Down Payment Assistance
You May Qualify for $0 Down in Austin — Here's How
TSAHC, TDHCA, and city programs quietly cover down payments for buyers who never realize they qualify. A plain-English guide.
One of the biggest myths in real estate is that you need 20% down to buy a home in Austin. In reality, dozens of buyers every month close on homes here with $0 or near-$0 down — using programs most agents don't even mention.
TSAHC and TDHCA
The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) offer grants and forgivable second mortgages to cover down payment and closing costs. Income limits are more generous than most buyers assume — often reaching well into the six figures for Austin metro.
City and county programs
Austin and Travis County have their own down-payment assistance layered on top. Combined with VA or USDA financing, qualified buyers can walk into a home with almost nothing out of pocket.
How to actually qualify
The trick is pairing the right lender with the right program. Not all loan officers are certified to originate these loans, and small mistakes disqualify buyers. Terry works with a shortlist of lenders who specialize in these programs.
See our financing overview or book a free strategy call to run your numbers.