Texas Veterans can use the federal VA home loan benefit like Veterans in any state, and some may also pair it with the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Veterans Housing Assistance Program through participating lenders. Texas also offers property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans — including a full homestead exemption for Veterans rated 100% disabled or individually unemployable — which can lower the ongoing cost of owning a home.
Texas Veterans Land Board home program
The Texas Veterans Land Board runs a Veterans Housing Assistance Program (VHAP) that offers Texas Veterans home loans through participating lenders. In some cases, a VLB loan can be paired with a VA loan or other financing — the VLB portion covers part of the loan, and the remaining financing comes from the other program.
- Eligibility is set by the VLB and includes Texas residency and service requirements that differ from VA's.
- Not every lender participates, and program terms change over time.
- The VLB also offers a home improvement program and land loans for eligible Texas Veterans.
Whether pairing makes sense depends on the current program terms and your situation. Matthew will confirm availability and compare a VA-only loan with a VLB combination before you decide.
Texas property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans
Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes are a big part of owning a home. That makes the state's disabled Veteran exemptions especially valuable:
| Exemption | General description |
|---|---|
| 100% disabled or individually unemployable | A total exemption on the Veteran's residence homestead for Veterans who receive 100% disability compensation from VA due to service-connected disability and a 100% rating or individual unemployability. |
| Partial disability exemption | An exemption from part of a property's taxable value, based on the Veteran's disability rating. It can generally be applied to one property. |
| Surviving spouses | Surviving spouses of qualifying disabled Veterans, and of service members killed in action, may be eligible for exemptions under certain conditions. |
| Donated residence | A partial or total exemption may apply for a disabled Veteran's home donated by a charitable organization. |
Details, amounts, and eligibility change and are administered by your county appraisal district. See the Texas Comptroller's property tax exemptions page for current rules and forms. Lenders estimate property taxes when you apply, so let Matthew know about any exemption you expect — it can affect your qualifying. Surviving spouses should also see VA loans for surviving spouses.
Want a straight answer for your situation? Skip the call center — Matthew will review your eligibility, entitlement, and options himself.
Talk with MatthewTexas homestead basics
Every Texas homeowner can apply for a residence homestead exemption on a primary home, which reduces the taxable value for school district taxes and, in some areas, other local taxes. Homesteads also carry legal protections in Texas.
- Apply with your county appraisal district; buyers can often claim it in the year of purchase — check with the appraisal district for timing.
- Veterans' exemptions are layered on top of the general homestead exemption where eligible.
- Homestead protections affect how Texas treats cash-out borrowing. Texas home equity rules limit certain cash-out loans on homesteads, and a VA cash-out refinance in Texas is generally subject to them. Matthew will explain how that affects your options before you apply.
Texas military communities
Texas is home to major Army, Air Force, and Navy installations, and each area has its own housing market. Matthew works with Veterans and service members buying near:
Fort Hood — Killeen area
One of the largest Army posts in the country (named Fort Cavazos from 2023 to 2025). Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, and Belton offer a wide mix of homes, and the area sees steady PCS turnover.
Joint Base San Antonio
Lackland, Randolph, and Fort Sam Houston. San Antonio's size means everything from established neighborhoods to newer suburbs like Schertz and Converse.
Fort Bliss — El Paso
A large Army installation in far West Texas with its own distinct market and climate considerations.
NAS Corpus Christi
A Gulf Coast market where wind and flood insurance deserve attention early in your budget.
Dyess AFB — Abilene
A West Texas community where many buyers find more space for the money than in the big metros.
Sheppard AFB — Wichita Falls
A training-focused base with frequent moves, making resale and rental plans worth thinking through.
Goodfellow AFB — San Angelo
A smaller city market; inventory can be limited, so preparing early helps.
Laughlin AFB — Del Rio
A border community with a smaller housing market where local agent knowledge matters.
Moving to one of these installations? See VA loans and PCS moves for buying on orders and buying remotely.
Texas-specific notes for VA buyers
- Option periods. Texas purchase contracts commonly include an option period for inspections. Use it — the VA appraisal isn't a home inspection.
- Property taxes and insurance. In many Texas markets, taxes and insurance are a large share of housing costs. Budget for them realistically, and factor in any exemptions you expect.
- Flood and windstorm. Coastal and low-lying areas may require flood insurance or windstorm coverage. Check before making an offer.
- MUDs and special districts. Many newer Texas subdivisions sit in municipal utility districts that add to the tax bill.
- Surveys and HOAs. Review HOA rules and any survey issues early, since they can affect the closing process.
Work with an Austin-based loan originator
Matthew Brown is based in Austin and helps Texas Veterans and service members with VA purchases, IRRRLs, and cash-out refinances. He'll check your eligibility and entitlement, explain how Texas tax exemptions and home equity rules affect your plans, and — when it helps — review whether pairing with a VLB program is worth it.
Buying outside Texas too? Tell Matthew where you're buying, and he'll confirm whether he can help there.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine a VA loan with a Texas Veterans Land Board loan?
In some cases, the Texas VLB's Veterans Housing Assistance Program can be paired with a VA loan or other financing through participating lenders. Availability and terms change — Matthew will confirm.
Do disabled Veterans pay property taxes in Texas?
Texas offers a total homestead exemption for Veterans with a 100% disability rating or individual unemployability, and partial exemptions based on disability rating. Check the Texas Comptroller's property tax exemptions page for current rules.
Is a VA cash-out refinance available in Texas?
Yes, but Texas home equity rules generally apply to cash-out loans on a homestead, which can limit how much you can borrow. Matthew will explain the Texas-specific rules.
Does the VA funding fee apply in Texas?
The VA funding fee is federal and applies the same way in every state — it varies by loan type and use, and Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are generally exempt.
Can Matthew help with VA loans near Fort Hood or San Antonio?
Yes. Matthew is based in Austin and works with Texas buyers near major installations, including Fort Hood, Joint Base San Antonio, and Fort Bliss.
Ask Matthew about your VA home loan
Tell Matthew a little about the property and your plans. He'll follow up by phone or email — no obligation.
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