Homes for Sale in Killeen, TX | Homevets Realty

Homevets Realty  ·  Killeen, Texas

Homes for Sale in Killeen

A considered guide to the Killeen market for military families and first-time buyers ready to find their place in Central Texas.

Begin Your Home Search

Homes for Sale in Killeen represent one of the smartest moves a buyer can make in Central Texas right now.

Whether you’re a soldier stationed at Fort Hood, a veteran putting down roots, or a first-time buyer ready to stop renting, Killeen offers one of the most affordable and military-friendly markets in the state. This guide walks you through the local market, the buying process, and exactly where to begin your home search today.

01 — The Setting

Why Buy Homes for Sale in Killeen

Killeen sits beside Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, which shapes everything about the local housing market. Demand stays steady year-round thanks to constant military relocation, and prices remain remarkably affordable compared to Austin, Dallas, and most of Texas. For anyone comparing homes for sale in Killeen against the cost of renting, the math often favors buying — especially for those who qualify for a VA loan with no down payment.

The area also offers a genuine sense of community: tree-lined neighborhoods, strong veteran networks, growing retail and dining, and easy access across Central Texas. When you begin your home search here, you’re not simply buying a property — you’re buying into a community built around service. Our team of veteran real estate agents knows these neighborhoods firsthand, and our brokerage has helped more than a thousand military families call the Fort Hood area home.

02 — The Market

Homes for Sale in Killeen: The 2026 Market

The market for homes for sale in Killeen in 2026 is shifting in favor of buyers. After several years of rapid price growth, the market is settling into a healthier balance. Home values have largely leveled off, inventory has grown, and homes are staying on the market longer — all of which gives buyers more room to negotiate than they’ve had in years.

$255K Median Home Price

$141 Per Square Foot

900+ Homes Sold Monthly

Compared to the statewide Texas median north of $330,000, Killeen remains one of the best values in the state. For buyers, more inventory and longer days on market mean more choices — and stronger leverage during your home search.

Market figures reflect recent Killeen sales data and shift month to month. For today’s exact numbers in your price range, browse current homes for sale in Killeen.

03 — The Process

How to Buy a Home in Killeen, Step by Step

Understanding the buying process before you start makes everything smoother. Here’s how a typical journey unfolds once you begin browsing homes for sale in Killeen.

I

Get Pre-Approved for Financing

Before your home search begins in earnest, talk to a lender about pre-approval. It tells you exactly what you can afford and shows sellers you’re serious. Military buyers should ask specifically about VA loans — often allowing a purchase with zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance.

II

Start Your Home Search

Once you know your budget, the fun begins. Use a real-time home search to browse current homes for sale in Killeen, filter by price, bedrooms, and neighborhood, and save the listings that catch your eye. The more focused your search, the faster you’ll find the right fit.

III

Tour Homes & Make an Offer

Your agent schedules showings, helps you evaluate each property, and guides your offer strategy. In today’s more balanced market, there’s often room to negotiate on price, closing costs, or repairs — where an experienced local agent makes all the difference.

IV

Inspection, Appraisal & Closing

After your offer is accepted, you’ll complete a home inspection and appraisal, finalize your loan, and head to closing. Once the paperwork is signed and funded, the keys are yours — typically 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to close.

04 — The Advantage

Tips for Military Families

Shopping for homes for sale in Killeen comes with unique considerations for military families. Keep these in mind as you start your home search.

• Maximize your VA loan benefit. If eligible, it’s one of the most powerful buying tools available — no down payment, competitive rates, no PMI.
• Think about resale and rental potential. With constant military turnover, a well-chosen Killeen home can become a strong rental property if you PCS later.
• Work with an agent who knows the military lifestyle. PCS timelines, BAH budgeting, and VA appraisals all call for a team that understands how military buyers shop.
• Never skip the inspection. Even on a competitive offer, protecting yourself with a thorough home inspection is always worth it.

Heroes Reward Program

As a veteran-owned brokerage, Homevets Realty returns 20% of our earned commission to military members, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and educators at closing. Our way of saying thank you for your service.

See Every Home for Sale in Killeen

Real-time listings, updated daily. The best way to understand the market is to see what’s actually available — then let our team guide you from first search to closing table.

