First-Time Home Buyer Programs in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio first-time buyers typically use the state flagship program from the parent HFA, combined with federal FHA/VA/USDA loans. County-level DPA in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area often stacks on top. Median first-time buyer purchase price in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area is around $250,000.
My First Texas Home (TDHCA)
My First Texas Home (TDHCA) is Texas's headline first-time buyer product from TDHCA. Below-market first mortgage from TDHCA paired with down payment and closing-cost assistance, plus an optional MCC tax credit. Available to qualified Texas first-time buyers meeting income and purchase-price caps.
How first-time homebuyer programs work in San Antonio
San Antonio first-time buyers assemble their financing from three layers. The state flagship — My First Texas Home (TDHCA) from TDHCA — pairs a competitive first mortgage with down payment and closing-cost assistance, often as a forgivable second lien. Federal programs (FHA at 3.5% down, VA at 0% for eligible veterans, USDA for qualifying outer-ring San Antonio-New Braunfels ZIPs) layer underneath.
San Antonio doesn't run a named local FTHB program, but county-level DPA in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area often layers on top of the state flagship for larger totals. The Grant Finder surfaces which programs apply to your specific ZIP.
Eligibility hinges on three inputs: credit score, household income relative to program caps that vary by county in TX, and purchase price. Completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required before closing.
How to qualify: San Antonio first-time buyer steps
- 1
Check your credit for San Antonio program eligibility
Most Texas first-time buyer programs require typically 620–640 for conventional, 580 for FHA. Pull your score for free with a soft inquiry.
- 2
Confirm first-time buyer status
TDHCA defines "first-time buyer" as not owning a principal residence in the past three years. Some San Antonio targeted ZIPs waive this rule.
- 3
Take a HUD-approved homebuyer education course
Most TX programs require an approved homebuyer education course before closing. Most run 6–8 hours online.
- 4
Apply through a participating San Antonio lender
My First Texas Home (TDHCA) is originated by participating lenders in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area, not directly by the program agency. Your loan officer submits the DPA package alongside your main mortgage.
- 5
Close on your San Antonio home
First mortgage funds and DPA come to closing together. Median first-time buyer purchase price in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area is around $250,000.
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Start my readiness checkSan Antonio first-time buyer programs: FAQ
What first-time buyer programs are available in San Antonio, TX?▾
San Antonio first-time buyers primarily use the state flagship from TDHCA — My First Texas Home (TDHCA) — combined with federal FHA, VA, or USDA loans. County-level DPA in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area often stacks on top.
What credit score do I need for first-time buyer programs in San Antonio?▾
Most Texas first-time buyer programs require typically 620–640 for conventional, 580 for FHA. Higher scores unlock better rates and more DPA options.
How much home can a first-time buyer afford in San Antonio?▾
Median first-time buyer purchase price in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area is around $250,000 — meaningfully below the overall metro median of $305,000 because FTHBs concentrate in condos and starter homes. Use HomeApproach's Affordability Simulator to model what you can afford in your target ZIP.
Do San Antonio programs work with FHA or VA loans?▾
Yes. My First Texas Home (TDHCA) and most TDHCA products layer on top of FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages. Your lender submits the DPA package alongside your first mortgage.
Can I stack San Antonio local DPA with state and federal programs?▾
In most cases yes. San Antonio buyers regularly combine TDHCA state assistance with county DPA and federal loans. Home Approach's Grant Finder waterfalls through all four layers by ZIP to show your total.