2026 Guide to Down Payment Assistance in Harris, Galveston, Brazoria and Chambers Counties

by Ruby Miranda

One of the biggest myths about buying a home is that you need 20% down. Many buyers in the Houston area qualify for programs that help with down payment and closing costs. Here is an overview of the main options available to buyers in Harris, Galveston, Brazoria and Chambers counties.

Statewide Texas Programs

TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes: For teachers, first responders, veterans, nurses and other eligible professions. Assistance may be a grant or a forgivable second loan.
TSAHC Home Sweet Texas: For low- and moderate-income buyers who do not fall into a hero profession.
TDHCA My First Texas Home: Down payment and closing cost help for first-time buyers.
TDHCA My Choice Texas Home: Similar help for buyers who are not first-time buyers.
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): A federal tax credit you can claim every year you live in the home, available through programs such as SETH and TDHCA.

Local Programs

City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program: For eligible homes inside Houston city limits. Funds can run out, so apply early.
Harris County Down Payment Assistance: For eligible homes in Harris County.
City of Baytown Homebuyer Assistance and Texas City First-Time Homebuyer Program for buyers in those cities.

What You Need to Know

Most Texas programs start around a 620 credit score, but requirements, income limits and funding change often and vary by county and loan type. Some assistance is a forgiven grant, some is a deferred second loan repaid when you sell or refinance, and some is repaid monthly. A knowledgeable lender will compare them side by side.

Get Matched to the Right Program

Our preferred lender, Cliff Saunders with New American Funding, works with these programs every day. Read his full Houston down payment assistance guide, or start a pre-approval to find out what you qualify for. Then let The Queen Team find you a home that fits the program.

Programs, funds, income limits and guidelines change and vary by county. Subject to credit approval; not all applicants will qualify.

Ready to Talk About Your Move?

Ruby Miranda and The Queen Team at Keller Williams Summit help buyers and sellers across Harris, Galveston, Brazoria and Chambers counties, including Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte, Pearland, Baytown, League City and Clear Lake. Call or text 832-830-2055, schedule an appointment, search homes or get your free home value. Se habla español.

The Queen Team | Keller Williams Summit, 106 E San Augustine St, Suite 200, Deer Park, TX 77536. Mortgage information is provided for education only; for loan options and current rates, contact our preferred lender Cliff Saunders, New American Funding (NMLS #230688; NAF NMLS #6606). Not a commitment to lend; all loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.