Homebuyers

Low-Income Housing in San Antonio, Texas

Accessing low-income housing can ease financial strain and help you focus on building precious memories in San Antonio, Texas. The Lone Star State has a combination of government-supported, nonprofit, and private companies like New American Funding that offer programs and loans that may be able to assist with low-income housing. The qualifications affordable housing applicants in Texas must meet vary depending on the program. Explore the options available to help you locate the perfect housing.

How Affordable Housing in San Antonio Works

San Antonio has a wide range of initiatives that help make housing affordable for people at various income levels. For example, private companies like New American Funding have programs and loans that may be able to assist low-income individuals interested in accessing affordable housing. Eligibility typically depends on the number of people in the household and household income.

How to Qualify for Affordable Housing

San Antonio’s low-income housing policies adhere to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines, which dictate that less than 30% of a person’s income should be spent on housing.

Housing Programs in San Antonio

Guidelines are useful, but the exact qualifications applicants must meet for each housing program in San Antonio vary. You should understand your housing goals while researching the programs and homes within your area to determine which opportunity is best for you. Government-backed programs function differently than nonprofit organizations and loan programs offered by private companies.

Acceptance into select programs does not guarantee loan approval with New American Funding. The programs listed may be potential funding avenues depending on your personal situation and eligibility status.

San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA)

The San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) strives to provide quality affordable housing while promoting thriving communities. You can use SAHA’s income limit chart to determine the type of housing you qualify for. If you are eligible, sign up online for SAHA’s Assisted Housing Programs and Public Housing Program but know that you could spend up to six years on the waitlist.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, is used to help families and veterans achieve affordable housing. The program connects low-income people with landlords in the private market. You must find rental housing that accepts the program. To be eligible, you cannot have above 80% of the area median income (AMI). Applications are accepted online. 

The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA)

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) works with people who have disabilities to offer subsidized, integrated opportunities. Eligibility requirements for the rental assistance program center around people with disabilities who live in institutions and disabled youth exiting foster care. In addition to target population eligibility requirements, applicants must meet the specified geographic requirements. You must be referred to the program by an agent. 

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

Section 202 helps provide the elderly with affordable senior housing and supportive services such as cooking and cleaning. Section 202 assists very low- to low-income seniors older than 62. Rent is usually about 30% of total income. Availability is not guaranteed. Applicants should seek guidance and apply online using the specified website.

Nonprofit Organizations

organizations promote affordable housing in a variety of ways. They aim to lighten the load often associated with housing by providing financial and educational support.

Nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio build affordable houses and use a streamlined application process that includes a mortgage counseling application and qualification checklist.   

Private Companies Like New American Funding

Private companies like New American Funding have many loans that may be beneficial to low-income households and people with less-than-perfect credit scores. Companies may be able to offer the programs necessary to settle into a single-family home or an apartment.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans differ from Conventional loans because they are backed and insured by the federal government. Our Texas FHA loan offers more flexible credit and income requirements. 

The lower credit score requirement encourages many low-income families to apply. To apply for an FHA loan, a credit score above 580 is recommended. However, New American Funding accepts credit scores as low as 500 under certain circumstances. If you have a higher credit score, you may get better interest rates and loan terms. 

New American Funding also offers USDA loans. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers single-family housing programs to provide respectable affordable housing in rural areas. USDA loans make obtaining or building a home possible without putting a significant amount of money down. Loan approval is not guaranteed. 

New American Funding also offers down payment assistance to eligible borrowers. Our Pathway program offers up to $8,000 in assistance for qualified individuals. There are also many down payment assistance programs available at the state and local levels. Down payment programs typically vary by location. If you qualify, the programs may be able to decrease or even remove the upfront costs associated with purchasing a home.

In addition to programs, we also offer useful tools such as mortgage calculators and insightful blog posts to educate potential borrowers. For more information, speak with one of our Loan Officers before starting the application process to better understand program requirements and qualifications.

Achieve the Dream: Live Affordably in San Antonio

There are multiple programs and loans available in San Antonio that may be able to improve a renter’s quality of life while also easing the financial strain associated with obtaining a quality residence. Top programs offer assistance to people with different needs at various life stages. Mortgage programs may prove beneficial if you are eager to avoid waiting several years for housing.

Soon, you could be strolling down the promenade with the confidence of a city-dweller and the financial flexibility of an affordable housing participant.

FAQs

What is considered low-income in San Antonio?

The definition of low income in San Antonio is based on the percentage of median income a household earns and the number of people living in it. 

How do you get approved for housing in San Antonio?

You must meet the stated requirements and apply using the Assisted Housing Programs and Public Housing Program. 

How long does it take to get housing in San Antonio?

It can take between two and six years to receive assistance. However, this is for nonprofit or government programs. When using a loan program, how long it will take will depend on the different factors within the homebuying process. These can include searching for and finding a house, applying and qualifying for a loan, and the approval process.