I'm Bond Peter Njoku, a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS #2670329), and while my office is in Garland, I close loans across Tarrant County regularly — and Fort Worth has one of the best city-run down payment programs in all of DFW. If you're renting in Fort Worth and assume you need tens of thousands of dollars saved before you can buy, I want to walk you through what's actually available in 2026, because the Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program alone can change the entire math.
Fort Worth HAP: The City's Own $25,000 Program
Fort Worth runs its own Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP), offering up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost help for income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing within city limits. The assistance is structured as a forgivable loan over five years — stay in the home as your primary residence for the full term and you owe nothing back. This is one of the more generous city-level programs in DFW, and it's specific to Fort Worth, meaning buyers in neighboring Tarrant County cities don't have access to this exact program.
Stacking Fort Worth HAP With Statewide Programs
| Program | Assistance Amount | Type | First-Time Buyer Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth HAP | Up to $25,000 | Forgivable over 5 years | Yes |
| TSAHC Home Sweet Texas | 3–5% of loan amount | Grant — never repaid | No |
| TDHCA My First Texas Home | Up to 5% of loan amount | Deferred, forgiven at year 3 | Yes (or veteran) |
In most cases I structure a file around one primary DPA source paired with FHA financing, since combining more than one down-payment program can trigger overlapping restrictions on total assistance. I run the comparison for every Fort Worth client to determine whether HAP alone, or a statewide grant, gets you into your home with the least cash out of pocket.
Income Limits and Qualifying Factors
Tarrant County's 2026 income limit for these programs is approximately $97,200 for a one-to-two person household, with higher limits for larger families. Credit-wise, I generally need a 620 minimum FICO score to pair Fort Worth HAP or a state grant with FHA financing, though exceptions exist for strong files.
| Factor | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum credit score | 620 (case-by-case exceptions) |
| Tarrant County income limit (1-2 person household) | ~$97,200 |
| Residency requirement | Primary residence, full forgiveness term |
| Homebuyer education course | Required for HAP and TDHCA |
What This Looks Like on a Real Fort Worth Purchase
On a $275,000 Fort Worth home, the full $25,000 HAP allocation covers well beyond the FHA minimum down payment of roughly $9,625, leaving the remainder available for closing costs, prepaid items, or even a temporary interest rate buydown. I map this out for every Fort Worth client before we start touring homes so there are no surprises when we get to the closing table.
Ready to Buy in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth HAP funding is limited each fiscal year, so timing matters. Check my Fort Worth location page for a market overview, my Fort Worth DPA combo page for full program details, or my FHA loans in Fort Worth page to see how I structure the pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance is available in Fort Worth TX?
Fort Worth's own HAP program offers up to $25,000 in forgivable assistance over five years for eligible first-time buyers, and that can be layered with statewide programs like TSAHC Home Sweet Texas. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 and I'll check your eligibility for both.
What is the Fort Worth HAP program?
Fort Worth HAP (Homebuyer Assistance Program) provides up to $25,000 toward down payment and closing costs for income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing within Fort Worth city limits, forgiven over a five-year period as long as you stay in the home. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), call or text me at 469-545-7180 to see if you qualify.
Can I combine Fort Worth HAP with an FHA loan?
Yes, I regularly pair Fort Worth HAP with FHA financing since FHA's 3.5% down payment requirement is easily covered, often with funds left over for closing costs. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 to run your specific numbers.
What are the income limits for Fort Worth HAP in 2026?
Tarrant County income limits for Fort Worth HAP sit around $97,200 for smaller households in 2026, with higher limits for larger families. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), and I'll check your household income against the current limit for free — call or text me at 469-545-7180.
See What Fort Worth HAP Can Do for You
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329). I'll check your eligibility for Fort Worth HAP and every stackable statewide program, then show you the real numbers before you make an offer. Call or text me at 469-545-7180, message me on WhatsApp, or start your pre-approval online.