How long does mortgage pre-qualification take?

The pre-qualification process is very fast. Once you submit your basic information, you can get a response and your letter in minutes, 100% digitally.

Can I get a mortgage with an ITIN instead of an SSN?

Yes. We offer specialized ITIN mortgage programs. We evaluate your employment history and payment capacity to find the best option.

Can self-employed borrowers qualify for a mortgage?

Yes! Self-employed individuals can qualify through Bank Statement programs or using net income from tax returns over the last two years.

What credit score do I need to buy a house?

Generally a minimum of 620 for conventional programs. FHA loans may allow scores from 580. ITIN and Non-QM programs have different requirements.

What states do you serve?

We are licensed in Texas, Florida (MBR6524), Oklahoma (MB016008), and California (60DBO-186180). Investment property loans available in 30+ states.

How much down payment assistance can I get in Houston?

It depends on the program. The City of Houston offers up to $30,000 for eligible buyers. Statewide programs like Texas Hero and SETH 5 Star offer grants up to 5% of your loan amount. On a $350,000 home, 5% is $17,500 — which can cover your entire FHA down payment plus part of your closing costs.

Do I have to pay back down payment assistance grants?

Most DPA grants in Houston are forgivable — meaning you do not repay them as long as you live in the home for the required period, usually 3 to 10 years depending on the program. If you sell or move out before that period, a prorated portion may need to be repaid. Liuver will explain the exact terms of each program you qualify for.

What are the income limits for Houston down payment assistance?

Income limits vary by program. Most Houston-area DPA programs target buyers at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), though some go up to 120%. For a family of four in Houston, 80% AMI is roughly $75,000. Liuver will check your income against each program's specific limits.

Can I combine down payment assistance with an FHA loan?

Yes. FHA loans pair well with most DPA programs — the 3.5% down requirement can often be covered entirely by a DPA grant. Conventional loans can also pair with some DPA programs. Liuver will match the right loan program with the right grant to minimize your out-of-pocket cost.

Do I need to be a first-time buyer to get down payment assistance in Houston?

Most programs define "first-time" as not having owned a home in the past three years, so you may qualify even if you owned before. Some programs (like Texas Hero) are also open to veterans regardless of first-time status. Liuver will check your eligibility against each program's rules.

Houston, TX — Greater Houston

Down Payment Assistance in Houston, Texas

Grants and programs that can cover your down payment in Houston. Harris County and City of Houston assistance, Texas Hero, SETH 5 Star — up to 5% of your loan amount, no repayment required.

Meet your loan originator

Originator

Liuver Duran

Mortgage Loan Originator

NMLS #2579601

Company

Sociable Mortgage LLC

NMLS #2498240

Mortgage broker

Languages

English & Spanish

Full process in Spanish

Down payment help in Houston

The biggest barrier for most Houston home buyers is not the monthly payment — it is the down payment. But in Houston and Harris County, there are multiple down payment assistance (DPA) programs that can cover part or all of your upfront cost, and many buyers never realize they qualify.

Programs available to Houston buyers include the City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program, Harris County down payment assistance, and statewide programs like Texas Hero and SETH 5 Star. Grants typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount and function as a forgivable second lien — meaning you do not repay them as long as you live in the home for the required period (usually 3 to 10 years).

Liuver checks every DPA program you might qualify for — income limits, geographic eligibility, and first-time buyer rules all vary by program. He will tell you which grants apply to your situation, how much they cover, and what the repayment (or forgiveness) terms are, in plain language.

City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance — up to $30,000 for eligible buyers
Harris County DPA — grants for income-qualified buyers
Texas Hero — for first-time buyers and veterans, up to 5% grant
SETH 5 Star — up to 5% grant, no repayment if you stay the required period
MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) — federal tax credit up to $2,000/year
Grants are forgivable — no repayment if you live in the home long enough

Available Programs

Down Payment Assistance

Grants up to 5% — may cover your full down payment

FHA Loan

3.5% down — pairs with most DPA programs

Conventional 3% Down

Lowest down, pairs with some DPA programs

USDA Loan

0% down in eligible suburban/rural areas

VA Loan

0% down for veterans and active military

First-Time Buyer Programs

Combined DPA + MCC + low down options

Frequently asked questions

What our clients say

"I thought I needed $20,000 to buy a home. Liuver found me a City of Houston grant that covered my entire down payment. I brought almost nothing to closing."

Maria G.

Houston, TX

"The SETH 5 Star program covered 5% of my loan. Liuver knew exactly which programs I qualified for and handled all the paperwork."

David L.

Houston, TX

"Como madre soltera pensé que comprar casa era imposible. Liuver me consiguió asistencia del condado Harris y cerré con muy poco. Todo en español."

Carmen V.

Houston, TX

Liuver Duran — NMLS #2579601. Mortgage Loan Originator at Sociable Mortgage LLC — NMLS #2498240. Sociable Mortgage LLC is a licensed mortgage broker, not a lender. Not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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