Saving up is the hardest part of buying a house for a lot of people. We were renters when I was a kid, so I get it. There's real help out there, from the state, the city, and the county. I'm approved with most state and local down payment assistance programs. Eligibility depends on the program. Here's what exists, who it's for, and how to start. I'm in Fort Worth, and most of my clients are around DFW.
I always start with a soft pull, so no hard credit ding.
It's money toward your down payment, and on some programs your closing costs, that comes from a program instead of your savings. It usually shows up in one of three forms:
Assistance usually comes paired with a specific first mortgage, often FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional. So I don't just look at the help. I look at the whole loan, next to one without assistance, and show you which one actually costs you less.
My mom is still a teacher, and she still works two jobs. So I've got a heart for teachers. TSAHC's Homes for Texas Heroes program is built for full-time public K-12 classroom teachers, teacher aides, school librarians, school counselors, and school nurses. It also covers police officers, firefighters, EMS, corrections officers, county jailers, and veterans. First-time and repeat buyers can use it.
Teachers can often look at the other programs on this page too. Tell me where you teach and where you want to buy, and I'll line up what fits.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs runs statewide homebuyer programs. My First Texas Home is for first-time buyers, with exceptions for veterans and some targeted areas. My Choice Texas Home doesn't require you to be a first-time buyer. Both come with down payment assistance, income limits, and a required homebuyer education course.
The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation has its own statewide programs. Homes for Texas Heroes is for teachers, first responders, corrections officers, and veterans. Home Sweet Texas is for low- and moderate-income households. First-time and repeat buyers can use both.
The City of Fort Worth's program helps first-time buyers, or people who haven't owned a home in the last three years, buy inside Fort Worth city limits. It has HUD income limits, an inspection, and a requirement to live in the home for a set number of years. The city works through its approved lenders.
Buying in Tarrant County but outside Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grand Prairie? The Tarrant County program, run through Housing Channel, is for buyers who haven't owned a home in the last three years and meet the income limits. It requires a homebuyer workshop.
Buying outside Tarrant County, or in another state I lend in? Many cities, counties, and states have their own programs. Ask me what's available where you're buying.
Some programs are funded in rounds and pause when the money's gone. Programs and rules change too. I check what's open when you're ready to buy.
Most programs have household income limits, and many have purchase price limits. Some count everyone in the household. I'll check you against the current numbers.
A lot of programs require a homebuyer education course before closing. Do it early. It's not hard, and it keeps your closing date safe.
Assistance is for the home you live in, not a rental. Local programs often require you to stay for a set time, or part of the help has to be paid back.
Send the short form, call, or email. I'll tell you which programs you may be eligible for, which loan they pair with, and whether the help is worth it once you see the whole loan. If you're not ready yet, I'll tell you what to work on.
I lend in Texas, Oklahoma, California, Colorado, Montana, Florida and Georgia, and I can help in all the other states too.
I always start with a soft pull, so no hard credit ding.
Yes. There are statewide programs through TDHCA and TSAHC, the City of Fort Worth's Homebuyer Assistance Program for homes inside city limits, and Tarrant County's program for homes in the county outside Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grand Prairie. Each has its own rules.
Yes. TSAHC's Homes for Texas Heroes program is for full-time public K-12 teachers, teacher aides, school librarians, school counselors, and school nurses, plus first responders, corrections officers, and veterans. First-time and repeat buyers can use it.
Depends on the program. Many local programs and TDHCA's My First Texas Home are for buyers who haven't owned a home in the last three years, with some exceptions, like veterans on My First Texas Home. Other programs, like TDHCA's My Choice Texas Home and TSAHC's Homes for Texas Heroes, don't require it.
Depends on the program. Some help is a grant. Some is a second loan that's forgiven if you stay in the home long enough. Some is a second loan you repay when you sell or refinance. I'll tell you which kind you're looking at before you sign anything.
I'm approved with most state and local down payment assistance programs. Eligibility depends on the program, and so does which lenders can use it, so tell me where you're buying and I'll tell you what's available.
Usually, yes. Most programs have household income limits, and many have purchase price limits too. They're set by the program and change, so I'll check yours against the current numbers.
I always start with a soft pull, so no hard credit ding.
General information, not a commitment to lend. Programs are run by the agencies named, not by me, and their rules, limits, and funding change. Eligibility depends on the program. Subject to qualification and program guidelines. Not all applicants will qualify.
More answers on the FAQ page, or see Fort Worth home loans. Or head back home.