The 5-Star Strategy: How to Get Up to 5% DPA

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines because you don’t have thousands of dollars saved for a down payment, it’s time to get back in the game.

As your agent at Dean and Co Realty, I’m here to give you the playbook on one of Texas’ best-kept secrets: The SETH 5 Star Program.

Most buyers think they need 20% down, or at least 3.5%. But what if I told you there’s a way to get your down payment and closing costs covered—and you might not even have to pay it back?

What is the SETH 5 Star Program?

The Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation (SETH) designed the 5 Star Program to help Texans clear the biggest hurdle to homeownership: the upfront cash. It provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage paired with Down Payment Assistance (DPA) that can cover up to 5% of your loan amount.  

Jas’s Breakdown: Why This Program Wins

• The "Forgivness" Play: Most of the assistance is provided as a three-year forgivable second lien. If you stay in the home for just 36 months, that "loan" is completely forgiven. It’s essentially a gift for staying locked into your investment!  

• No "First-Time" Requirement: You read that right. Even if you’ve owned a home before, you can still qualify for this program.

• Versatility: It works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans.  

• Low Credit Barrier: You can get started with a credit score as low as 640 (and sometimes 620 depending on the specific loan type).

Do You Qualify? 

To get this "W," you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:

1. Income Limits: This program is designed for low-to-moderate-income families. The limits vary by county (Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties all have different caps), so we’ll need to check your specific numbers.  

2. Homebuyer Education: You’ll need to complete an online SETH homebuyer education course. Think of this as your pre-game film study!  

3. Location: This program is available throughout Texas, including our backyard here in Houston (excluding only a few specific areas like Travis County).  

Jasmin’s Pro-Tip: "The Stack"

The real magic happens when we stack your plays. If we find a seller willing to contribute to your closing costs and pair that with the SETH 5% assistance, you could potentially walk into your new home with zero money out of pocket. ### Ready to Start Your Game Plan?

The market is moving, and these funds are first-come, first-served. Don’t let a lack of savings keep you from building your legacy.

I’m Jasmin Gipson with Dean and Co Realty, and I’m ready to coach you to the finish line.