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By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 6, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in New Braunfels, TX (2026)

Population: 105,000 | Median home price: $340,000 | Est. closing costs: $7,000 - $10,000

Skyline of New Braunfels, TX

New Braunfels is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, located along the I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin in Comal County. With a median home price of approximately $340,000, homebuyers here benefit from strong state-level assistance programs even though the city does not currently operate its own down payment assistance program. The My First Texas Home program and the Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program each offer up to 5% of the loan amount in down payment assistance, which could mean approximately $17,000 on a median-priced home. The Homes for Texas Heroes Program provides similar assistance specifically for teachers, first responders, and veterans. Comal County Habitat for Humanity also offers affordable homeownership opportunities with zero-interest mortgages for qualifying families. By stacking a state DPA program with other available assistance, New Braunfels 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

Comal County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable home sold at no profit with a zero-interest mortgage
First-time only:
No

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most Texas state programs require a minimum credit score of 620 and household income within program limits for the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area. Some programs like My First Texas Home require first-time buyer status, while others like Home Sweet Texas do not.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Texas state programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. TDHCA offers free online courses — call (800) 792-1119 to register.

Step 3: Connect with a participating lender. State DPA programs like My First Texas Home and the TSAHC programs work through a network of approved lenders. Visit the TDHCA or TSAHC websites to find a participating lender in the New Braunfels area.

Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Your participating lender will determine which state programs you qualify for and how much down payment assistance you can receive — up to 5% of the loan amount.

Step 5: Find a home within program limits. State programs have purchase price limits that vary by county. Your lender can confirm the current limits for Comal County.

Step 6: Submit your application and close. Work with your lender to finalize the state assistance and complete your home purchase. Down payment assistance is applied at closing to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in New Braunfels?+
While New Braunfels does not have a city-funded DPA program, Texas state programs provide strong assistance. My First Texas Home offers up to 5% of the loan amount as a forgivable loan. The Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program provides up to 5% as a grant that does not have to be repaid. The SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program also offers up to 5% as a forgivable loan. On a $340,000 home, 5% equals approximately $17,000 in assistance.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
Not necessarily. My First Texas Home requires first-time buyer status (no homeownership in the past 3 years), but the Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program and the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program are available to repeat buyers as well. The Homes for Texas Heroes Program is open to eligible teachers, first responders, and veterans regardless of whether they have owned a home before.
What is the maximum home price I can purchase?+
Purchase price limits for Texas state programs vary by county and are updated periodically. For the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area, contact a TDHCA or TSAHC participating lender or visit their websites for the most current Comal County purchase price limits.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Texas state DPA programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before closing. TDHCA offers free online homebuyer education — call (800) 792-1119 or visit their website to register. The course covers budgeting, the mortgage process, and maintaining your home.
Are there programs for low-income families in New Braunfels?+
Yes. Comal County Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes and sells them with zero-interest mortgages to families earning 30% to 75% of the Area Median Income for Comal County. Applicants must have lived or worked in Comal County for at least 12 months, save a 1% down payment, and contribute 350 hours of sweat equity. Contact Comal County Habitat for Humanity at (830) 625-4025 for more information and application timelines.

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