SOUTH DFW HOME BUYING
Up to $35,000+ in Down Payment Assistance Available in South DFW
Most first-time buyers in Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, and Fort Worth qualify for at least one — and often two or more — down payment assistance programs. Crystal will show you exactly which ones apply to you.
See Which Programs You Qualify ForEvery Down Payment Assistance Program in South DFW
AHAP — City of Arlington Homebuyer Assistance Program
Up to $10,000
The City of Arlington provides down payment and closing cost assistance to income-qualifying buyers purchasing within Arlington city limits. Funds are provided as a forgivable loan that converts to a grant after the buyer remains in the home for a set period.
Key Requirements
Must be purchasing a primary residence within Arlington city limits. Household income must fall within HUD income limits for the Arlington area. Must attend HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Works with FHA, VA, and conventional loans.
TSAHC — My First Texas Home
Up to 5% of Loan Amount
The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation's My First Texas Home program provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage paired with down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount. Available across all of Crystal's service area — Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, and Fort Worth.
Key Requirements
Must be a first-time buyer (or not have owned a home in the past 3 years). Income and purchase price limits apply by county. Tarrant County limits are generous — most south DFW buyers qualify. Pairs well with TDHCA and local programs.
TDHCA — Texas Homebuyer Program
Up to 5% DPA + 30-Year Fixed Rate
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs offers the Texas Homebuyer Program — a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with below-market interest rates and down payment assistance of up to 5%. Separate from TSAHC, allowing for strategic stacking.
Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)
Up to $14,999
Fort Worth's Homebuyer Assistance Program provides substantial down payment and closing cost assistance for income-qualifying buyers purchasing within Fort Worth city limits. One of the most generous municipal programs in north Texas.
VA Home Loan
0% Down — No PMI
Veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses can purchase a home with zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). Given NAS JRB Fort Worth's presence, this is especially relevant in the south Fort Worth and Benbrook areas. VA loans typically have the lowest rates of any loan type.
FHA Loans — Federal Housing Administration
3.5% Down — 580+ Credit
FHA loans are the most accessible path to homeownership for buyers who don't qualify for VA. With a 580+ credit score, buyers can purchase with as little as 3.5% down. FHA loans pair well with all the DPA programs listed above — most DPA programs are specifically designed for FHA borrowers.
How to Stack Programs and Maximize Your Assistance
Example: Arlington Buyer Using AHAP + TSAHC
Scenario: First-time buyer purchasing a $320,000 home in Arlington with FHA financing.
TSAHC assistance: 5% of $320,000 = $16,000 toward down payment and closing costs
AHAP assistance: Up to $10,000 additional
Total potential assistance: Up to $26,000
FHA minimum down on $320,000: $11,200 (3.5%)
In this scenario, the buyer's combined assistance ($26,000) exceeds the FHA minimum down payment — meaning they could cover the full down payment and have funds remaining for closing costs. Out-of-pocket expenses drop dramatically.
Programs have individual eligibility rules and stacking combinations vary. Crystal will help you find your specific best combination based on the home, city, income, and loan type.
Eligibility Overview
| Program | Max Assistance | Area | Income Limit (approx) | Price Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHAP | $10,000 | Arlington only | ~80% AMI (~$72K/household) | ~$350K |
| TSAHC My First TX Home | 5% of loan | Statewide | Varies by county (~$100K) | Varies by county |
| TDHCA | 5% of loan | Statewide | Varies by county | Varies by county |
| Fort Worth HAP | $14,999 | Fort Worth only | ~80% AMI | ~$300K |
| VA Loan | 100% financing | Nationwide | No income limit | No official limit |
Income and price limits are approximate and updated periodically. Contact Crystal for current limits and to confirm your eligibility.
Find Out Which Programs You Qualify For
Crystal will walk you through every program in 20 minutes — free, no commitment. She's helped dozens of south DFW buyers access assistance they didn't know they qualified for.
Book Your Free DPA Consultation