You Don't Need 20% Down To Buy Your First Home In San Antonio
Most first-time buyers put down a fraction of that — and San Antonio has more low-down-payment and zero-down programs available right now than almost any market in Texas. Here's exactly what you qualify for.
Get My Free Buyer Game PlanThe Down Payment Myth That's Keeping San Antonio Renters Renting
Here's what nobody tells you: the 20% number is a myth. FHA loans start at 3.5% down. Conventional 97 loans start at 3%. VA loans — if you or your spouse served — start at 0%. In a city with as many military families and first-time buyers as San Antonio, that difference is the whole ballgame.
What You Actually Qualify For
Real down payment thresholds for San Antonio buyers in 2026 — not the outdated numbers you'll find on national sites.
VA Loans
Zero down for eligible veterans, active duty, and spouses — huge advantage near JBSA.
Conventional 97
Fannie Mae-backed loans for qualified first-time buyers with strong credit.
FHA Loans
Flexible credit requirements, ideal for buyers early in their credit-building journey.
Assistance Grants
Down payment and closing cost assistance programs that stack with the loans above.
From "Just Looking" To Closing Day
A San Antonio-specific timeline, so you know what to expect at every stage.
Get Pre-Approved (1-3 Days)
We connect you with lenders who specialize in first-time and VA buyers so you know your real number before you fall in love with a house.
Search With A Local Expert (2-8 Weeks)
San Antonio buyers typically search 2-3 months. I help you move faster by knowing which neighborhoods and builders fit your budget before you waste a weekend touring the wrong ones.
Offer & Negotiation
Whether it's a resale or new construction, I negotiate price, closing costs, and repairs on your behalf — not the builder's or seller's.
Closing (30-45 Days)
Inspections, appraisal, final walkthrough, and keys in hand. I'm with you at every step, showing to closing.
San Antonio First-Time Homebuyer Questions, Answered
Do I really need a 20% down payment to buy a house in San Antonio?
No. Most first-time buyers in San Antonio put down far less — FHA loans require just 3.5%, Conventional 97 loans require 3%, and eligible VA buyers can put down 0%. The 20% figure only matters if you want to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance) on a conventional loan.
Is now a good time to buy a home in San Antonio?
With rates stabilizing and more inventory coming onto the market, many San Antonio buyers who paused their search in the last couple of years are re-entering now. The right time to buy depends on your personal timeline and budget more than trying to perfectly time the market — I can walk you through current local conditions specifically.
What credit score do I need to buy my first home in Texas?
Conventional loans typically require a minimum of 620. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 (sometimes lower with a bigger down payment). VA loans don't have a hard minimum set by the VA, though lenders often look for 580-620. A higher score gets you a better rate either way.
What's the difference between buying a resale home and new construction in San Antonio?
New construction (D.R. Horton, Meritage, Pulte/Centex and others build heavily around San Antonio) often comes with builder incentives and warranties, but timelines depend on construction phase. Resale homes can close faster but may need more negotiation on price and repairs. I work both sides regularly and can help you weigh which fits your timeline.
Do I need a real estate agent as a first-time buyer, and does it cost me anything?
Having your own agent means someone is negotiating exclusively for you — not the seller or the builder's rep. In most transactions, the seller (or builder) covers buyer-agent compensation, so it typically costs you nothing out of pocket to have expert representation.
Let's Get You Home
Tell me your budget and timeline, and I'll send you a straightforward game plan — loan programs you qualify for, neighborhoods that fit, and next steps. No pressure, no fluff.
Start My Free Game Plan"I Don't Work 9-5. I Work From Showing To Closing." — Troy Casanova, Texas REALTOR® (License #827126), Casanova Realty Solutions, brokered by R.E.S.A., Inc.