Are you ready to buy a home?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make. Before you start, it helps to understand the steps involved — from pre-approval to closing day. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers free guidance to walk you through the whole process.
First-time homebuyer programs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) runs programs specifically designed to help first-time homebuyers in Texas. These may include down payment assistance, reduced-interest-rate loans, and mortgage credit certificates. Eligibility requirements and available funds vary — check with TDHCA directly for current offerings.
Talk to a housing counselor
A HUD-approved housing counselor can help you understand your options, review loan terms, and prepare you for what to expect at each stage of the buying process. Counseling is free or low-cost and available in person, by phone, or online.
Moving to Texas for the first time?
The Texas.gov New to Texas page has a step-by-step guide for new residents — covering driver's license transfer, vehicle registration, voter registration, and more.
Affordable housing
Texas has several programs to help residents find and afford housing, whether you are renting or buying. Programs below are administered by state and federal agencies and serve households that meet income and eligibility requirements.
Find affordable apartments
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Housing Resource Center maintains a searchable vacancy listing of income-restricted and affordable apartments across Texas. Filter by city, county, bedroom size, and accessibility features to find available units near you.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families, older Texans, and people with disabilities afford safe, private housing in the rental market. If you qualify, you pay a portion of your rent, and the program covers the rest. Vouchers are administered locally through public housing authorities. Wait lists are common — contact your local housing authority to find out if they are currently accepting applications.
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
The USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program helps moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas of Texas purchase a home with no down payment required. The program works through approved private lenders. Use the USDA eligibility tool to see if a property and household income qualify.
Housing assistance
If you are struggling to keep your housing — whether you are behind on rent, facing foreclosure, or in a housing crisis — help is available. Reach out as early as possible. The earlier you connect with assistance, the more options you are likely to have.
Talk to a housing counselor
A HUD-approved housing counselor can help you understand your options if you are struggling to pay your mortgage or rent, facing eviction, or dealing with other housing challenges. Counseling is free or low-cost and covers budgeting, loan modifications, rental assistance, and more.
Foreclosure prevention
If you have received a foreclosure notice or are at risk of losing your home, TDHCA provides resources to help you understand your options and connect with assistance programs. Act quickly if you have received a foreclosure notice to give yourself the best chance of finding a solution. Do not wait until the foreclosure process is complete — options narrow significantly as proceedings advance.
Fair housing
Texas and federal law prohibit housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. If you believe you have been treated unfairly when renting, buying, or seeking a mortgage, you have the right to file a complaint. TDHCA accepts fair housing complaints for properties in its programs.
Need shelter or emergency housing help right now?
2-1-1 Texas is free and confidential, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 2-1-1 to connect with local shelters, transitional housing, and emergency assistance in your area. No documentation is required to call.