See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 7, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Del Rio, TX (2026)
Del Rio is a border city in Val Verde County along the Rio Grande, with a median home price around $225,000. While Del Rio and Val Verde County do not currently offer city- or county-funded down payment assistance programs, homebuyers here benefit from several Texas state programs. The TSAHC Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program and Homes for Texas Heroes program each offer up to 5% of the mortgage amount in down payment and closing cost assistance, which could mean over $11,000 on a median-priced home. The TDHCA My First Texas Home program provides similar assistance for first-time buyers. Del Rio is also located in a USDA-eligible rural area, making many properties eligible for zero-down USDA loans. By combining state DPA with favorable federal loan programs, Del Rio buyers can significantly reduce their upfront costs.
State Programs in Texas
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program | Grant | 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of the total loan amount (borrower chooses); grant on FHA/VA/USDA loans or 0% 3-year forgivable second lien | No | View → |
| Homes for Texas Heroes Program | Grant | Up to 5% of the loan amount (between 3% and 5%) | No | View → |
| My First Texas Home | Forgivable Loan | Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount | Yes | View → |
| SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to 5% of the loan amount | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of the total loan amount (borrower chooses); grant on FHA/VA/USDA loans or 0% 3-year forgivable second lien
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the loan amount (between 3% and 5%)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the loan amount
- First-time only:
- No
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Texas state DPA programs generally require a minimum credit score of 620 and household income within program limits, which vary by county and household size for Val Verde County.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. A HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for most state assistance programs. Contact a HUD-approved counseling agency by calling 800-569-4287 to find a course near you or online.
Step 3: Explore USDA eligibility. Much of the Del Rio area qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans, which require zero down payment. Check eligibility at the USDA eligibility map online.
Step 4: Contact a TSAHC-approved lender. To access the Home Sweet Texas or Homes for Texas Heroes programs, you must work with a lender in the TSAHC network. They can walk you through income limits and assistance amounts for Val Verde County.
Step 5: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Your lender will determine your maximum purchase price and the DPA programs you qualify for, potentially stacking USDA financing with state assistance.
Step 6: Find a home and close. Once you have an accepted offer, your lender will coordinate any DPA funds to be applied at closing. Typical timeline is 30-45 days from contract to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Del Rio?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
Does Del Rio have its own local down payment assistance?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Can I use a USDA loan in Del Rio?+−
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