Unlock the door to homeownership with the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program. Available statewide (except Travis County, El Paso, Grand Prairie & McKinney), with no first-time buyer requirement.
Verify Your SETH 5 Star Program Eligibility
FHA, VA, USDA & Conventional Loans
3-Year Forgivable or 30-Year Deferred
Available for Credit Scores 640+
The SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program helps homebuyers in Texas by providing up to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing cost assistance.
It supports FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans and is available statewide, excluding Travis County and the cities of El Paso, Grand Prairie, and McKinney.
Assistance comes as a second lien that is either forgivable after 3 years or deferred for 30 years with no monthly payments.
There is no first-time homebuyer requirement, and qualifying borrowers can access free homebuyer education.
The SETH 5 Star Program is designed to make homeownership more affordable and accessible for Texans.
Up to 5% assistance toward your down payment and closing costs.
Supports FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans to suit your financing needs.
No first-time homebuyer requirement – available to all eligible buyers.
Forgivable or deferred second lien options with no monthly payments.
Free homebuyer education course for Charter-level income borrowers.
Available across most of Texas, excluding only a few specific areas.
Fixed 30-year mortgage rates for long-term financial stability.
Simple eligibility requirements, including a minimum 640 credit score.
With flexible assistance options and no upfront cost for qualifying borrowers, the program removes major barriers to homeownership.
To take advantage of this program, homebuyers must meet a few key eligibility criteria.
Must purchase a home in Texas, excluding Travis County and the cities of El Paso, Grand Prairie, and McKinney.
Minimum credit score of 640 required.
Income must fall within county-specific limits for FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loans.
Home must be a primary residence (no second homes or investment properties).
Completion of the SETH online Homebuyer Education Course is required for purchase transactions.
Only one borrower needs to complete the course; it's free for Charter-level income applicants.
Must work with a participating SETH-approved lender.
Meeting these requirements ensures access to down payment assistance and the full benefits of the program.
To qualify for down payment assistance, your household income must fall within the Charter or Standard limits for your county.
| Region / County | Charter Income Limit | Standard Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston | $81,600 | $142,800 |
| Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton | $90,800 | $158,900 |
| Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays | $107,040 | $187,320 |
| Montgomery, Liberty, Chambers | $81,600 | $142,800 |
| Travis County | Not eligible | Not eligible |
| All Other Texas Counties | $63,520+ | $111,160+ |
Charter income limits are lower than standard limits and come with added benefits—like free homebuyer education and access to exclusive DPA options.
If your income qualifies under the Charter level, you'll save more and have access to better assistance terms.
Getting started with the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program is easy. Just follow these three steps to unlock your down payment assistance.
Verify Your Eligibility for the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program Online Today for Free - Review income limits, credit score requirements, and location guidelines to confirm you qualify.
Connect with a Participating Lender and Complete the Homebuyer Education Course - Choose a SETH-approved lender to guide you through the loan process and complete the required online course (free for Charter-level income borrowers).
Claim Your Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance at Closing - Finalize your loan and apply your DPA funds—up to 5% of the loan amount—toward your home purchase.
Beyond the basics, these smart questions will give you a deeper understanding of how the program really works—and how to get the most out of it.
Generally, no—you can’t stack it with other DPA programs, but always check with your lender for possible exceptions.
Yes—repayment is required if you refinance before the 3-year forgivable period ends or if you're using the 30-year deferred option.
No—the assistance is not considered taxable income, and you won’t receive a 1099 for it.
Yes—SETH sets fixed rates that may be slightly above market to offset the value of the assistance provided.
Yes—as long as you live in one of the units as your primary residence, you can use the program for multi-unit homes.
You’ll owe a prorated portion of the assistance based on how long you stayed in the home.
Yes—the program can be used for new construction, but both the builder and lender must meet program requirements.
You can choose from SETH’s list of approved lenders—there’s no assignment, so you have full control.
Yes, unless you meet Charter Income Limits, and some lenders may reimburse or credit it at closing.
You can—and should—get pre-approved first so you understand your buying power and can act fast when you find the right home.
Navigating homebuyer assistance programs can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We specialize in helping Texans understand and access the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program with confidence and clarity.
Experienced Guidance: We’ve helped hundreds of homebuyers successfully apply for down payment assistance programs like SETH.
Local Knowledge: We understand the ins and outs of Texas real estate markets and eligibility requirements by county.
Lender Connections: We work directly with participating SETH-approved lenders, streamlining your application and approval process.
Transparent Support: Our goal is to simplify the process, answer your questions, and ensure you understand every step—no pressure, no confusion.
Committed to Your Success: Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, we’re here to help you secure the best possible terms and get the support you deserve.
