Down Payment Assistance Programs in Fort Worth, Texas

Purchasing a home in Fort Worth, Texas, is an exciting step, but the down payment can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, several down payment assistance programs are available to make homeownership more achievable for first-time and repeat buyers. This guide details the key programs in Fort Worth, including their names, what they offer, who they are for, and how to apply. These programs provide financial support for down payments and closing costs, helping residents achieve their dream of owning a home in this vibrant city.

City of Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)

The City of Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) supports first-time homebuyers purchasing within city limits.

• What It Offers: Up to $25,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs, structured as a no-interest, deferred, forgivable loan. Funds can be used for 3% of the loan amount toward closing costs with the remainder for down payment, or entirely for down payment.

• Who It’s For: First-time homebuyers (those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years) meeting HUD income limits based on household size. The home must be within Fort Worth city limits, with a maximum price of $290,000–$305,000.

• How to Apply: Applications are processed through certified lenders. A list of approved lenders is available at City of Fort Worth HAP Lenders. Updated March 2025.

Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) Programs

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) offers two programs for Dallas/Fort Worth residents: Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas, both accessible via TSAHC.

Homes for Texas Heroes

• What It Offers: Down payment assistance as a grant (no repayment required) or a deferred forgivable second lien loan (repayable only if the home is sold or refinanced within three years). Assistance amounts vary, e.g., $6,480 for an FHA loan (based on a success story).

• Who It’s For: Professionals in hero occupations, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, veterans, correction officers, and nursing/allied health faculty. Requires a minimum credit score of 620 and compliance with income limits.

• How to Apply: Take the TSAHC Eligibility Quiz to confirm eligibility. Work with a participating lender (TSAHC Lenders) and complete an approved homebuyer education course (TSAHC Education).

Home Sweet Texas

• What It Offers: Similar assistance as Homes for Texas Heroes, including grants or forgivable loans for down payment and closing costs.

• Who It’s For: First-time or repeat homebuyers not in hero professions, with a minimum credit score of 620 and meeting income requirements.

• How to Apply: Follow the same process as Homes for Texas Heroes, starting with the Eligibility Quiz.

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Programs

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) offers statewide programs applicable in Fort Worth, administered through The Texas Homebuyer Program.

My First Texas Home

• What It Offers: Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount for down payment and closing costs, available as a 30-year, 0% interest second lien or a 3-year forgivable second lien. Can be combined with a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) for tax credits.

• Who It’s For: First-time homebuyers (not owned a home in the past three years) or veterans, with a minimum credit score of 620, meeting income and property value limits.

• How to Apply: Work with approved lenders listed at TDHCA Lenders. Complete a homebuyer education course if required.

My Choice Texas Home

• What It Offers: Up to 5% of the mortgage amount for down payment and closing costs, with the same loan options as My First Texas Home.

• Who It’s For: Any homebuyer, including repeat buyers, with a minimum credit score of 620, meeting income and property value limits.

• How to Apply: Same process as My First Texas Home, via approved lenders and counselors (TDHCA Counselors).

Additional Resources

• Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Offered by both TSAHC (TSAHC MCC) and TDHCA, this provides a tax credit for a portion of mortgage interest paid annually, enhancing affordability when paired with down payment assistance.

• Local Lenders and Realtors: Engage with professionals familiar with these programs. Find TSAHC-approved realtors at TSAHC Realtors.

• Homebuyer Education: Required for TSAHC and some TDHCA programs. Courses are available through approved providers listed on program websites.

Getting Started

To access these programs:

1. Check Eligibility: Review program requirements to identify suitable options.

2. Complete Eligibility Quiz: For TSAHC, use the Eligibility Quiz.

3. Contact Certified Lenders: Work with approved lenders for HAP and TDHCA programs.

4. Complete Homebuyer Education: Enroll in approved courses if required.

5. Consult a Realtor: Partner with a realtor experienced in these programs for guidance.

Program Comparison Table

Program Name	Assistance Amount	Eligibility	Max Home Price	Type of Assistance
Fort Worth HAP	Up to $25,000	First-time homebuyers, HUD income limits, Fort Worth city limits	$290,000–$305,000	No-interest, forgivable loan
TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes	Varies (e.g., $6,480)	Hero professions, credit score ≥620, income limits	Program limits	Grant or forgivable loan
TSAHC Home Sweet Texas	Varies	First-time/repeat buyers, credit score ≥620, income limits	Program limits	Grant or forgivable loan
TDHCA My First Texas Home	Up to 5% of mortgage	First-time buyers, veterans, credit score ≥620, income/property limits	County limits	0% interest or forgivable loan
TDHCA My Choice Texas Home	Up to 5% of mortgage	Any buyer, credit score ≥620, income/property limits	Program limits	0% interest or forgivable loan

Notes

• Income Limits: Vary by program and county. For example, TSAHC in Dallas-Fort Worth allows up to $99,130 for some counties (Texas Lending Partners).

• Program Availability: Subject to funding availability. The Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) closed on April 15, 2025, and is no longer available (TDHCA HAF).

• Recent Updates: An X post from @tucasarealty_tx on June 25, 2025, highlights local down payment assistance resources (Free Guide).

Conclusion

Down payment assistance programs in Fort Worth, Texas, offer valuable support for homebuyers, from first-time buyers to professionals in hero occupations. By leveraging programs like the City of Fort Worth HAP, TSAHC’s Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas, and TDHCA’s My First and My Choice Texas Home, residents can overcome financial barriers to homeownership. Always verify eligibility and consult with certified lenders or realtors to navigate these opportunities effectively.