Browse Homes for Sale in Killeen

When Experience Matters, Hire A Real Estate Veteran

Questions

Homes for Sale in Killeen: FAQ

Is Killeen a good place to buy a home in 2026?

Yes. Killeen remains one of the most affordable markets in Texas, with a median price well below the state average. With growing inventory and more negotiating room, 2026 is a favorable year to shop homes for sale in Killeen — especially for VA-eligible buyers.

How much do homes for sale in Killeen cost?

The median home price in Killeen sits in the mid-$250,000s, at roughly $141 per square foot. Prices vary by neighborhood, size, and condition, so starting a live home search is the best way to see what’s available in your budget.

Can I buy a home in Killeen with no down payment?

Many military buyers can. VA loans allow eligible service members and veterans to purchase a home with zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance, making homes for sale in Killeen far more accessible in the Fort Hood area.

How long does the buying process take in Killeen?

From accepted offer to closing, the process usually takes 30 to 45 days. Getting pre-approved before your home search begins helps keep your timeline on track.

Your Credit Score When Buying a Home

Homevets Realty · Veteran-Owned Home Buying Guide

Your Credit Score When Buying a Home: The 2026 Cities With the Highest & Lowest Scores

A new national study ranks where Americans have the strongest and weakest credit. Here is what those numbers mean — and why your credit score when buying a home matters more than your ZIP code ever will.

By Homevets Realty  ◆  Veteran-Owned, Serving Fort Hood Since 2005  ◆  Updated 2026

Your credit score when buying a home is one of the most powerful numbers in your financial life. It shapes whether a lender approves you, how much house you can afford, and the interest rate you will pay for the next thirty years. So when WalletHub released its 2026 study ranking the U.S. cities with the highest and lowest credit scores, it caught our attention — because behind every one of those numbers is a family trying to buy a home.

At homevetsrealty.com, we have spent three decades guiding military families, veterans, and civilians through the home-buying process in Killeen and the Greater Fort Hood area. As a veteran-owned brokerage, we have seen how much a credit score can help — or hurt — a buyer. Let us walk through what the new rankings show, and what they mean for your own path to homeownership.

Quick Takeaways

◆  WalletHub’s 2026 study compared average credit scores across 182 U.S. cities (data as of Q4 2025).

◆  South Burlington, Vermont ranked highest; Detroit, Michigan ranked lowest at roughly 570.

◆  The national average credit score sits around 713, but city averages range widely.

◆  For a VA loan, most lenders look for about a 620 score — and a higher score can save you tens of thousands in interest.

Cities With the Highest Credit Scores in 2026

According to WalletHub’s 2026 report, the cities where residents manage credit best are concentrated in a handful of high-income, low-unemployment regions. South Burlington, Vermont topped the national list, with California claiming more top-25 spots than any other state. These are places where strong credit is closer to the norm than the exception.

Rank	City	Avg. Credit Score
1	South Burlington, VT	~701
2	Fremont, CA	~688
3	Scottsdale, AZ	~686
4	San Francisco, CA	~685
5	Huntington Beach, CA	~682
6	Overland Park, KS	~678

Source: WalletHub, “Cities with the Highest & Lowest Credit Scores in 2026.” Figures are approximate city averages and rounding may vary by reporting outlet.

Cities With the Lowest Credit Scores in 2026

At the other end of the ranking, several cities across the South and Rust Belt posted the lowest average scores. Detroit, Michigan ranked last among the 182 cities studied, with an average near 570 — deep in the “fair” range. Cities like Shreveport, Jackson, and Memphis also sat near the bottom. For buyers in these markets, the gap is a reminder that your credit is something you can actively improve, no matter where you live.

Rank	City	Avg. Credit Score
182	Detroit, MI	~570
181	Shreveport, LA	~590
180	Jackson, MS	~591
179	Fayetteville, NC	~592
178	Memphis, TN	~593
177	San Bernardino, CA	~594

Source: WalletHub 2026. A score in the “fair” range does not shut you out of homeownership — it simply changes your strategy.

Source: WalletHub

The most important point: No matter where your city ranks, your individual credit score when buying a home is shaped by your own choices, not your zip code. The strategies that build credit work the same in Detroit as they do in San Francisco — or right here in Killeen.

