Down payment assistance can reduce the cash an eligible buyer needs for a home purchase. The right option depends on your household, mortgage, and the exact property address. Start with a participating lender and the program administrator before assuming an advertised benefit will be available for your closing.

Reviewed September 10, 2026, using the official program sources linked below. Funding and terms can change.

Houston programs: check the property location first

The City of Houston’s Homebuyer Assistance Program serves eligible first-time buyers purchasing within the city’s jurisdiction. Its Homebuyer Hub lists assistance of up to $75,000 based on household financial need, income limits tied to area median income, lender pre-approval, and approved homebuyer education. The maximum is not a promise of your award. A Houston mailing address alone does not establish eligibility: the city says the property must pay City of Houston taxes. Review the City’s Homebuyer Hub.

The City also publishes property restrictions and application guidance on its Homebuyer Assistance page. Have the administrator confirm that the address is eligible and that assistance can be reserved within your purchase timeline.

Houston’s Harvey Homebuyer Assistance 2.0 is a separate program with its own requirements. The official disaster-recovery hub describes help with purchase costs for income-qualified first-time buyers. Check the current application instructions and funding status rather than treating it as interchangeable with the traditional program. Visit Houston’s disaster-recovery program hub.

Statewide options to discuss with a lender

TSAHC: The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation offers Home Sweet Texas and Homes for Texas Heroes. Eligibility depends on the program, including income and, for the Heroes program, qualifying employment or military criteria. Ask an approved lender which option fits your household and purchase. Review TSAHC’s borrower eligibility guidance.

TDHCA: The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs lists My First Texas Home and My Choice Texas Home. My Choice does not require first-time-buyer status. Compare the actual loan and assistance options offered for your circumstances rather than assuming all state programs use the same rules. Explore TDHCA’s homebuyer programs.

Find out whether assistance must be repaid

A grant and a second mortgage are different products. Read the agreement for what happens if you sell, refinance, transfer ownership, or stop using the home as your primary residence. TSAHC’s published guidance distinguishes a grant with an initial repayment condition from a deferred forgivable second lien with its own term and repayment triggers. The word “assistance” by itself does not tell you the cost or obligation. Read TSAHC’s repayment explanation.

Compare the whole purchase budget

Ask for a written comparison with and without assistance. Review the mortgage rate, lender charges, total monthly payment, cash to close, and any second-loan terms. The CFPB’s Loan Estimate explainer shows where to find loan costs, taxes, insurance, and estimated closing funds.

Useful questions for your lender and program administrator include:

• Which household income and purchase-price limits apply?
• Does the exact address qualify, and are funds available?
• Which education course is accepted, and when must it be completed?
• What cash must I contribute, and what savings must remain after closing?
• Can the program be combined with a family gift or another assistance source?
• What happens if my closing date changes?

Coordinate financing with your home search

Once you understand the budget and program boundaries, our Houston buyer services can help you organize the search. If Katy is on your list, browse Katy properties and confirm the county and program jurisdiction for each address. If relatives may help with closing funds, review our gift-money guide.

Contact Aurhomes Group or call (281) 724-3966 to plan the property side of your purchase. Your lender and the assistance administrator determine financing and program eligibility.