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First-Time Buyer loans in Texas

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Texas can use FHA (3.5% down), conventional 97 (3% down), VA or USDA loans, plus programs from Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) & TSAHC. On a $260,400 home, 3% down is about $7,812.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

First-Time Buyer loan snapshot for Texas

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%–3.5%
Minimum credit score580–620
Typical TX home value$260,400
3.5% down on typical home$9,114
20% down on typical home$52,080
Avg. effective property tax1.58%/yr (~$343/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$87,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which Texas programs pair with First-Time Buyer loans?

  • My First Texas Home: A first mortgage with down payment assistance for first-time buyers and veterans.
  • My Choice Texas Home: Assistance for buyers who are not first-time buyers but meet income limits.
  • Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC): Assistance for teachers, first responders, nurses, corrections officers and veterans.

Details and current limits: Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) & TSAHC.

Compare first-time buyer loan options

LoanMin. downMin. creditMortgage insurance
FHA3.5%5801.75% upfront + annual MIP
Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible3%620PMI, removable
VA0%Lender-set (~580–620)None (funding fee)
USDA0%~6401% upfront + 0.35% annual

Who counts as a first-time home buyer?

Under HUD and most agency definitions, you're a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a principal residence in the last three years. Single parents and displaced homemakers who only owned with a former spouse may also qualify.

First-Time Buyer loans in Texas cities

First-Time Buyer in HoustonFirst-Time Buyer in San AntonioFirst-Time Buyer in DallasFirst-Time Buyer in AustinFirst-Time Buyer in Fort WorthFirst-Time Buyer in El PasoFirst-Time Buyer in ArlingtonFirst-Time Buyer in Corpus ChristiFirst-Time Buyer in PlanoFirst-Time Buyer in LubbockFirst-Time Buyer in LaredoFirst-Time Buyer in IrvingFirst-Time Buyer in GarlandFirst-Time Buyer in FriscoFirst-Time Buyer in McKinneyFirst-Time Buyer in AmarilloFirst-Time Buyer in Grand PrairieFirst-Time Buyer in BrownsvilleFirst-Time Buyer in KilleenFirst-Time Buyer in PasadenaFirst-Time Buyer in MesquiteFirst-Time Buyer in DentonFirst-Time Buyer in McAllenFirst-Time Buyer in WacoFirst-Time Buyer in MidlandFirst-Time Buyer in CarrolltonFirst-Time Buyer in LewisvilleFirst-Time Buyer in AbileneFirst-Time Buyer in PearlandFirst-Time Buyer in Round RockFirst-Time Buyer in College StationFirst-Time Buyer in RichardsonFirst-Time Buyer in The WoodlandsFirst-Time Buyer in League CityFirst-Time Buyer in OdessaFirst-Time Buyer in BeaumontFirst-Time Buyer in Sugar LandFirst-Time Buyer in TylerFirst-Time Buyer in AllenFirst-Time Buyer in EdinburgFirst-Time Buyer in Wichita FallsFirst-Time Buyer in San AngeloFirst-Time Buyer in New BraunfelsFirst-Time Buyer in ConroeFirst-Time Buyer in AtascocitaFirst-Time Buyer in TempleFirst-Time Buyer in MissionFirst-Time Buyer in BryanFirst-Time Buyer in BaytownFirst-Time Buyer in LongviewFirst-Time Buyer in PharrFirst-Time Buyer in GeorgetownFirst-Time Buyer in Flower MoundFirst-Time Buyer in Cedar ParkFirst-Time Buyer in MansfieldFirst-Time Buyer in Missouri CityFirst-Time Buyer in HarlingenFirst-Time Buyer in North Richland HillsFirst-Time Buyer in San MarcosFirst-Time Buyer in Leander

Frequently asked questions

Yes. First-Time Buyer loans are available statewide in Texas through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) & TSAHC and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

Answer a few questions on Purchase Mortgage Loan and we'll match you with lenders and loan officers in our network who serve Texas.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.