Why Your Credit Score When Buying a Home Matters So Much

A credit score is more than a three-digit number — it is a snapshot of how you have handled debt, and lenders lean on it heavily. As WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo put it, a good or excellent score opens doors: it helps you get approved, lowers your interest rate, and increases how much you can borrow. When it comes to your mortgage, your credit affects three things:

—  Approval — Most mortgage programs have a minimum score. Clear it, and you are in the conversation; fall short, and you may need to rebuild first.

—  Interest rate — This is where the real money lives. A higher score drops you into a better rate tier, and that rate follows you for decades.

—  Buying power — A lower rate means a lower monthly payment, which means you can afford more home for the same budget.

$40,000+

On a $350,000 mortgage, the rate gap between a 620 and a 740 credit score can add roughly $100 to $175 to your monthly payment — tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Same house, same loan amount, a different rate driven in part by your credit score.

Credit Scores & VA Loans: What Fort Hood Buyers Should Know

Here is some good news for the veterans and active-duty service members we serve around Fort Hood: the VA does not set a minimum credit score at all. The VA guarantees the loan, but private lenders do the underwriting, so each sets its own floor. In 2026, most VA lenders look for a score around 620, though some go lower with strong compensating factors like steady income and cash reserves.

VA underwriting also weighs residual income — the money left after your major bills — sometimes more heavily than the score itself. That is why a buyer who might struggle to qualify for a conventional loan can often still reach the closing table with a VA loan. And because VA loans require no down payment and carry no monthly mortgage insurance, your credit score on a VA loan mostly affects one thing: your interest rate. Even there, you have options — a rapid rescore through your lender can sometimes lift your score enough to cross into a better tier in just a few days.

How to Improve Your Credit Score Before You Buy

Whether your city topped the list or landed near the bottom, these moves strengthen your credit before you apply for a mortgage:

—  Pay every bill on time — Payment history is the single biggest factor in your score.

—  Lower your credit utilization — Keeping balances below 30% (ideally under 10%) of your limits can lift your score quickly.

—  Do not close old accounts — Length of credit history helps; older accounts work in your favor.

—  Check your report for errors — Disputing inaccuracies is free and can correct a score that is unfairly low.

—  Avoid new debt before applying — Hold off on big purchases or new cards in the months before you buy.

Start early. Even a 30-to-60-day head start on these habits can move your score before you sit down with a lender.

Ready When You Are

Let a veteran-owned team guide your credit and your home search.

Whether your credit is mortgage-ready today or needs a few months of work, Homevets Realty can connect you with trusted local VA lenders and a plan to get you to the closing table.

Start at HomevetsRealty.com

Prefer to talk? Call (888) 953-8387

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need when buying a home?

It depends on the loan. Conventional loans often want 620 or higher, FHA loans can go lower, and the VA sets no minimum — though most VA lenders look for around 620. A higher score generally earns you a lower interest rate regardless of loan type.

Which U.S. cities have the highest and lowest credit scores in 2026?

In WalletHub’s 2026 study of 182 cities, South Burlington, Vermont ranked highest, while Detroit, Michigan ranked lowest with an average near 570. California held the most spots among the top-ranked cities.

Can I buy a home with a low credit score?

Yes. A lower score may mean a higher interest rate or the need for compensating factors, but it rarely shuts the door entirely — especially with a VA loan, where residual income and overall financial health carry significant weight alongside your credit score when buying a home.

How much can a higher credit score save me on a mortgage?

A lot. On a $350,000 loan, the difference between a 620 and a 740 score can add roughly $100 to $175 to your monthly payment — tens of thousands of dollars over a 30-year term. Improving your score before you buy is one of the highest-return things you can do.

How long does it take to improve my credit before buying?

Some changes work fast. Paying down credit card balances below 10% and requesting a rapid rescore through your lender can lift your score in a few business days. Bigger repairs take a few months, so it pays to start early. Homevets Realty can connect you with local lenders who help with this.

Homevets Realty

Homevets Realty is a veteran-owned brokerage serving Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, and the Greater Fort Hood corridor since 2005. When experience matters, hire a real estate veteran. This article is for general information only and is not financial or lending advice. TREC #519202-BB.

homevetsrealty.com  ◆  (888) 953-8387

Hero Rewards · Greater Fort Hood

Homes for Heroes with Homevets Realty: Real Savings for Those Who Serve.

