A Step-by-Step Guide to TSAHC’s Homeownership Programs

September 1, 2023 | by Taylor Sheridan

Buying a home can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. TSAHC has programs to help Texans achieve their dream of homeownership.

Down Payment Assistance

TSAHC helps Texas home buyers purchase a home through our two down payment assistance (DPA) programs, the Homes for Texas Heroes Program and the Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program. 

The Homes for Texas Heroes Program specifically serves those within hero professions that include professional educators, police officers, public security officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, veterans or active military, corrections officers, nursing faculty, and allied health faculty. More details on profession requirements can be found here. 

The Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program is designed to help low and moderate-income Texans become homeowners. 

Both programs offer fixed-rate mortgage loans with down payment assistance in the form of a grant or forgivable second lien loan. To qualify, you must meet certain income and credit score requirements. You can also compare assistance options by using our Program Comparison Calculator.

Mortgage Credit Certificates

If you are a first-time home buyer, you can also apply for a mortgage interest tax credit under TSAHC’s Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program. An MCC reduces your federal income taxes every year by allowing you to claim 20% of what you spent on mortgage interest as a tax credit. Click here to calculate your MCC tax savings. Because the tax credit refunds a portion of your mortgage interest, it also effectively reduces your mortgage interest rate. 

First-time home buyers can combine an MCC with TSAHC’s DPA programs when purchasing a home. 

How to Get Started – Follow These Steps

To apply for TSAHC’s home buyer programs, follow the four steps below.  You can find links to the graphics included in this blog post here.

Step 1: Take the Eligibility Quiz

Take our online Eligibility Quiz to see if you qualify for down payment assistance, an MCC or both. It takes only a few minutes, and you don’t need to put in your contact information. 

 

 

 

Step 2: Apply with an Approved Lender

If you are eligible for TSAHC’s programs, the quiz will direct you to contact a participating lender. You must work with a loan officer employed by a TSAHC-approved mortgage company to use our programs. They will also help you determine which TSAHC program you qualify for and help you apply. The loan officers listed on our website have in-depth knowledge of TSAHC’s homeownership programs.

"Buying a home can be overwhelming, but I feel very blessed with my experience. I am very grateful for the guidance that my loan officer Tina Chumley, and REALTOR® Chelcy Gilliland provided during the home buying process. I am also thankful for TSAHC, whose programs helped me buy a home in my neighborhood, so my son didn’t have to change schools."  -Ellie Moss, Home Buyer

 

Step 3: Complete a Home Buyer Education Course

Home buyers using TSAHC’s programs must complete an approved home buyer education course before closing on their mortgage loan with a TSAHC-approved lender. Both online and in-person courses are available and listed on our website. You only need to take one of the courses, and only one person on the loan is required to complete the course. 

Step 4: Find a REALTOR®

You are not required to work with a REALTOR® that has been approved by TSAHC. However, you might find it useful to work with a REALTOR® that is familiar with TSAHC’s programs. If you would like to work with a REALTOR® with knowledge on our down payment assistance and mortgage credit certificate programs, there are resources on our website to help you find one that can assist you. 

“Buying a home is the biggest financial decision we’ve ever made, and we couldn’t have done it without the down payment grant we received from TSAHC.  I’m so grateful to loan officer Stacy Schriever and REALTOR® Debbie Patterson for introducing me to TSAHC’s programs, which made it possible for our family to finally purchase a home of our own.” – Felicia Bolton, Home Buyer

 

For more information on the steps to using TSAHC’s programs, click here. 

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On the House blog posts are meant to provide general information on various housing-related issues, research and programs. We are not liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the information provided by blog sources. Furthermore, this blog is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney.