Complete Guide to State & City Programs in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Arlington, Irving, Garland, McKinney, and More

Complete Guide to State & City Programs in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Arlington, Irving, Garland, McKinney, and More

Discover Dallas-Fort Worth's most comprehensive down payment assistance programs. From Dallas's generous $60,000 DHAP program to Tarrant County's $50,000 assistance and statewide Texas programs, find the financial support you need to make homeownership a reality in the DFW metroplex.

Why Dallas-Fort Worth Offers Exceptional Down Payment Assistance

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex provides one of the nation's most robust down payment assistance ecosystems, combining generous city programs, county initiatives, state resources, and nonprofit partnerships. With Dallas offering up to $60,000, Tarrant County providing $50,000, and Fort Worth contributing $25,000, DFW homebuyers have access to more substantial assistance than most metropolitan areas in the United States. The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) further expand options with specialized programs for educators, veterans, first responders, and all Texas homebuyers.

💡 Key Insight: Dallas-Fort Worth's down payment assistance programs work with conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Most programs are structured as forgivable second mortgages, meaning you could receive thousands in assistance that disappears over time as you build equity. Dallas's program offers up to $60,000 in High Opportunity Areas - nearly double what most major cities provide. This isn't money you repay monthly; it's assistance designed to help you become a homeowner and stay in your home long-term.

Statewide Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs

Available Throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

🏠 TSAHC - Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation

Statewide Down Payment Assistance with Mortgage

Created by the Texas Legislature, TSAHC provides down payment assistance to homebuyers throughout Texas including all DFW cities. The organization offers DPA as either a grant (no repayment) or deferred forgivable loan (only repaid if you sell or refinance within 3 years). TSAHC has helped thousands of DFW residents achieve homeownership.

  • Assistance Options: Grant or deferred forgivable second lien loan for DPA
  • Grant Structure: Grant does not require repayment at all
  • Loan Structure: Deferred loan only repaid if sold/refinanced within 3 years
  • Credit Score: Minimum 620 FICO score required
  • Income Requirements: Income limits apply based on household size
  • Education Required: Approved homebuyer education course mandatory
  • Two Programs: Homes for Texas Heroes (hero professions) and Home Sweet Texas (all buyers)

🎖️ Homes for Texas Heroes

TSAHC Program for Hero Professions

This specialized TSAHC program provides down payment assistance and competitive mortgage rates to Texas hero profession workers. Eligible professions include educators, police, firefighters, EMS, veterans, active military, corrections officers, and healthcare faculty - all critical to DFW communities.

  • Eligible Professions: Teachers, teacher aides, librarians, counselors, nurses (public schools)
  • Public Safety: Police officers, public security officers, firefighters, EMS personnel
  • Military: Veterans and active-duty military personnel
  • Other Heroes: Corrections officers, juvenile corrections, nursing/allied health faculty
  • Same Assistance: Same DPA options as Home Sweet Texas program
  • Mortgage Options: Competitive 30-year fixed-rate mortgages available
  • DFW Coverage: Available throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, and all surrounding cities

🏡 Home Sweet Texas

TSAHC Program for All Homebuyers

If you don't qualify for a hero profession, Home Sweet Texas offers the same down payment assistance benefits to all eligible Texas homebuyers. This program provides flexibility with grant or loan options, working with participating lenders throughout the DFW area.

  • Eligibility: Open to all Texas homebuyers who meet credit/income requirements
  • Assistance Structure: Choose between grant or deferred forgivable loan
  • Repayment Terms: Loan only repaid if sold/refinanced within 3 years
  • Credit Requirement: 620+ FICO score minimum
  • Education: Homebuyer education course required before closing
  • Participating Lenders: Work through TSAHC-approved mortgage lenders
  • Geographic: Available in all DFW cities and throughout Texas

🌟 My First Texas Home

TDHCA Program with MCC Option

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) My First Texas Home program offers flexible down payment assistance combined with low-interest mortgages. First-time buyers can also apply for a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) providing annual federal tax credits.

  • Down Payment Assistance: Flexible DPA amounts available
  • Low Interest Rates: Below-market mortgage interest rates offered
  • MCC Available: Mortgage Credit Certificate provides annual tax credits
  • First-Time Buyer: Generally for first-time homebuyers
  • Income Limits: Household income restrictions apply
  • Sales Price Limits: Maximum home purchase price restrictions
  • Experienced Network: Network of approved mortgage and real estate professionals

🎯 My Choice Texas Home

TDHCA Program for Repeat Buyers

My Choice Texas Home extends TDHCA assistance to repeat homebuyers who don't meet the first-time buyer definition. This program recognizes that many Texans need assistance even if they've owned before, making homeownership accessible to more DFW residents.

  • Repeat Buyers: Don't need to be first-time homebuyer
  • Down Payment Assistance: Flexible DPA available
  • Low Interest Mortgage: Competitive below-market rates
  • Income Requirements: Household income limits apply
  • Sales Price Limits: Maximum home price restrictions
  • Professional Network: TDHCA-approved lenders and realtors
  • Statewide Access: Available throughout DFW and Texas

🤝 FHLB Dallas HELP Program

Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas provides down payment and closing cost assistance to income-qualified first-time homebuyers through participating member financial institutions. This program allocated $17 million for 2026, demonstrating strong commitment to DFW homeownership.

  • 2026 Allocation: $17 million allocated for the year
  • First-Time Buyers: Must be first-time homebuyer
  • Income Qualified: Income restrictions apply
  • Down Payment & Closing: Funds usable for both down payment and closing costs
  • Member Institutions: Work through participating FHLB Dallas member banks
  • Financial Support: Provides crucial assistance to bridge the affordability gap
  • DFW Coverage: Available to eligible buyers throughout the metroplex

City & County-Specific Down Payment Assistance

Discover generous local programs in addition to statewide options

Complete Eligibility Requirements by Program

Understand qualifying criteria for each Dallas-Fort Worth down payment assistance program

Program Income Limit Credit Score First-Time Buyer Max Assistance Forgiveness
Dallas DHAP 80% AMI Lender requirement No (3-year rule) Up to $60,000 Prorated annually
Fort Worth HAP 80% AMI Lender requirement Yes (3-year rule) Up to $25,000 10 years occupancy
Tarrant County Income limits apply Program specific Yes Up to $50,000 Program specific
Plano FTHB Low-moderate income Lender requirement Yes (3-year rule) $10K or $55K Deferred loan
Arlington HAP Modest income Lender requirement Yes Up to $20,000 Program specific
McKinney Up to $118,565 Lender requirement Generally yes $10K + $5K bonus Program specific
Denton HAP Low-moderate income Program specific Yes (3-year rule) Up to $50,000 Program specific
Frisco DPA Income qualified Lender requirement Yes Up to $10,000 Forgivable loan
TSAHC Programs Income limits apply 620+ minimum No Program specific 3 years (loan option)
TDHCA Programs Income limits vary Program specific Varies by program Flexible DPA Program specific
FHLB Dallas HELP Income qualified Member bank req. Yes Program specific Program specific

💡 Pro Tip: Many DFW buyers qualify for multiple programs simultaneously. You might be eligible for Dallas DHAP, TSAHC, and FHLB Dallas programs at the same time. Work with a DPA-experienced lender who can evaluate all options and recommend the best combination for your situation. Some buyers use city programs for larger amounts, while others prefer state programs with shorter forgiveness periods.

Your Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow this proven roadmap to successfully navigate Dallas-Fort Worth down payment assistance programs

💡 Timeline Expectations: The complete DFW home buying process with down payment assistance typically takes 75-120 days from pre-qualification to closing. Dallas DHAP applications (October-July window) may take longer due to annual funding cycles. Plan ahead if you have specific target dates. Homebuyer education alone takes 1-2 weeks to schedule and complete. Start early and stay organized for the smoothest experience.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid in DFW

Don't make ANY major financial changes during your application process. This includes buying cars, furniture, appliances, or opening new credit cards. Don't switch jobs unless absolutely necessary - lenders need to verify continuous employment. Avoid large bank deposits without documentation (gift letters required). Don't skip or rush through homebuyer education courses. For Dallas DHAP specifically, apply early in the October-July window before funds deplete. Don't assume you only qualify for one program - many DFW buyers have multiple options. Finally, ensure you understand occupancy requirements - most programs require you to live in the home as your primary residence for 3-10 years for full forgiveness.

Ready to Start Your Dallas-Fort Worth Homeownership Journey?

With up to $60,000 available through Dallas programs, $50,000 through Tarrant County, and multiple state programs serving the entire DFW metroplex, now is the time to take advantage of exceptional down payment assistance opportunities. These programs help thousands of families annually overcome the down payment barrier and achieve the dream of homeownership in the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth area.

What Makes DFW Down Payment Assistance Exceptional

  • Highest City Assistance: Dallas offers up to $60,000 - more than almost any major U.S. city
  • Multiple Program Layers: Stack city, county, state, and federal assistance options
  • Hero Profession Priority: Teachers, police, firefighters, veterans get specialized programs
  • Wide Income Ranges: Programs serve households earning up to $153,440 annually
  • Forgivable Structure: Most assistance disappears after 5-10 years occupancy
  • First-Time & Repeat Buyers: Many programs serve both buyer types
  • Strong DFW Market: Booming economy makes homeownership investment worthwhile
  • Experienced Professionals: Large network of DPA-experienced lenders and realtors

💡 Start Your Journey Today

Dallas DHAP accepts applications October 1st through July 31st annually - funds often deplete before July. Tarrant County's $50,000 program has limited funding with competitive applications. Don't wait - contact a DPA-experienced lender today to determine which programs you qualify for and begin your pre-qualification process. The sooner you start, the more options you'll have and the better positioned you'll be when you find your perfect DFW home.

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