First-Time Homebuyer Programs Irving TX 2026: Dallas DHAP, TSAHC, FHA, and Conventional

I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) and I help first-time buyers close on homes in Irving every month. Irving sits at the center of the Las Colinas employment corridor — one of the largest office markets in DFW — with DART rail access and median home prices running $310,000–$400,000. As part of Dallas County, Irving buyers have access to one of the largest down payment assistance amounts in the region: up to $60,000 through the Dallas DHAP program. Here's what first-time buyers in Irving need to know for 2026.

What first-time homebuyer programs are available in Irving TX in 2026?

Irving buyers can draw on four programs, and I check every client against all of them:

Dallas DHAP (Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program) — up to $60,000 in forgivable assistance for first-time buyers, forgiven over 5 years. Available to purchases within the City of Irving and requires household income at or below Dallas County limits and completion of a homebuyer education course.

TSAHC Home Sweet Texas — a grant of 3–5% of the loan amount, never repaid. Dallas County income limit of $97,200 for 1–4 person households. Requires 620 FICO. No first-time buyer requirement.

TDHCA My First Texas Home — up to 5% deferred, forgiven at year 3. Same $97,200 Dallas County income cap. Requires first-time buyer status or veteran re-entry.

FHA and conventional loans — FHA at 3.5% down from 580 FICO, conventional at 3% down from 620 FICO. Both stack with the DPA programs above.

How do loan programs compare for Irving first-time buyers?

The Dallas DHAP amount — up to $60,000 — is significantly larger than TSAHC or TDHCA on its own, but it comes with stricter income and property location requirements. I run both scenarios for Irving buyers to see which combination puts more money toward their purchase.

What will my mortgage payment be on an Irving TX home?

At Irving's median of roughly $350,000, here's a 3.5% down FHA purchase at 7.0% on a 30-year fixed:

• Purchase price: $350,000
• Down payment (3.5%): $12,250
• Loan amount: $337,750
• Principal & interest: approximately $2,247/month
• FHA annual MIP (0.55%): approximately $155/month
• Dallas County property taxes (~2.0%): approximately $583/month
• Homeowners insurance: approximately $145/month
• Total PITI: approximately $3,130/month

With Dallas DHAP covering the down payment and a portion of closing costs, many income-qualifying Irving buyers close with minimal cash out of pocket. Closing costs on a $350,000 Irving purchase typically run $6,000–$8,500, and FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% ($21,000) toward those costs.

Does Irving have USDA or VA options too?

Irving is fully urban and not USDA-eligible, but it is a strong VA loan market given its proximity to Dallas-area employers and its central DFW location. Eligible veterans and active duty buyers get $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance, which can beat even a DPA-assisted FHA payment. If you or your spouse served, I always check VA eligibility first before quoting FHA or DHAP scenarios.

Earlier this year I helped a family relocating to Irving for a job near Las Colinas — combined income of $89,000, 655 FICO, targeting a $340,000 townhome close to DART. Their income qualified for both Dallas DHAP and TSAHC, and after comparing the two we used DHAP's larger assistance amount to cover the down payment and most closing costs on an FHA loan. They closed with $1,650 out of pocket.

How do I get started with a mortgage in Irving?

1. Pre-approval call (15 minutes): I compare Dallas DHAP, TSAHC, and TDHCA against your income and tell you your realistic cash-to-close, same day.
2. Pre-approval letter (1–2 days): Irving listing agents near Las Colinas expect a letter before scheduling showings on competitively priced homes.
3. Home search (2–5 weeks): I coordinate with your agent so DPA program requirements — like homebuyer education — don't slow down an accepted offer.
4. Under contract to close (30–45 days): FHA with DHAP typically runs 35–50 days due to added program processing; conventional closes in 30–40 days.