Military, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers can save thousands when buying or selling a home in Killeen and Central Texas — through the Homes for Heroes program with veteran‑owned Homevets Realty.

By Jose Segarra, Homevets Realty

Read 6 minutes

Updated May 2026

Your Official Homes for Heroes Affiliate

Register With Jose Segarra — Your Local Hero Specialist

Sign up free through Jose Segarra’s official Homes for Heroes page to lock in your Hero Rewards savings on your next home purchase or sale near Fort Hood.

Claim Your Hero Rewards →

If you serve your community — in uniform, in a classroom, in an ambulance, or in a hospital — you’ve earned more than gratitude. You’ve earned real savings on one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. That’s exactly what the Homes for Heroes program delivers, and as a proud affiliate, Homevets Realty is honored to bring those savings to heroes across the Greater Fort Hood area.

Homes for Heroes is the nation’s largest hero‑savings program of its kind. Since its founding, this program has given back more than $153 million to over 75,000 heroes through a nationwide network of dedicated real estate and mortgage specialists. When you buy or sell with Homevets Realty as your affiliate, you’re getting an experienced, veteran‑owned brokerage — plus meaningful money back at closing.

The Savings

How Much Can You Save With Homes for Heroes?

The numbers are simple and the savings are guaranteed. Heroes save an average of $3,000 when buying or selling a home through the program — and an average of $6,000 if they do both. There’s no red tape, no hidden fees, and no catch. The savings come back to you as a Hero Rewards check after closing.

$3,000

Avg. savings buying or selling

$6,000

Avg. savings doing both

$153M+

Given back to heroes

75K+

Heroes served nationwide

On top of your Hero Rewards savings, you may also qualify for federal, state, county, or local first‑time buyer programs, down payment assistance, or grants — and we’ll help you access those too. For military buyers near Fort Hood, stacking these savings with a VA loan can make homeownership remarkably affordable. Estimate your savings and get started here.

Who Qualifies for Homes for Heroes Savings?

This program was created to give back to the people who give the most to their communities. If you belong to any of these hero groups, you’re eligible for Hero Rewards when you work with Homevets Realty:

Military & Veterans

Active duty, reserves, veterans & spouses

Firefighters & EMS

Firefighters and EMS personnel

Law Enforcement

Police and peace officers

Healthcare

Nurses, doctors & staff

Teachers

Educators and school staff

Given that the Greater Fort Hood area is home to tens of thousands of service members, first responders, healthcare workers, and educators, the Homes for Heroes program is a natural fit for our community — and Homevets Realty is proud to be your local affiliate.

Simple Process

How Homes for Heroes Works With Homevets Realty.

1

Sign Up Free

Register through Jose Segarra’s official Homes for Heroes affiliate page. Free, no obligation.

2

Connect With Homevets Realty

You’ll be matched with our veteran‑owned team, your local Hero Rewards specialists serving the Greater Fort Hood market.

3

Buy or Sell Your Home

We guide you through the entire process with the expertise behind our 1,000+ closed transactions since 1994.

4

Receive Your Hero Rewards

After closing, you receive your Hero Rewards savings — real money back, simply for being a hero.

“Helping others is your mission. Helping you save on your home is ours. As a veteran myself, serving fellow heroes through Homes for Heroes is deeply personal.”

— Jose Segarra, Broker‑Owner, Homevets Realty

Why Choose Homevets Realty as Your Homes for Heroes Affiliate?

You could work with any Hero Rewards agent, but few understand the heroes of Central Texas the way we do. Homevets Realty is a veteran‑owned brokerage that has served military families and the Greater Fort Hood community since 1994, closing more than 1,000 transactions along the way. We know the unique rhythms of military life — PCS timelines, deployments, VA loans, and BAH — because we’ve lived them.

When you combine the guaranteed savings of the program with three decades of local expertise and a team that genuinely understands service, you get something rare: real savings and real representation. Learn more about our team at www.homevetsrealty.com.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Homes for Heroes.

How much does it cost to join Homes for Heroes?

Nothing. Signing up for Homes for Heroes is completely free with no obligation. You simply register through Jose Segarra’s affiliate page and get connected with Homevets Realty to start saving.

How much can I actually save?

