Local Program
Texas County-Level Housing Programs | Texas Housing 2025
Texas County-Level Housing Programs delivers affordable financing and varies to help Texans buy, repair, or retain their homes.
Program Details
**Texas County-Level Housing Programs** is administered by the local housing department to boost sustainable
homeownership and neighborhood revitalization throughout Texas. The program combines a 30‑year fixed‑rate
mortgage with varies 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.
homeownership and neighborhood revitalization throughout Texas. The program combines a 30‑year fixed‑rate
mortgage with varies 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
- **Varies** 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
Local Program
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.