Down Payment Assistance Programs for Texas Buyers: A 2025 Guide

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Down Payment Assistance Programs for Texas Buyers: A 2025 Guide

Buying a home in Texas is a major milestone, but the upfront costs—especially the down payment—can be a significant hurdle for many buyers. Fortunately, Texas offers a robust selection of down payment assistance (DPA) programs designed to help both first-time and repeat buyers turn their homeownership dreams into reality. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s available across the Lone Star State in 2025.

How Down Payment Assistance Works in Texas

Down payment assistance in Texas generally comes in two forms:

  • Grants: These funds do not have to be repaid, regardless of how long you stay in your home.

  • Second Mortgages: These are typically no-interest, deferred loans that may be forgiven after you’ve lived in the home for a set period (often three to five years). If you sell or refinance before that period ends, you may have to repay some or all of the assistance.

Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs

Texas offers several statewide programs, each with unique features and eligibility criteria:

Program Name

Who Qualifies

Assistance Amount

Key Requirements

Homes for Texas Heroes

Public servants, veterans

2-5% of the mortgage amount

Profession-specific income limits

Home Sweet Texas Home

Low- and moderate-income

2-5% of the mortgage amount

Income limits, credit score ≥ 620

My First Texas Home

First-time buyers, veterans

Up to 5% of the mortgage

First-time buyer/veteran, income & price limits

My Choice Texas Home

All qualified buyers

Up to 5% of the mortgage

Income & price limits, credit score ≥ 620

Key Features:

  • All programs require a minimum credit score (usually 620).

  • Income limits generally apply, often capped at 80% of the area median income.

  • Most require buyers to contribute some of their funds and complete a homebuyer education course.

Regional and City-Specific Programs

Many Texas cities and regions offer their own DPA programs, sometimes with even more generous assistance:

  • Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program: Offers over $40,000 in assistance to eligible buyers who have lived in Dallas for at least 10 years and work in certain professions.

  • Arlington Homebuyer Assistance Program: Up to $20,000 for first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned a home in three years.

  • Corpus Christi Homebuyer Assistance: Up to $25,000 for down payment and $10,000 for closing costs for first-time buyers.

  • Odessa Homebuyer Assistance: Up to $20,000 for new construction and $10,000 for existing homes, plus closing cost help.

Eligibility:
Most local programs require buyers to purchase within city limits, meet income and asset caps, and complete a homebuyer education course. Some programs are only for first-time buyers, while others extend to repeat buyers or those displaced by divorce or disaster.

Special Programs and Additional Benefits

  • Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC): Some programs, like Home Sweet Texas Home, offer MCCs, which provide a federal tax credit based on a portion of your mortgage interest, potentially saving you thousands over the life of your loan.

  • Forgivable Loans: Many city and statewide programs offer forgivable second mortgages, which do not require repayment if you remain in the home for a set period (typically three years).

How to Qualify and Apply

General Steps:

  1. Check Eligibility: Review income, credit, and property requirements for your chosen program. Many programs have online eligibility quizzes.

  2. Complete Homebuyer Education: Most programs require a HUD-approved course.

  3. Get Pre-Approved: Work with an approved lender familiar with Texas DPA programs.

  4. Apply for Assistance: Submit your application through the program or your lender.

Is Down Payment Assistance Right for You?

If saving for a down payment is the main barrier to homeownership, these programs can bridge the gap. However, be mindful of:

  • Income and purchase price limits

  • Potential repayment if you move or refinance too soon

  • Required documentation and education courses

Conclusion

Texas down payment assistance programs make homeownership more attainable for thousands of buyers yearly. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a public servant, or simply looking for a fresh start, there’s likely a program that fits your needs and budget. Explore your options, check your eligibility, and take the next step toward owning your Texas home.







🪖 Military-Friendly Home Loan Offices in Central Texas

1. Veterans United Home Loans – Killeen Branch

  • Specialty: #1 VA loan lender in the nation; works exclusively with veterans, active duty, and military families.