Heroes save an average of $3,000 when buying or selling a home, and an average of $6,000 if they do both. Your actual Hero Rewards amount may vary based on the home price and services used. Nationwide, the program has given back over $153 million.

Who qualifies as a hero in the program?

The Homes for Heroes program serves military members and veterans, firefighters and EMS, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and teachers.

Can I combine savings with a VA loan?

Yes. Your Hero Rewards savings can be combined with a VA loan, and you may also qualify for additional first‑time buyer programs, down payment assistance, or grants. Homevets Realty specializes in exactly this near Fort Hood.

How do I get started near Fort Hood?

Simply sign up free through Jose Segarra’s official page, or call Homevets Realty at 888‑953‑VETS (8387).

When do I receive my Hero Rewards savings?

You receive your Hero Rewards after your home purchase or sale closes. To be eligible, you must be enrolled with Homes for Heroes and represented at closing by a Homes for Heroes real estate specialist like Homevets Realty.

Claim Your Savings

Ready to Save Thousands With Homes for Heroes?

You serve your community every day. Let Homevets Realty serve you with real savings and veteran‑owned expertise on your next home near Fort Hood.

Sign Up Free Visit Homevets Realty

Hero Rewards not available in all states. Offers are limited and/or restricted in Alaska, Kansas, and Mississippi. All potential savings amounts are estimates; your Hero Rewards amount may vary based on the services used, sale price of the home, and special circumstances. You must be enrolled with Homes for Heroes and be represented at closing by a Homes for Heroes Real Estate Specialist to be eligible. Homes for Heroes, Inc. is a licensed real estate company in the state of Minnesota. Homevets Realty is an independent Homes for Heroes affiliate.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)

TDHCA Programs · Fort Hood & Central Texas

Texas Down Payment Assistance: How Fort Hood Buyers Get Into a Home for Little to No Money Down

Texas down payment assistance can put up to 5% of your loan amount toward your down payment or closing costs — at 0% interest — in all 254 counties. For veterans and military families near Fort Hood, the doors open even wider. Here is exactly how the 3 programs work and how to qualify.

See If You Qualify Call (888) 953-8387

Up to 5%Of your loan amount toward down payment or closing costs

0%Interest on the second-lien assistance loan

620+Minimum credit score to qualify for assistance

What This Guide Covers

1. Why most buyers qualify
2. The 3 TDHCA programs
3. How the assistance works
4. Extra benefits for veterans
5. Income & price limits
6. Eligible home types
7. Qualifying requirements
8. The step-by-step process
9. Frequently asked questions
10. Check what you qualify for

The Opportunity

How Texas down payment assistance closes the savings gap

We see it constantly in the Greater Fort Hood market: families comfortably paying $1,800 to $2,200 a month in rent who could absolutely carry a mortgage — they just have not saved the lump sum needed for a down payment. That gap is exactly what these programs are built to bridge.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is the official Housing Finance Agency for the State of Texas. Through The Texas Homebuyer Program, it provides Texas down payment assistance and closing cost help statewide, working through a network of approved lenders. The assistance is real, the funding is ongoing, and the income limits are far more generous than most people assume.

One important truth up front: this is not free money with no strings, and you still have to qualify for a mortgage. These programs are designed for mortgage-ready buyers who simply need help with the upfront cash — not a substitute for credit, income, or stability. Once you can qualify for the loan, assistance helps get you to the closing table.

Texas down payment assistance programs available to Fort Hood and Central Texas home buyers through TDHCA.

Your Options

The 3 Texas down payment assistance programs to know

First-Time Buyers

My First Texas Home

The flagship program for first-time buyers using government-backed financing.

• For FHA, VA, or USDA loans
• First-time buyer requirement (no primary residence owned in the past 3 years)
• Requirement waived for qualified veterans and in targeted census tracts
• Income and purchase price limits by county and household size
• Down payment assistance up to 5% of the loan amount

Repeat Buyers Welcome

My Choice Texas Home

More flexible eligibility that opens the door to a much wider pool of buyers.

• For FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
• No first-time homebuyer requirement
• Income limits based on the mortgage application
• No purchase price limit — nearly any Texas home can qualify
• Down payment assistance up to 5% of the loan amount

Yearly Tax Savings

Mortgage Credit Certificate

A federal tax credit that keeps paying you back, year after year.

