First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Texas: Where to Start
By Kimi Ortega, Loan Officer (NMLS #495946) · June 10, 2026 · 6 min read
If you are renting in Fort Worth and wondering whether buying is even possible, you are not alone, and the honest answer is that it is probably more within reach than you think. Texas has some of the most generous first-time buyer help in the country, and most buyers qualify for more of it than they expect.
You may need far less down than you think
The biggest myth in home buying is that you need 20% down. You do not. Here is what the main programs actually require:
- Conventional loans can start at just 3% down.
- FHA loans need 3.5% down and are friendlier to lower credit scores.
- VA and USDA loans offer $0 down for eligible buyers.
On a $300,000 home, 3% down is $9,000, not $60,000. That single fact moves a lot of families off the fence.
Texas down payment assistance programs
Texas offers grants and second-lien programs that can cover much of your down payment and part of your closing costs.
Statewide programs
- TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation) runs the Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas programs.
- TDHCA offers My First Texas Home and a Mortgage Credit Certificate that can lower your federal taxes every year you own the home.
Local DFW assistance
Several cities and counties across the metroplex add their own buyer assistance on top of the state programs. Eligibility and funding change often, so the smartest move is to have a local loan officer check what is available in your specific area.
"First-time buyers are almost always surprised they can buy sooner than they thought. Half my job is simply showing people the programs they did not know existed."
Kimi OrtegaLoan Officer, NMLS #495946 · Serving Texas since 2008Your first three steps
- Check your credit. You do not need perfect credit, just a clear picture. We can tell you what to improve and by how much.
- Get pre-approved. This gives you a real budget and makes your offer stronger. See how the process works.
- Talk to a local expert. Programs and pricing in DFW are local, so local guidance matters.
Ready to see what you qualify for? Explore our loan programs or reach out for a no-pressure conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to buy my first home in Texas?
Often 3% to 3.5% of the price, and sometimes $0 down with VA or USDA. Down payment assistance can lower it further.
What credit score do first-time buyers need?
It varies by loan, and FHA is the most flexible. Many first-time buyers qualify with scores well below what they assume.
Do I have to pay back down payment assistance?
Some programs are grants you never repay, and others are second liens that are forgiven over time or repaid at sale. We will explain the exact terms of any program you use.