My Choice Texas Home is a popular program offered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) that provides down payment and closing cost assistance to homebuyers in Texas. Unlike its sister program, 📝 My First Texas Home, this program is also open to buyers who have previously owned a home. It’s a flexible and affordable path to homeownership for a wider range of Texans.
❓ What Is the My Choice Texas Home Program?
The My Choice Texas Home program offers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage combined with up to 5% of the loan amount in assistance for down payment and/or closing costs. The assistance comes in the form of a second lien loan that may be forgivable, depending on the mortgage product selected.
This program is available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers who meet income, credit, and property guidelines.
✅ Who Is Eligible for My Choice Texas Home?
You may qualify for this program if you:
- 👨👩👧👦 Are buying a home in Texas for use as your primary residence
- 📉 Meet income limits and purchase price limits by county
- 📊 Have a minimum credit score of 620
- 📘 Complete a homebuyer education course (required for government loan types)
- 💼 Work with a TDHCA-approved lender
💵 Benefits of My Choice Texas Home
- 💲 Up to 5% of the mortgage amount in down payment and closing cost assistance
- 📉 Fixed, competitive mortgage rates
- 🔁 Available to non-first-time buyers
- 🎯 Compatible with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
📈 Who Should Use This Program?
My Choice Texas Home is ideal for:
- 🏘 Families upgrading or downsizing from a previous home
- 👷♂️ Middle-income professionals relocating across Texas
- 🧓 Retirees returning to the housing market after years of renting
- 👩🏫 Teachers, first responders, and public workers who don’t qualify as first-time buyers
If you have a solid credit history and steady income but lack enough savings for the upfront costs, this program is made for you.
📝 How to Apply for My Choice Texas Home
- 📞 Contact a TDHCA-approved lender in your area
- 🧾 Apply for a mortgage under the My Choice Texas Home program
- 🎓 Complete the homebuyer education course (required for FHA/VA/USDA loans)
- 📂 Submit income, credit, and property documentation
- 🏡 Receive assistance at closing to cover your down payment and/or closing costs
📋 Program Requirements Summary
- 📊 Minimum credit score: 620+
- 📝 Debt-to-income ratio must meet lender and loan product guidelines
- 🏘 Property must be located in Texas and used as your primary residence
- 📘 Completion of homebuyer education required (for government-backed loans)
💡 Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- 📆 Start the education course early—don’t wait until you’ve found a house
- 📋 Use a lender who’s familiar with TDHCA programs to speed up the process
- 🧾 Keep documents like W-2s, pay stubs, and tax returns organized
- 📞 Ask your lender if you qualify for local city/county programs that can be stacked
🔍 Example Use Case
Laura, a nurse in Dallas, previously owned a condo but needed to buy a larger house for her growing family. She didn’t qualify for My First Texas Home, but My Choice Texas Home allowed her to receive $9,200 in down payment assistance with a USDA loan. With this help, she closed on her new home with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
❓ FAQs – My Choice Texas Home
📌 Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
No! Unlike My First Texas Home, My Choice Texas Home is open to repeat buyers, making it ideal for those returning to the market.
🔁 Is the down payment assistance a grant or a loan?
It’s a second lien loan. Depending on the loan type, it may be repayable or forgivable. Talk to your lender about options.
📊 What are the income limits?
Income limits vary by county and household size. For example, in Travis County, the maximum income for a family of 3 could be around $103,000. Your lender will help confirm.
🏡 What types of homes are eligible?
Single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and certain manufactured homes qualify—so long as the property is in Texas and will be your primary residence.
🎯 Should You Use My Choice Texas Home?
If you’ve owned a home in the past but are ready to buy again—and need help with down payment and closing costs—then My Choice Texas Home is one of the best programs available in the state. With competitive rates, up to 5% assistance, and flexible eligibility, it gives you a chance to return to homeownership with confidence.
📥 Apply Now via TDHCA Official Website
