See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 6, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in The Woodlands, TX (2026)
The Woodlands is a master-planned community in Montgomery County, Texas, situated about 30 miles north of downtown Houston. With a median home price around $580,000, it is one of the higher-priced markets in the Houston metro area. Buyers here can take advantage of several Texas state programs, including the My First Texas Home program offering up to 5% of the loan amount as a forgivable loan and the Homes for Texas Heroes Program providing up to 5% as a grant for teachers, first responders, and veterans. The Montgomery County HOME Down Payment Assistance Program through Easter Seals Greater Houston offers up to $12,600 as a grant, though its purchase price limits are well below The Woodlands median. Portions of The Woodlands in Harris County may also qualify for the Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program offering up to $23,800. By combining state and county programs, eligible buyers can stack meaningful assistance toward their home purchase.
County Programs in Montgomery County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) | Forgivable Loan | Up to $23,800 | Yes | View → |
| Montgomery County TX HOME Down Payment Assistance Program | Grant | Up to $12,600 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $23,800
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $12,600
- First-time only:
- Yes
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 Montgomery County TX Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable mortgage on a Habitat-built home | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable mortgage on a Habitat-built home
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Review income limits for Montgomery County and Harris County programs. Most programs require household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Take a HUD-certified 8-hour homebuyer education course. Easter Seals Greater Houston at 832-405-4306 can connect you with approved courses in the Montgomery County area.
Step 3: Contact a local housing partner. Reach Easter Seals Greater Houston at 832-405-4306 for the Montgomery County HOME DPA program, or Harris County Housing and Community Development at 832-927-4700 if you're buying in the Harris County portion of The Woodlands.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a TSAHC-approved lender to access state programs like My First Texas Home or Homes for Texas Heroes, which offer up to 5% of the loan amount toward your down payment.
Step 5: Find a home within program limits. Note that the Montgomery County HOME DPA has a purchase price limit of $282,000 for existing homes. State programs have higher limits based on county-specific maximums set by TDHCA.
Step 6: Submit your application and close. Your lender and housing counselor will coordinate program paperwork alongside your mortgage. Allow extra time for program processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in The Woodlands?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to get assistance in The Woodlands?+−
What is the maximum home price I can purchase with assistance?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Is The Woodlands in Montgomery County or Harris County?+−
Can I get help from Habitat for Humanity in The Woodlands?+−
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