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 for many first-time buyers. The good news? There are several programs designed to help you bridge the gap and get into your dream home sooner than you think.

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment assistance (DPA) programs provide grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest second mortgages to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. These programs are typically offered by state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. In Texas, some of the most popular programs are available statewide and specifically benefit Fort Worth buyers.

TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation)

TSAHC is one of the most widely used DPA programs in Texas. They offer two main products:

**My First Texas Home** — Available to first-time buyers (or those who haven't owned a home in 3 years), this program provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to 5% of the loan amount in down payment assistance. The assistance comes as a grant that never has to be repaid.

**My Choice Texas Home** — Not a first-time buyer? No problem. This program is available to repeat buyers and offers similar benefits with competitive rates and DPA of up to 5%.

Both programs have income limits based on your county and household size, but the limits are generous enough that most moderate-income families in Tarrant County qualify.

Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs)

An MCC is a federal tax credit that allows you to claim a portion of your annual mortgage interest as a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. In Texas, TSAHC issues MCCs that can save you up to $2,000 per year on your federal taxes for the life of your loan. This isn't a deduction—it's a credit, meaning it directly reduces what you owe.

For a Fort Worth buyer with a $250,000 mortgage at 6.5% interest, an MCC could put an extra $2,000 back in your pocket every year. Over 10 years, that's $20,000 in savings.

Highlands Residential Mortgage

I work closely with Leslie at Highlands Residential Mortgage, who specializes in helping Fort Worth buyers navigate DPA programs. She handles the paperwork, coordinates with TSAHC, and makes the process as smooth as possible. If you're wondering whether you qualify, Leslie can run the numbers in minutes.

Fort Worth-Specific Programs

The City of Fort Worth also offers its own homebuyer assistance through the Neighborhood Services Department. Eligible buyers can receive up to $14,999 in down payment and closing cost assistance for homes within city limits. This program targets low-to-moderate income households and can be combined with TSAHC benefits for maximum savings.

How to Get Started

1. Check your eligibility — Visit TSAHC.org or contact me for a quick assessment.
2. Get pre-approved — Work with a DPA-approved lender like Highlands Residential Mortgage.
3. Find your home — That's where I come in. I'll help you find a home in Fort Worth, Benbrook, Saginaw, or anywhere in the DFW metroplex.
4. Close with confidence — With DPA covering your down payment, you can focus on making your new house a home.

Don't let the down payment hold you back. Reach out to me at Nathan@Birdie-Realty.com or call +1(817) 755-5959 to explore your options.