Texas State Programs for Single-Family Homes: What You Should Know

As a Texas Realtor, one of the most common questions I get—especially from first-time home buyers—is: "Are there any programs that can help me buy a home?"

The answer is yes—and while I’m not a lender, I’ve done the research and want to share what I’ve learned about Texas programs that may support you on your journey to homeownership. Keep in mind: these programs are not one-size-fits-all. A qualified lender is the best resource to help you determine exactly what you may qualify for and what fits your situation.

1. Statewide Homebuyer Assistance

🏡 Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC)

• Home Sweet Texas Home Loan & Homes for Texas Heroes:

  • 30‑year fixed‑rate mortgages

  • Up to 5% down payment assistance—either forgivable second lien or outright grant

  • Interest‑free, no monthly payments; forgiven after 3 years if you stay in your home marketwatch.com+2themortgagereports.com+2spyglassrealty.com+2en.wikipedia.org+5bankrate.com+5themortgagereports.com+5

• As a first responder, veteran, teacher, or public servant, the Heroes program offers vital support. Consider the story of one police officer navigating rising home prices by leveraging a forgivable second lien statewide .

• To apply, you’ll need a minimum credit score (~620), income/property limits, and homebuyer education. spyglassrealty.com+2bankrate.com+2themortgagereports.com+2

🏠 TDHCA “My First Texas Home” & “My Choice Texas Home”

• Offers 30-year low‑interest mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA, conventional)

• Includes up to 5% interest‑free, deferred second‑loan down payment and closing cost assistance, repayable upon sale/refinance tsahc.org+3bankrate.com+3themortgagereports.com+3

• Includes a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) reducing annual federal tax liability (up to ~$2,000/yr) themortgagereports.com+1spyglassrealty.com+1

2. Local & City-Specific Programs

Many Texas cities supplement statewide efforts with local down payment grants, often targeting families of modest means:

3. Energy Rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act

Texas, through the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), is preparing to launch the HOMES and HEAR energy efficiency rebate programs for single‑family homes:

• HOMES: Nationwide rebates for whole‑home energy retrofits, doubled for low‑ to moderate‑income (LMI) households marketwatch.com+6comptroller.texas.gov+6comptroller.texas.gov+6

• HEAR: Targets ENERGY STAR appliance upgrades, limited to LMI homeowners comptroller.texas.gov

• Total federal funding allocated: $690 million for Texas comptroller.texas.gov

• Launched pending RFP award (responses due July 20, 2025); no contractors approved yet comptroller.texas.gov+1comptroller.texas.gov+1

4. Revolving Loan Program: LoanSTAR

SECO also offers LoanSTAR—a revolving‑loan fund financing energy upgrades across single‑family homes, multifamily dwellings, and mobile homes. Applications are currently open until August 31, 2025, 2 PM CDT comptroller.texas.gov+6comptroller.texas.gov+6comptroller.texas.gov+6.

Why These Programs Matter for You

• Lower down payments: Assistance can reduce upfront costs by thousands of dollars.

• Tax relief: MCCs help save on federal taxes, boosting affordability.

• Energy savings: Rebates make energy upgrades more attainable—lower utility bills mean more monthly savings.

• Forgivable loans = freedom: No recurring payments, no interest, provided you stay in the home.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

1. Assess your eligibility — credit score (~620+), income limits, program rules.

2. Complete a homebuyer education course (required for TSAHC/TDHCA).

3. Get pre-approved by a lender in TSAHC’s or TDHCA’s approved network.

4. Apply for grants or loans — coordinate closing timing.

5. Track opening of energy rebates — sign up for updates via SECO’s site.

6. Explore local programs if targeting cities like Austin, Houston, or Dallas.

💡 A Friendly Reminder

I’m sharing this as someone who’s passionate about helping others find their place in Texas—but I’m not a lender, and this isn’t financial advice. Every program has its own eligibility requirements, and your lender will be the one to walk you through what you might qualify for, how to apply, and what will work best for your goals.

🌟 Final Thoughts from Your Realtor

If you’re planning to buy a home—whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating to Texas, or looking for assistance options—this is a great time to connect with a trusted mortgage professional. I’m happy to recommend a few lenders who are familiar with these programs and can guide you every step of the way.

In the meantime, I’ll keep doing what I do best: helping you find the right home, in the right community, at the right time.

Ready to explore your options? Let’s talk homes—and I’ll help connect you to the right pros for everything else.