• A 15% federal tax credit on annual mortgage interest paid
• Up to $2,000 per year for the life of the loan
• Dollar-for-dollar credit — lowers your tax bill, not just taxable income
• First-time buyers only; veteran and targeted-area waivers apply
• Can be paired with My First Texas Home (standalone option also available)

How the Money Works

Assistance comes as a quiet, zero-interest second loan

The down payment help is delivered as a second lien behind your main mortgage. Here is the part buyers love: there is no interest, no required monthly payment, and lenders do not count it as debt when qualifying you. It simply sits there. You choose between two structures:

30-Year DeferredRepayable

A repayable second lien with no interest and no monthly payment. The balance only comes due if you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Often paired with a lower rate on your first mortgage.

3-Year DeferredForgivable

If you stay in the home and remain current on your first mortgage, the assistance is forgiven after the three-year anniversary and simply drops off. Sell or refinance before then, and it becomes repayable.

Which is better? It depends entirely on your plans. The forgivable option often carries a slightly higher first-mortgage rate than the 30-year deferred. If you plan to stay put for years, forgivable can be a clear win. If you may move or refinance soon, the deferred-repayable structure may serve you better. We will help you run both scenarios before you commit.

There is also a fourth path — the unassisted (No DPA) option — a below-market rate on a 30-year fixed first mortgage with no down payment funds attached. It is built for stronger buyers who already have their down payment but want a more competitive rate, and it can often be layered with other grant programs.

For Those Who Served

Veterans get the widest door of all

As a veteran-owned brokerage serving military families near Fort Hood, this is the part we make sure no one in uniform misses. Texas down payment assistance carries built-in advantages specifically for those who have served.

First-Time Requirement Waived

Qualified veterans can use My First Texas Home and the Mortgage Credit Certificate even if they have owned a home before. The three-year first-time rule does not apply to you.

MCC Issuance Fee Waived

The Mortgage Credit Certificate issuance fee can be waived entirely for military veterans — one more cost removed from your path to closing.

Stacks With VA Loan Benefits

These programs work alongside government-backed VA financing, so you can combine the strength of your VA benefit with state assistance.

The Homevets Heroes Program

On top of state assistance, our own Heroes Program rewards military, first responders, healthcare workers, and educators. See how Heroes works ›

The Numbers

The income limits are higher than you think

The single most common misconception is that you "make too much" to qualify. Do not count yourself out before checking the numbers. Limits are set by county and household size, and they are reviewed regularly.

Example Area	1–2 Person Household Income	Purchase Price Cap
Balance of State (default)	around $98,000	Set by county
Higher-cost metros (e.g. Travis / Hays)	up to roughly $133,800	up to roughly $593,000
My Choice Texas Home	Higher limits apply	No purchase price limit

Figures shown are illustrative and change periodically. Always confirm the current limits for your county on the official Texas Homebuyer Program website — or simply ask us and we will pull them for the exact home you are considering.

Good to know: agent commissions count as a closing cost under these programs, and Texas down payment assistance funds can be applied toward them where needed. In the current real estate landscape, that flexibility matters.

Eligible Homes

What you can — and cannot — buy

Eligible Properties

• New and existing single-family homes
• New construction (often paired with builder incentives)
• Duplexes — one unit owner-occupied
• Condominiums
• Manufactured homes (must be real property; single-wides allowed with a minimum value)

Not Eligible

• Triplexes and fourplexes
• Rental and investment homes
• Co-op housing
• Recreational or vacation homes
• Any home that is not owner-occupied

Considering new construction? It is one of our favorite paths for first-time buyers because of the incentives, and assistance can still apply as long as you use an approved lender. Start your search on our home search.

Four Things to Know

The qualifying requirements

620Minimum credit score for each borrower on the loan

1Required HUD-approved homebuyer education course (certificate valid 1 year)

0Separate applications — it is handled inside your normal loan application

50%Maximum debt-to-income ratio under program guidelines

The one rule that matters most: you must use a TDHCA-approved lender. The funds cannot be accessed any other way. There is no separate TDHCA application and no website form to fill out for the money — the Texas down payment assistance simply piggybacks onto your regular mortgage application. We will connect you with vetted, approved lenders who actively offer these programs, because not every lender does.

