necessarily. While My First Texas Home through TDHCA requires first-time buyer status (meaning you have not owned a primary residence in the last three years), My Choice Texas Home and Home Sweet Texas are available to repeat buyers as well. The TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes program is open to both first-time and repeat buyers who work in qualifying professions. We will help you determine which programs match your situation.

Income limits vary by program, county, and household size. Generally, TDHCA and TSAHC set limits based on the area median income (AMI) for your county. Many programs allow incomes up to 115% of AMI. For example, a family of four in Harris County may qualify with a household income up to approximately $115,000. Our free eligibility check will determine your specific limits based on your county and household size.

Purchase price limits depend on the program and the county where you are buying. For most Texas counties, the TDHCA limit is aligned with FHA loan limits, which are approximately $472,030 for a single-family home. Higher-cost counties like Travis may have limits up to $546,250. TSAHC programs have their own purchase price limits. We will confirm the exact limits for your target county.

Most Texas DPA programs require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional or USDA loans, and as low as 580 for FHA loans (though 620 is standard for many lenders). VA loans paired with DPA typically require a 620 minimum. The higher your credit score, the better your interest rate. If your score is below these thresholds, we can help you create an improvement plan.

It depends on the program. TSAHC offers a true grant option that requires zero repayment -- the money is yours to keep. TDHCA programs typically offer a deferred second lien at 0% interest that is due only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Some programs also offer forgivable second liens that are forgiven after a certain period (usually 3 years). We will find the option that works best for your long-term plans.

My First Texas Home is a TDHCA program for first-time home buyers (or buyers who have not owned in 3 years). It offers a competitive fixed-rate mortgage through FHA, VA, or USDA loan types, paired with up to 5% in DPA as a deferred, 0%-interest second lien. The DPA covers your down payment and closing costs. You must complete a homebuyer education course and meet income and purchase price limits.

My Choice Texas Home is a TDHCA program available to both first-time and repeat buyers. It provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to 5% DPA as a deferred second lien at 0% interest. The key advantage is that you do not need to be a first-time buyer to qualify. Income and purchase price limits apply, and a homebuyer education course is required.

Homes for Texas Heroes is a TSAHC program designed for teachers, firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers, corrections officers, and veterans. It offers a competitive mortgage rate plus DPA of up to 5% as either a grant (non-repayable) or a second lien. This program is available to both first-time and repeat buyers in qualifying professions. Income and purchase price limits apply.

Home Sweet Texas is a TSAHC program for low-to-moderate income buyers across Texas. It offers up to 5% in DPA as a grant or second lien, paired with a competitive fixed-rate mortgage. Unlike the Heroes program, it is not profession-specific. Both first-time and repeat buyers can qualify. Income limits are based on AMI for your county, and purchase price limits apply.

Yes. TDHCA and TSAHC DPA programs are compatible with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loan types. FHA is the most common pairing because it allows lower credit scores and smaller base down payments. VA borrowers can combine their VA entitlement (zero down, no PMI) with DPA to cover closing costs. We will structure the best loan type and DPA combination for your situation.

Yes, most Texas DPA programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. This can typically be completed online and takes about 6 to 8 hours. The course covers budgeting, understanding your mortgage, and maintaining your home. We will provide you with approved course options and guide you through the process.

The typical timeline is 30 to 45 days from application to closing, similar to a standard mortgage. We can issue a DPA eligibility determination within 24 hours. The homebuyer education course takes 6 to 8 hours. Once we submit your complete file to the program administrator, DPA commitment is usually issued within 5 to 10 business days. We manage the timeline closely to keep everything on track.

Yes, Texas DPA programs can be used for new construction as well as existing homes. The property must be your primary residence and located in Texas. There may be additional documentation requirements for new builds, such as a certificate of occupancy. We work regularly with builders across Texas and can guide you through the process.

Getting started is easy. Use our free DPA eligibility calculator on this page or take our quick qualifier quiz. You can also call Tanner at (480) 420-4918 or Zac at (480) 406-2016 for a free consultation. We will review your income, credit, and homebuying goals to match you with the best DPA program. Most buyers know their eligibility within 24 hours.