I'm Bond Peter Njoku, a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS #2670329), and Terrell is one of the few DFW markets where I actually have two paths to zero-or-low upfront cash: grant-based down payment assistance, or USDA's true zero-down financing across most of the city. Most lenders only offer you one of these. I check both before we pick a strategy.
Kaufman County's Income Limits
Kaufman County's 2026 income limit for TSAHC and TDHCA assistance sits around $97,200 for a smaller household — in line with Dallas and Tarrant counties. For USDA specifically, the Kaufman County limit runs higher, at approximately $112,450 for a household of 1–4 and $148,450 for a household of 5–8. I check both sets of limits, since a household that exceeds the TSAHC/TDHCA threshold may still qualify for USDA's more generous cap.
Programs Available to Terrell 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) |
| USDA Rural Development (eligible areas) | 100% financing | No down payment required | No, but income-qualified |
| FHA base loan | 3.5% minimum down | Insured mortgage | No |
Terrell's median home price typically runs $210,000–$260,000, so a 5% grant of $10,500–$13,000 goes a long way here. For most Terrell addresses, I also run a USDA loan comparison since it can eliminate the down payment question entirely rather than just reducing it.
Credit and Qualifying Requirements
| Factor | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum credit score (FHA + DPA pairing) | 620 (case-by-case to 600) |
| Minimum credit score (USDA) | 640 typical |
| Kaufman County income limit — TSAHC/TDHCA (1-2 person household) | ~$97,200 |
| Kaufman County income limit — USDA (1-4 person household) | ~$112,450 |
| Homebuyer education course | Required for TDHCA and USDA, recommended for TSAHC |
A Realistic Terrell Scenario
On a $230,000 Terrell home, a 5% Home Sweet Texas grant is $11,500, which paired with FHA's 3.5% down of $8,050 leaves $3,450 toward closing costs. Since most of Terrell falls in a USDA-eligible zone, that same buyer could instead close with no down payment at all — I run both scenarios side by side so you see which structure actually nets more cash in your pocket at closing.
Next Steps for Terrell Buyers
Terrell's mix of grant programs and broad USDA eligibility makes it one of the more flexible markets I work in. Visit my Terrell location page for a market overview, my Terrell DPA combo page for full program breakdowns, or my FHA loans in Terrell page if grants plus FHA fit your situation better than USDA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What down payment assistance is available for Terrell TX buyers in 2026?
Terrell 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). Most of Terrell also qualifies for USDA's zero-down financing, which I check on every Terrell file before recommending a grant strategy. 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 Terrell?
Kaufman County's 2026 income limit for TSAHC and TDHCA is approximately $97,200 for a one-to-two person household. For USDA specifically, the Kaufman County limit runs higher — about $112,450 for households of 1–4 and $148,450 for 5–8. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), call or text me at 469-545-7180 to see where your household falls.
Is USDA financing an option instead of down payment assistance in Terrell?
Yes — most of Terrell sits in a USDA-eligible part of Kaufman County, so USDA Rural Development loans offering 100% financing with no down payment at all are often a stronger option than a grant-plus-FHA structure. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 to check if a specific address qualifies.
Do I need to be a first-time buyer for Terrell down payment assistance?
Not for every program. TSAHC Home Sweet Texas has no first-time buyer requirement, so a Terrell move-up buyer can use it 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 Terrell
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329). I'll check your income against Kaufman County's 2026 limits, confirm whether USDA applies to your target address, and show you which path saves the most upfront cash. Call or text me at 469-545-7180, message me on WhatsApp, or start your pre-approval online.