🏠 TEXASUpdated September 2026

First-Time Home Buyer Texas 2026:
Get $25K-$40K FREE Money

Texas offers 15+ programs giving first-time buyers up to $40,000 in down payment assistance + grants. Programs include: Texas Bootstrap Loan (0% down, $0 closing costs), My First Texas Home ($30K grant you don't repay), and Homes for Texas Heroes ($3K-$8K for teachers, nurses, veterans). Income limits: $120K-$165K depending on county.

📍 Live in Austin, Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio?

TX DPA grants are city and county-specific. Austin buyers (Travis County) can access grants up to $40K. Dallas has 4 extra city programs on top of TSAHC. Match with a local TX-approved broker in 60 seconds who knows YOUR exact county programs.

Check My TX City Grant — Match with a Local TX Broker →
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💰 Top 5 Texas First-Time Buyer Programs (2026)

🏆 #1 BEST

Texas Bootstrap Loan

Down Payment

$0 (0%)

Closing Costs

$0 Covered

Income Limit

$120,000

Credit Score

640+

The ultimate program: Texas Bootstrap covers 100% of your down payment AND closing costs. You get TWO loans: primary mortgage + second loan for down payment/closing (0% interest, deferred for 30 years). When you sell or refinance, you repay the second loan.

Example: Buy $300K home → $0 down, $0 closing costs. Second loan: ~$15K-$18K (deferred 30 years, 0% interest). Total out of pocket: $500-$1,000 for inspections/appraisal.

💎 #2 GRANT

My First Texas Home

Grant Amount

Up to $30,000

Repayment

NONE (FREE)

Income Limit

$138,000

Credit Score

620+

FREE MONEY: This is a GRANT (not a loan) - you never repay it. Use for down payment, closing costs, or both. Stacks with FHA/Conventional loans. Must stay in home 5 years or repay prorated amount if you sell early.

Example: Buy $350K home with FHA 3.5% down ($12,250) + $30K grant = you get $17,750 BACK at closing to use for furniture, repairs, or savings.

🦸 #3 HEROES

Homes for Texas Heroes

Grant Amount

$3,000-$8,000

🏠 Rate Gap Between Lenders: Up to 0.50% = $90/Month

Compare 5+ Lender Rates in 2 Minutes

The same borrower on the same day gets different rates from different lenders. On a $400K loan, a 0.50% gap = $32,000 over 30 years. Soft pull only — no SSN needed for initial quotes.

6.28%

Best rate today

$90/mo

Gap vs avg lender

2 min

To compare rates

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Soft pull only • No obligation • 300+ lenders

Who Qualifies

8 Professions

For everyday heroes: Teachers, nurses, firefighters, police, EMS, military, corrections officers get $3K-$8K grants. This STACKS with other programs.

  • ✓ Teachers (K-12): $8,000
  • ✓ Nurses (RN/LVN): $7,000
  • ✓ Firefighters: $6,000
  • ✓ Police Officers: $6,000
  • ✓ Military/Veterans: $5,000
  • ✓ EMS/Paramedics: $5,000

Stack example: Teacher gets $8K Heroes + $30K My First Texas Home + FHA 3.5% = buy $350K home with ~$2,000 out of pocket.

🎯 Ready to Buy Your First Home in Texas?

Get pre-approved with a Texas-approved lender and find out which programs you qualify for. Most buyers get $25K-$40K in assistance!

Get Pre-Approved Now →Compare TX Lenders

🤠 Texas Has $40K FREE Money for First-Time Buyers — Check Eligibility in 2 Minutes

My First Texas Home gives $30K as a GRANT (never repaid). Texas Bootstrap = $0 down + $0 closing. Teachers/nurses/veterans get extra $8K. Most buyers don't know these programs exist. Check your eligibility free.