  • Address: 100 E Central Texas Expy #302, Killeen, TX 76541

  • Phone: (254) 831-4663

  • Website: veteransunited.com

2. USAA – Online VA Loan Services

  • Specialty: Offers VA, conventional, and refinancing options tailored for military members.

  • Availability: Online and phone-based services across the U.S., with strong support for TX service members.

  • Website: usaa.com

3. Caliber Home Loans – Military Lending Division

  • Specialty: Extensive experience working with service members; offers VA Jumbo Loans and cash-out refinance.

  • Office: Available in multiple locations across TX; works remotely with Fort Cavazos soldiers.

  • Website: caliberhomeloans.com

4. CrossCountry Mortgage – Military Division (Killeen)

  • Specialty: VA loans and military PCS support; fast processing and local knowledge.

  • Address: 2601 E Elms Rd, Ste 103, Killeen, TX 76542

  • Phone: (254) 289-8773

  • Website: crosscountrymortgage.com

5. PrimeLending – VA Loan Specialist Team

  • Specialty: VA loans, military relocation programs, and grants for veterans.

  • Contact: Local representatives serve Fort Cavazos and the surrounding military communities.

  • Website: primelending.com

6. Movement Mortgage – Military Lending Experts

  • Specialty: Focus on quick closings for VA buyers and PCS transitions.

  • Office: Available in Killeen, Harker Heights, and Temple.

  • Website: movement.com

ChatGPT said:

Here is a curated list of military-friendly home loan offices located in the Central Texas (CTX) area — including Killeen, Fort Cavazos, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, and Temple. These lenders specialize in VA loans, understand military PCS moves, and are experienced in helping active duty service members, veterans, and their families navigate the home buying process.

🏡 Military-Friendly Home Loan Offices in Central Texas (CTX)

1. Veterans United Home Loans – Killeen Branch

  • 📍 Address: 100 E Central Texas Expy, Suite 302, Killeen, TX 76541

  • 📞 Phone: (254) 831-4663

  • 🌐 veteransunited.com

  • ✅ #1 VA loan provider in the U.S., specializes in active duty, reserve, and veteran loans.

2. CrossCountry Mortgage – Killeen

  • 📍 Address: 2601 E Elms Rd, Suite 103, Killeen, TX 76542

  • 📞 Phone: (254) 289-8773

  • 🌐 crosscountrymortgage.com

  • ✅ Offers VA, FHA, and Conventional loans; strong local military support.

3. Guild Mortgage – Harker Heights

  • 📍 Address: 2020 Heights Dr, Harker Heights, TX 76548

  • 📞 Phone: (254) 833-5300

  • 🌐 guildmortgage.com

  • ✅ VA loan experts serving Fort Cavazos and surrounding military families.

4. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation – Temple

  • 📍 Address: 819 S 5th St, Temple, TX 76504

  • 📞 Phone: (254) 727-4004

  • 🌐 fairwayindependentmc.com

  • ✅ Top-rated VA and FHA lender with military-friendly loan officers.

5. Movement Mortgage – Central Texas Team

  • 📍 Office Locations: Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Temple

  • 📞 Phone: Varies by branch

  • 🌐 movement.com

  • ✅ Quick VA closings, PCS move support, and strong veteran engagement.

6. Caliber Home Loans – Military Lending Division

  • 📍 Service Area: Serves CTX remotely or through local partners

  • 🌐 caliberhomeloans.com

  • ✅ Specializes in VA jumbo loans, refinancing, and cash-out options for veterans.

7. PrimeLending – Central Texas Branch

  • 📍 Location: Killeen, TX (Contact for exact branch info)

  • 🌐 primelending.com

  • ✅ VA, FHA, and Conventional loan experts with military relocation experience.

8. USAA Mortgage Services (Online)

  • 🌐 usaa.com

  • ✅ Trusted by military families nationwide; VA and refinancing specialists.

  • 📞 Phone: (800) 531-0341

🔒 Must be a USAA member to apply.
Location: Texas, USA

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