First-time homebuyers say getting a mortgage and saving for a down payment were two of the most difficult steps in the buying process, according to the 2019 Profile of Texas Homebuyers and Sellers.

Several government and financial institutions offer programs to help first-time homebuyers. They often take the form of 30-year fixed interest rate mortgages that include down payment and/or closing cost assistance.

Share the resources below with your clients. Remember to make all resources available to all clients to adhere to fair housing regulations.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) offers the My First Texas Home and My Choice Texas Home programs. The My First Texas Home Program is available to eligible first-time homebuyers, veterans, or homebuyers who have not owned a home within the past three years. It also includes an option to lower your federal taxes through the Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate Program. The My Choice Texas Home Program is open to all eligible homeowners and includes down payment and closing cost assistance. The program cannot be combined with the Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate. Visit tdhca.state.tx.us and click on Texas Home Buyer Programs.

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation offers the Home Sweet Texas Loan Program and the Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program. Both programs feature down payment assistance as a grant that does not need to be repaid or a forgivable second lien loan. Home Sweet Texas applicants do not have to be first-time homebuyers and can use the Mortgage Credit Certificate. Homes for Texas Heroes loans are available to public school teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, corrections officers, active members of the military, and veterans. Visit tsahc.org and click on Programs for Home Buyers.

The Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation offers the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage and SETH GoldStar programs. In addition to mortgages, the programs provide down payment and closing cost assistance. The programs are available to eligible homebuyers who do not live in Travis County or the city limits of El Paso and Grand Prairie. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers mortgage loans with low rates and no down payment requirement through Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans. The program is intended for low-income applicants. Visit rd.usda.gov and click on Buy, Build, or Repair a Home.