Check My TX Grant Amount →

Free • No SSN • 620+ credit needed

❓ Texas First-Time Buyer FAQ

What programs are available for first-time home buyers in Texas?
Texas offers 15+ first-time buyer programs including: Texas Bootstrap Loan (0% down, $0 closing costs), My First Texas Home ($30K down payment grant), Homes for Texas Heroes (teachers, nurses, veterans get $3K-$8K), Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation programs, and county-specific assistance in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio. Combined, you can get $25K-$40K in FREE money.
What is the income limit for first-time home buyer programs in Texas?
Texas first-time buyer income limits vary by county: Most counties: $120,000 (1-2 people), $138,000 (3+ people). High-cost areas (Austin, Dallas): $150,000-$165,000. Rural areas: $110,000-$130,000. These limits are for HOUSEHOLD income (all adults living in home).
Does Texas have a first-time home buyer grant?
YES. My First Texas Home offers up to $30,000 in down payment grants (not a loan - you don't repay it). Texas Bootstrap Loan covers 100% of down payment + closing costs. Homes for Texas Heroes gives $3,000-$8,000 grants to teachers, nurses, firefighters, police, military, and EMS. These stack with other programs.
What credit score do I need to buy a house in Texas as a first-time buyer?
Minimum credit scores for Texas first-time buyer programs: FHA loans: 580 (3.5% down) or 500 (10% down). Conventional loans: 620. VA loans: No minimum (but lenders prefer 620+). USDA loans: 640. Texas Bootstrap: 640. Most Texas programs require 620-640 credit score.
Can I buy a house in Texas with no down payment?
YES, 4 ways to buy with $0 down in Texas: 1) Texas Bootstrap Loan (covers 100% down payment + closing costs), 2) VA loans (veterans, active military), 3) USDA loans (rural areas - 97% of Texas land qualifies), 4) Navy Federal Credit Union (military families). You can also combine programs: 3.5% FHA + $30K My First Texas Home grant = essentially $0 down.
What are the best counties in Texas for first-time home buyers?
Best Texas counties for first-time buyers based on affordability + programs: 1) Bexar County (San Antonio) - median $285K, 8 programs, 2) Harris County (Houston) - median $310K, 12 programs, 3) Travis County (Austin) - median $520K but highest income limits ($165K), 4) Tarrant County (Fort Worth) - median $340K, 6 programs, 5) Collin County (Plano) - median $450K, strong job market.
How much money do I need to buy a house in Texas?
Minimum cash needed to buy in Texas: $0 with Texas Bootstrap or VA/USDA loans. $10,500-$14,000 with FHA 3.5% down (on $300K home). $15,000-$18,000 with conventional 5% down. BUT with grants: My First Texas Home $30K grant can cover ALL costs. Realistic budget: Save $5K-$10K for earnest money, inspections, moving costs even if programs cover down payment.
Are there special programs for teachers, nurses, or veterans in Texas?
YES. Homes for Texas Heroes gives $3,000-$8,000 grants to: Teachers (K-12, public/private), Nurses (RN, LVN), Firefighters, Police officers, EMS/Paramedics, Military (active/veteran), Corrections officers. This STACKS with other programs. Example: Teacher gets $8K Heroes grant + $30K My First Texas Home + FHA 3.5% = buy $350K home with ~$2K out of pocket.

📚 Related Texas Guides

USDA Loans Texas →

97% of Texas qualifies for $0 down USDA loans

FHA Loans Texas →

3.5% down with 580 credit score

Affordability Calculator →

How much house can you afford in Texas?

Sarah Mitchell - Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist

Meet Sarah

Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist

12+ years Experience45+ ArticlesNMLS Licensed

Sarah Mitchell brings over 12 years of mortgage industry expertise, specializing in VA loans and first-time homebuyer programs. As a certified NMLS professional, she has helped thousands of veterans and military families achieve homeownership through specialized loan programs. Her deep understanding of VA benefits and down payment assistance programs makes her a trusted advisor for service members transitioning to civilian life.

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