I'm Bond Peter Njoku, a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS #2670329), and Richardson is a market I get a lot of questions about because it straddles two very different DFW income-limit zones. The city itself sits in Dallas County, but it borders Collin County, and I regularly work with buyers who assume the higher Collin County limit applies just because Richardson feels like a Collin County suburb. Getting this right matters, because it changes whether you qualify.
Dallas County's Income Limits Apply Here
Dallas County's 2026 income limit for TSAHC and TDHCA assistance is approximately $97,200 for a one-to-two person household. Because Richardson is legally in Dallas County, this is the number I check first — not the roughly $119,700 limit used just across the border in Collin County. I've seen buyers get their hopes up assuming the higher figure applied to their Richardson address, so confirming this upfront saves a lot of confusion later in the process.
Programs Available to Richardson 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) |
| Dallas DHAP (limited addresses) | Up to $60,000 | Forgivable over 5 years | Yes |
| FHA base loan | 3.5% minimum down | Insured mortgage | No |
Richardson's established neighborhoods typically run $336,000–$420,000, so a 5% grant means roughly $16,800–$21,000 toward your down payment. I also check whether a specific Richardson address happens to fall inside the City of Dallas's DHAP boundary, since that program's up-to-$60,000 forgivable loan is a much bigger number than TSAHC or TDHCA when it applies. Most Richardson addresses don't qualify for DHAP, but it's always worth checking before ruling it out.
Credit and Qualifying Requirements
| Factor | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum credit score (FHA + DPA pairing) | 620 (case-by-case to 600) |
| Minimum credit score (Conventional + DPA pairing) | 640–660 typical |
| Dallas County income limit (1-2 person household) | ~$97,200 |
| Homebuyer education course | Required for TDHCA and DHAP, recommended for TSAHC |
A Realistic Richardson Scenario
On a $420,000 Richardson home, a 5% Home Sweet Texas grant is $21,000. Paired with FHA's 3.5% down payment of $14,700, that grant covers your entire down payment with about $6,300 left toward closing costs. If your household income is close to the $97,200 Dallas County limit, I run the numbers early so we're not surprised mid-contract — that's a conversation I'd rather have before you're under a deadline.
Next Steps for Richardson Buyers
Richardson's Dallas County status changes the math compared to its Collin County neighbors, so it pays to work with someone who checks the county line, not just the city name. Visit my Richardson location page for a market overview, my Richardson DPA combo page for full program breakdowns, or read my TSAHC Home Sweet Texas guide for a closer look at the grant that works statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What down payment assistance is available for Richardson TX buyers in 2026?
Richardson 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), paired with an FHA or conventional first mortgage. 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 Richardson?
Dallas County's 2026 income limit for TSAHC and TDHCA is approximately $97,200 for a one-to-two person household. Richardson sits in Dallas County, so this is the limit that applies even though the city itself borders higher-limit Collin County. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), call or text me at 469-545-7180 to see where your household falls.
Does Richardson's Dallas DHAP program work alongside TSAHC or TDHCA?
Richardson buyers purchasing inside Dallas city limits may be eligible for the Dallas DHAP program (up to $60,000, forgivable over 5 years), but most of Richardson falls outside Dallas's DHAP boundary, so TSAHC and TDHCA are typically the go-to programs here. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 and I'll confirm which programs apply to your specific address.
How much does down payment assistance cover on a typical Richardson home?
On a $420,000 Richardson home, a 5% Home Sweet Texas grant is $21,000, which covers an FHA 3.5% down payment of $14,700 with roughly $6,300 left for closing costs. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 and I'll run the exact numbers for your target price range.
Find Out What You Qualify For in Richardson
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329). I'll confirm which county limits apply to your Richardson address and show you exactly how much a grant saves you upfront. Call or text me at 469-545-7180, message me on WhatsApp, or start your pre-approval online.