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

Homebuyer Programs in Pearland, TX (2026)

Population: 129,785 | Median home price: $375,000 | Est. closing costs: $7,500 - $11,500

Skyline of Pearland, TX

Pearland is a fast-growing suburb south of Houston straddling Brazoria and Harris counties, with a median home price around $375,000. The Brazoria County First Time Homebuyer Program offers down payment and closing cost assistance as a forgivable loan, forgiven at 20% per year over five years for amounts under $15,000 or at 10% per year over ten years for larger amounts. Texas state programs including the TDHCA My First Texas Home Program and TSAHC Homes Sweet Texas Program provide additional assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant or forgivable second lien. The SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program, administered by the Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation based in the Houston area, also covers Pearland buyers. By stacking county and state programs, eligible Pearland buyers can significantly reduce their upfront homeownership costs.

County Programs in Brazoria County

Brazoria County First Time Homebuyer Program
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to 50% of required down payment
First-time only:
Yes

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

Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable home purchase with zero-interest mortgage
First-time only:
No

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. The Brazoria County First Time Homebuyer Program requires low to moderate income based on HUD guidelines for Brazoria County. You must be a first-time homebuyer and the home must be located within Brazoria County.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Most down payment assistance programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Contact Brazoria County Community Development at 979-864-1860 for approved course options in your area.

Step 3: Contact Brazoria County Community Development. Call 979-864-1860 to inquire about current funding availability and begin the application process. Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step 4: Explore state programs. Ask your lender about the TDHCA My First Texas Home Program, the TSAHC Homes Sweet Texas Program, and the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program. These provide additional down payment assistance that may be combined with the county program.

Step 5: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a participating lender to determine your maximum purchase price and confirm which programs you qualify for.

Step 6: Find a home within Brazoria County. The county program requires the home to be in Brazoria County. State programs have purchase price limits that vary by county.

Step 7: Submit your full application and close on your home. The county forgivable loan funds and any state assistance are coordinated through your lender and applied at closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Pearland?+
The Brazoria County First Time Homebuyer Program provides up to 50% of the required down payment as a forgivable loan. This can be stacked with state programs like the TDHCA My First Texas Home Program (up to 5% of loan amount) and the TSAHC Homes Sweet Texas Program (up to 5% as a grant or forgivable loan). The SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program also provides assistance to Pearland buyers. Combined, eligible buyers could receive significant help covering their down payment and closing costs.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
The Brazoria County program requires first-time buyer status. Most Texas state DPA programs also require first-time buyer status, meaning you have not owned a home in the past three years. However, the TSAHC program is available to repeat buyers purchasing in targeted areas. Bay Area Habitat for Humanity does not strictly require first-time buyer status but prioritizes families based on housing need.
How does the Brazoria County forgivable loan work?+
The Brazoria County assistance is structured as a deferred forgivable loan. If the assistance amount is less than $15,000, it is forgiven at 20% per year over five years. If the amount is $15,000 or more, it is forgiven at 10% per year over ten years. As long as you remain in the home and meet program requirements, the loan is fully forgiven at the end of the forgiveness period.
What homebuyer education is required?+
The Brazoria County program and Texas state DPA programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Contact Brazoria County Community Development at 979-864-1860 for approved course options. TDHCA also offers free online homebuyer education through Texas Homebuyer U at 800-792-1119.
Is Pearland eligible for Harris County housing programs?+
Pearland is specifically excluded from the Harris County Housing Finance Corporation DPA program, even though parts of Pearland extend into Harris County. However, Pearland buyers can access the Brazoria County First Time Homebuyer Program and all Texas state programs, which provide substantial assistance.
What other housing programs are available in Pearland?+
Bay Area Habitat for Humanity builds homes for qualifying low-income families in east Brazoria County, including the Pearland area, with zero-interest mortgages. The Pearland Neighborhood Center at 281-485-1987 provides financial assistance and can connect you with local resources. The Brazoria County Housing Authority also administers Housing Choice Voucher programs for rental assistance.

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