The Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program helps first-time buyers and displaced homeowners with up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, making it easier to own a home with less cash upfront.
Verify Your Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Eligibility
The Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program is a government-funded down payment assistance program that gives money to help people buy a home in Fort Worth.
It offers up to $25,000 for down payment and closing costs.
The program is for first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned a home in the last three years.
It makes buying a home easier by lowering the upfront costs.
Whether you’re buying your first home or starting over, this program gives you the money you need to make it happen.
This program offers powerful benefits to make buying a home easier:
Get up to $25,000 in assistance for your down payment and closing costs.
No repayment required if you meet the residency requirements.
Use funds for closing costs or down payment, whichever helps you more.
Lower upfront costs, making homeownership possible sooner.
Helps first-time buyers and displaced homeowners achieve their goals.
Supports many property types within Fort Worth city limits.
Provides homebuyer education, preparing you for ownership success.
Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Check your eligibility free and fast online today.
Complete homebuyer counseling with a HUD-approved agency.
Work with a city-approved lender to apply and receive your assistance.
To qualify for this program, you must meet these requirements:
Be a first-time homebuyer (not owned a home in the last 3 years) or a displaced homeowner.
Have household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Buy a home within Fort Worth city limits.
Ensure the sales price is within program limits (95% of area median sales price).
Qualify for a first-lien mortgage from a city-approved lender.
Make a minimum contribution of $1,000 or 2% of the purchase price, whichever is less.
Have two months of mortgage payments in reserves (no gift funds allowed).
The home must pass required inspections and environmental review.
Complete homebuyer counseling through a HUD-approved agency.
Agree to live in the home for 5 or 10 years depending on the assistance amount.
The Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $25,000 to help with your down payment and closing costs.
To keep the full amount, you must live in the home as your main residence for 10 years; if you stay for at least 5 years, you can keep up to $14,999.
You can use the funds entirely for your down payment or use up to 3% for closing costs with the rest going toward your down payment.
Buyers must contribute at least $1,000 or 2% of the purchase price, whichever is less, and have two months of mortgage payments saved (gift funds are not allowed for reserves).
The home you buy must pass all required inspections and meet program guidelines.
Here are some important questions and answers to help you understand the details of this program and avoid surprises.
No, the funds can only be used for your down payment and closing costs. Any repairs or upgrades will need to be paid out of your own savings or separate financing.
If you move out before meeting the residency requirement, you will need to repay a portion or all of the assistance received, based on how long you lived there.
Generally, down payment assistance is not considered taxable income, but you should always consult your tax advisor to confirm how it applies in your situation.
It depends on the specific rules of both programs and your lender, but often combining multiple assistance sources is limited. Always discuss this with your lender upfront.
No, but you must qualify for a mortgage with a city-approved lender. Most lenders require a minimum credit score around 620, but higher scores can make approval easier.
You will need to address any issues before closing or choose another property. The home must meet Minimum Acceptable Standards and pass the Environmental Review to qualify.
Yes, but it must still fall within the program’s sales price limits and be located within Fort Worth city limits.
Yes, condos and townhomes are eligible as long as they meet the program’s requirements, including price limits and inspection standards.
It can add a bit of time because the city needs to review and approve your application, so plan for a slightly longer closing timeline compared to conventional purchases.
As long as you qualify at the time of application and closing, income changes afterward do not affect your eligibility or assistance amount.
Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but we make it simple.
Our team has helped thousands of buyers use down payment assistance programs like Fort Worth HAP to get into homes with less money upfront.
We know the program requirements inside and out, so we can guide you every step of the way with clear answers, fast responses, and honest advice.
When you work with us, you’re choosing a partner who is committed to making homeownership possible for you, with proven results and trusted expertise.
