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By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 7, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Nacogdoches, TX (2026)

Population: 32,197 | Median home price: $235,000 | Est. closing costs: $4,500 - $7,000

Skyline of Nacogdoches, TX

Nacogdoches is the county seat of Nacogdoches County in East Texas, home to Stephen F. Austin State University, with a median home price around $235,000. While Nacogdoches and Nacogdoches County do not currently offer government-funded down payment assistance programs, buyers here benefit from several valuable state and nonprofit options. The TSAHC Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program and Homes for Texas Heroes each offer up to 5% of the mortgage amount in DPA, potentially over $11,000 on a median-priced home. Habitat for Humanity of Nacogdoches provides affordable homeownership with no-interest mortgages for qualifying families. Many Nacogdoches properties also qualify for USDA Rural Development loans with zero down payment. By combining state DPA with USDA financing, Nacogdoches buyers can significantly reduce their upfront costs.

State Programs in Texas

Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program
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
Homes for Texas Heroes Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to 5% of the loan amount (between 3% and 5%)
First-time only:
No
My First Texas Home
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount
First-time only:
Yes
SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to 5% of the loan amount
First-time only:
No

Federal Programs

FHA Loans
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
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
Type:
Government Property Sale Program
Amount:
50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
First-time only:
Yes
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
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
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
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
HUD $100 Down Program
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
USDA Rural Development Loans
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
First-time only:
No
VA Loans
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

Nonprofit Programs

Habitat for Humanity of Nacogdoches Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable no-interest mortgage
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 for Nacogdoches County.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. A HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for most 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 Nacogdoches area qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans, which require zero down payment. Check the USDA eligibility map online for your specific address.

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 Nacogdoches County.

Step 5: Explore Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity of Nacogdoches builds affordable homes for qualifying families. Applicants are selected based on need, willingness to partner through sweat equity, and ability to repay an affordable mortgage.

Step 6: Get pre-approved and find a home. Your lender will coordinate any DPA funds at closing. Typical timeline is 30-45 days from contract to close.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Nacogdoches?+
Nacogdoches buyers can access Texas state programs offering up to 5% of the mortgage amount in DPA. On a $235,000 home, that could mean up to $11,750 in assistance from programs like TSAHC Home Sweet Texas or My First Texas Home. Habitat for Humanity of Nacogdoches also provides affordable homeownership for qualifying families. Many properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
Not for all programs. The TSAHC Home Sweet Texas program is available to repeat buyers. USDA loans have no first-time buyer requirement. Habitat for Humanity does not require first-time buyer status. The My First Texas Home program targets first-time buyers, defined as anyone who has not owned a home in the past three years.
Can I use a USDA loan in Nacogdoches?+
Yes. Nacogdoches is located in a USDA-eligible rural area, making many properties eligible for USDA Rural Development loans. These loans require zero down payment, offer competitive interest rates, and can be combined with state DPA programs for closing cost assistance.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Most state DPA programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before closing. You can find approved courses by calling 800-569-4287 or searching the HUD website for counseling agencies near Nacogdoches.
How does Habitat for Humanity of Nacogdoches work?+
Habitat for Humanity of Nacogdoches builds affordable homes for families in need. Applicants are selected based on their level of need, willingness to contribute sweat equity hours, and ability to repay an affordable no-interest mortgage. The organization also operates a ReStore in Nacogdoches where proceeds fund future home builds.

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