I'm Bond Peter Njoku, a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS #2670329), and Plano buyers ask me the same question almost every week: "Isn't down payment assistance only for lower-priced homes?" It isn't. Plano sits in Collin County, where the income ceiling on these programs is actually higher than in Dallas or Tarrant County, and there's no cap tying the grant to a specific home price beyond standard loan limits.
Why Plano's Income Limits Work in Your Favor
Because Plano is in Collin County, the 2026 income limit for TSAHC and TDHCA assistance sits around $119,700 for a smaller household — notably higher than the roughly $97,200 limit in Dallas and Tarrant counties. That gap is significant for Plano's dual-income professional households, many of whom would get turned away from assistance programs in nearby Dallas County suburbs but qualify here without issue.
Programs Available to Plano Buyers
| Program | Assistance Amount | Type | First-Time Buyer Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| FHA base loan | 3.5% minimum down | Insured mortgage | No |
| Conventional loan (with strong credit) | 3–5% minimum down | Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac | No |
Plano's median home price often runs $450,000–$650,000, well above the DFW average, so a 5% grant translates into $22,500–$32,500 — real money on a Plano purchase. I typically pair this assistance with FHA financing for buyers under 680 credit, and with conventional financing for move-up buyers who want to avoid FHA's mortgage insurance premium on a higher loan amount.
Credit and Qualifying Requirements
| Factor | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum credit score (FHA pairing) | 620 (case-by-case to 600) |
| Minimum credit score (conventional pairing) | 680+ |
| Collin County income limit (1-2 person household) | ~$119,700 |
| Homebuyer education course | Required for TDHCA, recommended for TSAHC |
A Realistic Plano Scenario
On a $500,000 Plano home, a 5% Home Sweet Texas grant is $25,000. Paired with FHA's 3.5% down requirement of $17,500, that leaves $7,500 in additional funds to apply toward closing costs or a rate buydown. For buyers who prefer conventional financing to skip FHA mortgage insurance, I run a side-by-side comparison with a 3% or 5% conventional down payment structure so you can see which path actually saves more over the life of the loan.
Next Steps for Plano Buyers
Plano's higher price points make getting your DPA strategy right even more valuable. Visit my Plano location page for a market overview, my Plano DPA combo page for full program breakdowns, or my conventional loans in Plano page if you're weighing FHA versus conventional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What down payment assistance is available for Plano TX buyers in 2026?
Plano buyers can use TSAHC Home Sweet Texas (a 3-5% grant with no repayment) and TDHCA My First Texas Home (up to 5%, forgiven at year three), both statewide programs I use regularly for Collin County clients. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 to check your eligibility.
What is the income limit for down payment assistance in Plano?
Collin County's 2026 income limit for these programs is approximately $119,700 for a one-to-two person household, higher than Dallas or Tarrant County limits, which helps more Plano households qualify than they'd expect. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), call or text me at 469-545-7180 to see where your household falls.
Can I use down payment assistance on a higher-priced Plano home?
Yes. Plano's median price runs well above the DFW average, so a 5% grant is worth more in raw dollars here than in less expensive suburbs. There's no program cap on home price beyond standard FHA or conventional loan limits. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 to run the numbers on a specific home.
Do I need to be a first-time buyer for Plano down payment assistance?
Not always. TSAHC Home Sweet Texas has no first-time buyer requirement, so a Plano move-up buyer qualifies too. TDHCA My First Texas Home requires first-time buyer status unless you're a veteran. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 for a full eligibility check.
Find Out What You Qualify For in Plano
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329). I'll check your income against Collin County's 2026 limits and show you exactly how far a grant stretches on a Plano home. Call or text me at 469-545-7180, message me on WhatsApp, or start your pre-approval online.