Texas Programs for Houston Buyers
TSAHC, TDHCA, MCC, and VLB programs exclusively for Texas residents.
Up to $15,000 in down payment assistance grants.
$15K Grants
Forgivable down payment assistance through TSAHC
Tax Credits
MCC saves $2,000+ annually on federal taxes
Texas Only
Exclusive programs for Texas homebuyers
Texas Homebuyer Advantage
Texas offers some of the nation's best homebuyer assistance programs, designed exclusively for Texas residents. From TSAHC's forgivable down payment grants to MCC tax credits that save you thousands annually, these state-funded programs make homeownership more accessible and affordable. Whether you're a first-time buyer or veteran, Texas has programs to help you succeed.
Houston-area homebuyers can combine multiple programs for maximum benefit. For example: use TSAHC's $15,000 grant for your down payment, claim an MCC for $3,000/year in tax savings, and finance with an FHA loan at just 3.5% down. These programs have income and purchase price limits that vary by county, but many Houston buyers qualify. We'll help you navigate eligibility and stack programs for the best outcome.
Available Texas Programs
TSAHC - Texas State Affordable Housing
Up to $15,000 forgivable grant | Competitive rates | Combined with FHA/VA/Conventional
TDHCA - My First Texas Home
$10,000 zero-interest second lien | Forgivable after 10 years | First-time buyers
MCC - Mortgage Credit Certificate
$2,000+/year tax credit | 20-40% of interest deductible | Increases buying power
VLB - Veterans Land Board
Texas VA loans | Competitive rates | Land loans | Cash-out options
Harris County DPA Programs
Local down payment assistance | Income limits apply | Specific neighborhoods
Homebuyer Education Tax Credit
$2,000 MCC available | Complete 8-hour course | Combine with other programs
Program Details
TSAHC - Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
Forgivable down payment assistance grant up to 5% of loan amount ($15,000 max). Forgiven after 10 years of occupancy. Can be combined with FHA, VA, Conventional, or USDA loans. Competitive mortgage rates through Texas Bond program.
TDHCA - My First Texas Home
Zero-interest second lien up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs. Forgivable after 10 years. Available to first-time homebuyers meeting income limits. Must complete homebuyer education course.
MCC - Mortgage Credit Certificate
Federal tax credit allowing you to claim 20-40% of mortgage interest as dollar-for-dollar tax credit (not deduction). Saves $2,000-$4,000/year on taxes. Increases buying power by reducing tax burden. Available for life of loan.
VLB - Veterans Land Board
Texas-specific VA loan program offering competitive rates, land loans with home construction, home improvement loans, and cash-out refinancing. Additional benefits beyond standard VA loans for Texas veterans.
Program Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TSAHC and how much down payment assistance can I get?
TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation) offers forgivable down payment assistance grants up to 5% of the loan amount, with a maximum of $15,000. The grant is forgiven after 10 years of living in the home as your primary residence. You can combine TSAHC with FHA, VA, Conventional, or USDA loans and receive competitive interest rates through the Texas Bond program.
What are the income limits for Texas down payment assistance programs?
Income limits vary by county and household size. For Harris County (Houston), 2024 limits are approximately $110,650 for 1-4 person households and $129,300 for 5-8 person households. Some programs like TSAHC have higher limits in certain areas. Income from all household members 18+ is counted. We can check your specific eligibility based on your county and household size.
How does the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) work and can I combine it with other programs?
The MCC allows you to claim 20-40% of your annual mortgage interest as a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit (not a deduction). For example, if you pay $12,000 in interest and have a 30% MCC, you get a $3,600 tax credit, reducing your tax bill by $3,600 annually. Yes, you can combine MCC with DPA programs like TSAHC or TDHCA for maximum benefit. The tax credit lasts for the life of your loan.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer for Texas programs?
It depends on the program. TDHCA My First Texas Home requires first-time buyer status (no home ownership in past 3 years). TSAHC offers programs for both first-time buyers AND repeat buyers. MCC is available to first-time buyers statewide. VLB programs are for veterans regardless of previous home ownership. We'll help you find programs you qualify for.
Can I combine multiple Texas programs like TSAHC + MCC?
Yes! You can often stack multiple programs for maximum savings. For example, you could use: TSAHC $15,000 DPA grant + MCC $3,000/year tax credit + FHA 3.5% down loan. This combination gives you significant down payment help, ongoing annual tax savings, and flexible loan terms. Income and purchase price limits still apply to each program individually.
Ready to Use Texas Homebuyer Programs?
We'll help you navigate TSAHC, TDHCA, MCC, and other Texas programs to maximize your savings. Check your eligibility today.
Quick Facts: Up to $15K grants • MCC tax credits • TSAHC & TDHCA • VLB for veterans • Combine multiple programs • Texas residents only • Licensed in Texas • NMLS #2701989