You don't need a one-size-fits-all down payment. You need someone who runs your actual numbers.
I walk you through the entire process from pre-approval to keys, with programs, cash to close, and next steps explained in plain English.
First-time home buyers in Texas have real options beyond saving a giant pile of cash, including low down payment options and statewide down payment assistance. Programs like TSAHC, My First Texas Home, and the Mortgage Credit Certificate can pair with FHA, conventional, USDA, or VA financing. This fits Austin renters and Texas families who have steady income but limited savings and want to stop renting.
First-time home buyer overview (Texas)
You've heard a dozen conflicting things from people who never actually ran your numbers. You need a giant down payment. You can't afford Austin. Your credit isn't good enough. Your student loans are too high.
Most of that is either outdated or flat wrong.
I look at your actual income, credit, savings, and debts, then give you a grounded plan: what looks realistic, what cash you need at closing, and which programs are worth checking. Then I walk you through every step from pre-approval to keys.
There are programs specifically designed for buyers with limited savings. Some offer low down payment options. Some let your down payment come from family gifts or assistance programs. I run all of them and show you how the structures compare.
What I Look For
How I Handle This
Pre-approval first. You know what you can afford before you start shopping. Then when you find a property, I handle the loan start to finish. One person. You call me with questions.
I also explain closing costs in plain English. Every line item. What you're paying, who it goes to, and whether it can be reduced. Nobody should be surprised at the closing table. Programs worth knowing: FHA, HomeReady, and Home Possible.
Questions I Get
Do I really need a large down payment to buy a house in Texas?
No. Multiple programs allow lower upfront cash than many buyers assume, and assistance or gift funds may help if the file qualifies. I compare the options without using a one-size-fits-all number.
Pre-qualification vs pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is an estimate based on what you tell me. Pre-approval means I've verified your income, credit, and assets and issued a letter sellers take seriously. I do full pre-approvals.
How much should I save for closing costs in Texas as a buyer?
I give you an itemized estimate early, including lender charges, title and escrow items, prepaid taxes and insurance, and reserves when applicable. Your cash-to-close plan should include closing costs alongside the down payment.
My credit isn't great. Can I still buy?
Maybe. Different programs have different credit guidelines, and some are more flexible than buyers expect. I review the full file before telling you which path is realistic.
How long does the whole thing take?
Pre-approval can move quickly once your documents are in. Once you're under contract, the timeline depends on the property, appraisal, title work, underwriting, and how cleanly the file is documented.
What first-time home buyer programs are available in Texas?
Texas first-time buyers can tap statewide programs alongside standard financing. The big ones are TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation) and My First Texas Home through TDHCA, both of which can be paired with FHA, conventional, USDA, or VA loans. I walk you through which combination actually fits your income, credit, and the home you want.
How does down payment assistance work in Texas?
Down payment assistance in Texas usually comes as a grant or a second-lien loan that helps cover your down payment and some closing costs, layered on top of your main mortgage. Each program has its own income limits, eligibility rules, and home-price caps. I check which ones you qualify for and how the assistance changes your cash needed at closing.
What is a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) in Texas?
A Mortgage Credit Certificate, or MCC, is a program that lets eligible Texas first-time buyers claim a portion of the mortgage interest they pay each year as a federal tax credit, which can ease the ongoing cost of owning. It's separate from your loan and has its own rules, so I help you decide whether pairing an MCC with your mortgage makes sense for you.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use TSAHC or My First Texas Home?
Not always. While some programs are aimed at first-time buyers, TSAHC has options open to repeat buyers too, and "first-time buyer" generally means you haven't owned a primary residence in the past three years. Targeted areas and certain professions can have their own carve-outs. I confirm your exact eligibility before we build a plan.
Can I use down payment assistance in Austin?
Yes. Statewide Texas programs like TSAHC and My First Texas Home can be used on eligible homes in the Austin area, subject to income and purchase-price limits that change by county. Because Austin pricing runs higher than much of Texas, I check current loan limits and program caps so we know what actually works here.
What is a first-time home buyer?
For most loan and assistance programs, a first-time home buyer is someone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past three years, not just someone buying their very first home ever. That means plenty of past owners qualify again. I confirm how each program defines it so we know which doors are actually open to you.
How do you qualify as a first-time home buyer in Texas?
Qualifying as a first-time home buyer in Texas usually comes down to a few things: meeting the three-year no-ownership rule, staying within the program's income and purchase-price limits, hitting the credit and debt guidelines for the loan you pair it with, and often finishing a homebuyer education course. I run your full file against the rules for TSAHC, My First Texas Home, and the loan itself so you know where you stand before we start shopping.
Ready to find out what you actually qualify for?
Send me your scenario. No credit pull to start. I'll tell you your options, your costs, and your timeline.