See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 7, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Schertz, TX (2026)
Schertz is a fast-growing city primarily in Guadalupe County, Texas, located northeast of San Antonio in the greater San Antonio metro area. With a median home price around $345,000, Schertz offers family-friendly suburban living with convenient access to San Antonio and Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Buyers here can take advantage of state programs including the Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program offering up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant, the Homes for Texas Heroes Program providing 3-5% grants for teachers, first responders, and military veterans, and My First Texas Home with up to 5% in forgivable loans. Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio also serves Guadalupe County with affordable zero-interest homeownership opportunities. By combining state and nonprofit programs, eligible Schertz buyers could access thousands of dollars toward their down payment and closing 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
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase with zero-interest mortgage | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with zero-interest mortgage
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most Texas state programs require household income at or below 80% of the area median income for Guadalupe County and a minimum credit score of 620. The Homes for Texas Heroes program allows income up to 115% of AMI.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. All major Texas state DPA programs require an approved homebuyer education course. Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency by calling (800) 569-4287 to find courses in the Schertz and San Antonio area.
Step 3: Connect with a participating lender. TSAHC and TDHCA state programs are offered through approved lender networks. Ask your lender which programs you qualify for and whether you can combine multiple sources of assistance.
Step 4: Check your eligibility for Homes for Texas Heroes. If you work as a teacher, police officer, firefighter, EMS personnel, corrections officer, or are a military veteran, you may qualify for 3-5% of your loan amount as a grant. This is especially relevant given Schertz's proximity to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
Step 5: Explore nonprofit options. Contact Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, which serves Guadalupe County, to learn about their affordable homeownership program offering zero-interest mortgages.
Step 6: Get pre-approved and find a home. Work with your lender to determine your maximum purchase price including all DPA funds. Some areas in Guadalupe County may qualify for USDA loans with 100% financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Schertz?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
Are military families eligible for special programs in Schertz?+−
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Schertz?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Does Habitat for Humanity serve Schertz?+−
Free eligibility check
Buying a home in Schertz? 12 programs could help.
How soon are you looking to buy?