Start to Close

How the process actually unfolds

Identify the need

We talk through your situation — how much cash you have ready and whether assistance makes sense. A simple question like "how much of your own money do you plan to use?" tells us a lot.

Connect with an approved lender

We introduce you to a TDHCA-approved lender who offers these programs and can pre-qualify you and confirm which option fits best.

Lender does the heavy lifting

If you are eligible, the lender folds the assistance right into your first mortgage. No upfront review, no separate application, no extra time to close.

Complete homebuyer education

Take the HUD-approved course any time before closing. The completion certificate is valid for up to a year.

Reserve funds & lock the rate

The lender reserves your assistance and locks your fixed interest rate — no separate seller disclosure required and no added days to your timeline.

Close and celebrate

You sign, you get the keys, and you may walk in having brought far less — sometimes close to nothing — to the closing table.

Want to estimate your numbers first? Run them on our mortgage calculator or review our full buyer's guide.

Your Advocate

Why the right agent matters most here

Not every agent brings these programs up. They are not always the path of least resistance. But you cannot make the best decision about something you have never been told exists.

Our role is not to qualify you for the loan — that is the lender's job. Our role is to recognize when Texas down payment assistance could change everything for you, to put every option on the table, and to connect you with the right approved lender to find out. You make the final call. We make sure you have the full picture before you do.

With more than 1,000 closed transactions serving military families near Fort Hood since 2005, the Homevets Realty team knows how to match the right buyer with the right program — and how to keep more of your money in your pocket for the move-in costs that always come.

When Experience Matters, Hire A Real Estate Veteran.

Common Questions

Texas down payment assistance: frequently asked questions

Is the down payment assistance free money?

Not exactly — it is delivered as a second loan, but with no interest and no monthly payment. With the forgivable option, the balance is forgiven after three years if you stay in the home and remain current on your first mortgage. With the repayable option, it is only owed if you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?

For My First Texas Home, generally yes — but the requirement is waived for qualified veterans and for homes in targeted census tracts. My Choice Texas Home has no first-time requirement at all, so repeat buyers can qualify.

Will using assistance slow down my closing?

No. The assistance is handled inside your standard mortgage application, with no separate application and no extra appraisals or inspections. If your lender can close in 20 or 30 days, that timeline does not change.

Does the seller have to know I am using assistance?

There is no requirement to disclose to the seller that you are using down payment assistance, because it does not change your loan timeline or add days to closing.

What credit score do I need for Texas down payment assistance?

Each borrower on the loan needs a minimum 620 credit score. Because the interest rate is fixed by the program, a higher score does not lower your rate — you simply need to meet the 620 threshold.

Are there fees to use these programs?

There are modest program fees — a compliance review, a loan review fee, and a tax service fee — that your lender reviews with you up front. The Mortgage Credit Certificate carries an issuance fee that can be waived for military veterans. These costs are minimal compared to thousands of dollars in zero-interest assistance.

Can I combine these with other programs?

Often, yes. The unassisted (No DPA) rate can frequently be layered with other grants, and in select counties additional gift-fund partnerships exist. We will look for every opportunity to stack benefits that you qualify for.

How do I actually apply for Texas down payment assistance?

You do not apply directly with TDHCA — there is no separate application. You work with a TDHCA-approved lender who builds the assistance into your regular mortgage application. The fastest first step is to talk with us, and we will connect you with the right lender.

Get Started

Let's find out what you qualify for

It costs nothing to check — and the answer could be the difference between renting another year and getting your keys. Tell us a little about what you are looking for, and the Homevets Realty team will pull the current Texas down payment assistance limits for your county and connect you with an approved lender.

Office: (888) 953-8387 Email: jose@homevetsrealty.com Web: homevetsrealty.com

Homevets Realty LLC · TREC #519202-BB · 2000 E Central Texas Expressway, Suite B, Killeen, TX 76541. This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not lending, tax, or legal advice. Homevets Realty is a licensed real estate brokerage and does not originate mortgage loans or qualify borrowers; loan eligibility, program terms, income and purchase price limits, interest rates, and fees are determined by TDHCA and its approved lenders and are subject to change. Mortgage Credit Certificate benefits depend on your tax situation — consult a qualified tax advisor. Program availability and funding are subject to change and limited to qualified buyers using a TDHCA-approved lender. Confirm current details at welcomehome.tdhca.texas.gov.