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

Homebuyer Programs in Round Rock, TX (2026)

Population: 142,752 | Median home price: $390,000 | Est. closing costs: $8,000 - $11,500

Skyline of Round Rock, TX

Round Rock is a fast-growing city in Williamson County just north of Austin, with a median home price around $390,000. While Round Rock does not currently offer a city-funded down payment assistance program, buyers here can take advantage of several Texas state programs. The TDHCA My First Texas Home Program and TSAHC Homes Sweet Texas Program both provide down payment assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant or forgivable second lien loan. The Homes for Texas Heroes Program offers similar assistance specifically for teachers, first responders, and veterans. Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County also builds and sells homes with zero-interest mortgages for qualifying low-income families. By combining state and federal programs, Round Rock buyers can access significant assistance to 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 Williamson County 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. Texas state DPA programs generally require a minimum credit score of 620 and income at or below program limits, which vary by county and household size. For Williamson County, check current income limits on the TDHCA and TSAHC websites.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Most Texas DPA programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Frameworks Community Development Corporation serves Williamson County and offers HUD-approved pre-purchase homebuyer education. Contact them at 512-385-1500 or visit their website to schedule a class.

Step 3: Connect with a participating lender. TDHCA and TSAHC programs work through a network of approved lenders. Ask your lender which state programs you qualify for and whether you can stack multiple forms of assistance.

Step 4: Explore the Homes for Texas Heroes Program. If you are a teacher, first responder, corrections officer, or veteran, you may qualify for additional down payment assistance through this TSAHC program.

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

Step 6: Find a home within program purchase price limits. State programs have maximum purchase prices that vary by county. Your lender can confirm the current limits for the Round Rock area.

Step 7: Submit your application and close on your home. Your lender will coordinate any grant or forgivable loan funds, which are typically applied at closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Round Rock?+
While Round Rock does not have a city-funded DPA program, Texas state programs provide significant assistance. The TDHCA My First Texas Home Program offers up to 5% of the loan amount, and the TSAHC Homes Sweet Texas Program provides up to 5% as a grant or forgivable second lien. The SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program also offers assistance. By combining programs, eligible buyers could receive substantial help with their down payment and closing costs.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
Most Texas state DPA programs 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. Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County does not strictly require first-time buyer status but prioritizes families based on housing need.
What is the maximum home price I can purchase with DPA?+
State program purchase price limits vary by county and are updated periodically. For the Austin-Round Rock metro area (Williamson County), limits tend to be higher than in rural areas to reflect local market conditions. Check the TDHCA and TSAHC websites or ask your participating lender for the most current Williamson County limits.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Texas state DPA programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Frameworks Community Development Corporation, a HUD-approved counseling agency serving Williamson County, offers pre-purchase homebuyer education classes. Contact them at 512-385-1500 to register. TDHCA also offers free online homebuyer education through Texas Homebuyer U.
Are there programs for teachers and first responders in Round Rock?+
Yes. The TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes Program offers home loans and down payment assistance specifically for teachers, school staff, first responders, corrections officers, and veterans. Assistance can be received as a grant or a forgivable second lien loan. Additionally, Round Rock ISD has partnered with the Texas Workforce Housing Foundation to provide educator rental subsidies at select apartment communities.
What other housing programs are available in the Round Rock area?+
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County builds homes for qualifying low-income families with zero-interest mortgages. Contact them at 512-863-4344 to attend a Homeownership Program Information Session. The Round Rock Housing Authority also administers Housing Choice Voucher programs for rental assistance. For general housing counseling, Frameworks CDC at 512-385-1500 provides free pre-purchase counseling to Williamson County residents.

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