Homes for Texas Heroes
Home loans for Texas peace officers and public security officers
Texas police officers, sheriff's deputies, campus police and armed public security officers can get up to 5% of the loan for down payment and closing costs.
Who's covered
Two groups qualify. Peace officers are full-time elected, employed or appointed peace officers under Texas law, such as city police, sheriff's deputies, and school-district and campus police. Public security officers are full-time armed security officers employed or appointed by the state or a political subdivision.
Both are verified with your TCOLE license. Security officers employed by a private contractor do not qualify.
Homes for Texas Heroes is a year-round program from the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC). It pairs a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs, either as a grant you never repay or as a loan forgiven after 3 years. First-time buyers can also add a Mortgage Credit Certificate, a federal tax credit.
Overtime, off-duty work and income limits
Heroes income limits go up to 170% of area median family income, and for non-bond help without an MCC only your own qualifying income counts. Your lender decides how overtime or extra jobs are counted, so bring a full picture of your pay.
Moving up the ranks? Not a first-time rule
You don't need to be a first-time buyer for the down payment help. Only the optional Mortgage Credit Certificate requires it.
Papers to have on hand
- TCOLE license
- Proof of full-time employment with your agency
- Income and asset documents your lender requests
- Homebuyer education certificate before closing
Readers also ask
Do school-district and campus police qualify?
Yes. TSAHC names school-district and campus police among eligible peace officers, as long as you work full time and hold a TCOLE license.
I'm a security guard for a private company assigned to a public building. Do I qualify?
No. Public security officers must be employed or appointed by the state or a political subdivision. Private-contractor officers are excluded.
Can I use the program if I already own a home?
Yes for the down payment help. The Mortgage Credit Certificate is only for first-time buyers, with waivers for qualified veterans and targeted areas.
