State Program
TDHCA Bootstrap Loan Program | Texas Housing 2025
TDHCA Bootstrap Loan Program delivers affordable financing and $45,000 owner‑build loan to help Texans buy, repair, or retain their homes.
Program Details
**TDHCA Bootstrap Loan Program** is administered by TDHCA to boost sustainable homeownership and neighborhood
revitalization throughout Texas. The program combines a 30‑year fixed‑rate mortgage with $45,000 owner‑build
loan plus free HUD‑approved counseling. Participants may layer additional benefits such as Mortgage Credit
Certificates or USDA Rural Development guarantees to maximize affordability. Funds are reserved via an online
lender portal and disbursed on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Properties must pass Texas Minimum Property
Standards, and rehabilitation escrows are released in draws after third‑party inspections. Borrowers who
purchase ENERGY STAR‑certified homes qualify for a 0.125 percentage‑point rate discount. First‑time buyers may
waive the first‑time requirement when purchasing in targeted census tracts. Forgivable second mortgages are
forgiven at 20 percent per year (My Choice Texas Home, 5‑year term) while deferred second liens carry
0 percent interest until payoff or refinance. Mobile homes on permanent foundations and condominiums approved
by FHA, VA, or Fannie Mae are eligible.
revitalization throughout Texas. The program combines a 30‑year fixed‑rate mortgage with $45,000 owner‑build
loan plus free HUD‑approved counseling. Participants may layer additional benefits such as Mortgage Credit
Certificates or USDA Rural Development guarantees to maximize affordability. Funds are reserved via an online
lender portal and disbursed on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Properties must pass Texas Minimum Property
Standards, and rehabilitation escrows are released in draws after third‑party inspections. Borrowers who
purchase ENERGY STAR‑certified homes qualify for a 0.125 percentage‑point rate discount. First‑time buyers may
waive the first‑time requirement when purchasing in targeted census tracts. Forgivable second mortgages are
forgiven at 20 percent per year (My Choice Texas Home, 5‑year term) while deferred second liens carry
0 percent interest until payoff or refinance. Mobile homes on permanent foundations and condominiums approved
by FHA, VA, or Fannie Mae are eligible.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or qualifying non‑citizen.
- Household income ≤ county limits (e.g., $131,100 in Travis County, 2025 for a family of four).
- Purchase price ≤ $481,176 for existing homes or $600,000 for new construction in high‑cost counties.
- Minimum 620 FICO score (680 for conventional loans under Freddie Mac HFA Advantage).
- Combined debt‑to‑income ratio ≤ 50 % (45 % for FHA borrowers below 640 FICO).
- Completion of an approved online or in‑person homebuyer education course (TDHCA “Texas Homebuyer U” or equivalent).
- Owner‑occupancy within 60 days of closing; property cannot be used as a short‑term rental.
- Household income ≤ county limits (e.g., $131,100 in Travis County, 2025 for a family of four).
- Purchase price ≤ $481,176 for existing homes or $600,000 for new construction in high‑cost counties.
- Minimum 620 FICO score (680 for conventional loans under Freddie Mac HFA Advantage).
- Combined debt‑to‑income ratio ≤ 50 % (45 % for FHA borrowers below 640 FICO).
- Completion of an approved online or in‑person homebuyer education course (TDHCA “Texas Homebuyer U” or equivalent).
- Owner‑occupancy within 60 days of closing; property cannot be used as a short‑term rental.
Program Benefits
- **$45,000 owner‑build loan** applied toward down payment, closing costs, or principal curtailment.
- Competitive 30‑year fixed interest rate, often 0.25 % below market.
- Option to pair with a **$2,000/year MCC** for additional tax savings.
- Forgivable or deferred second mortgage structures reduce monthly burden.
- Access to foreclosure‑prevention hotline and disaster recovery grants.
- Competitive 30‑year fixed interest rate, often 0.25 % below market.
- Option to pair with a **$2,000/year MCC** for additional tax savings.
- Forgivable or deferred second mortgage structures reduce monthly burden.
- Access to foreclosure‑prevention hotline and disaster recovery grants.
How to Apply
1. **Pre‑approval:** Select a TDHCA/TSAHC‑participating lender; review credit and income documents.
2. **Education:** Complete the TDHCA "Texas Homebuyer U" 6‑hour course; upload certificate.
3. **Reserve funds:** Lender locks rate and requests down‑payment funds via the eHousingPlus portal.
4. **Underwriting & appraisal:** FHA/VA/USDA or conventional appraisal, compliance review, and title work.
5. **Closing:** Sign first‑mortgage note and subordinate‑lien documents; assistance wired to title company.
6. **Post‑purchase:** Occupy home; retain records for recapture tax exemptions; contact housing counselor if hardship arises.
2. **Education:** Complete the TDHCA "Texas Homebuyer U" 6‑hour course; upload certificate.
3. **Reserve funds:** Lender locks rate and requests down‑payment funds via the eHousingPlus portal.
4. **Underwriting & appraisal:** FHA/VA/USDA or conventional appraisal, compliance review, and title work.
5. **Closing:** Sign first‑mortgage note and subordinate‑lien documents; assistance wired to title company.
6. **Post‑purchase:** Occupy home; retain records for recapture tax exemptions; contact housing counselor if hardship arises.
Program Overview
Category
State Program
Maximum Assistance
$45,000
Official Program Website
Information about this program is provided as a resource and may be subject to change. Always verify details with the official program website.
Important Note
Program availability, terms, and requirements may vary by lender and location. Additionally, programs are subject to change based on policy updates and market conditions. Always consult with a mortgage professional for the most current information and to determine eligibility for specific programs.