I'm Bond Peter Njoku, a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS #2670329), and Fort Worth's Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) is one of the more generous city-run down payment programs I work with anywhere in DFW. It can provide up to $25,000 toward a down payment and closing costs for eligible first-time buyers, and because it's forgivable rather than a straight loan, most of my Fort Worth clients never repay a dollar of it as long as they stay put for the program's affordability period.
How Fort Worth HAP Assistance Works
HAP is administered by the City of Fort Worth and funds up to $25,000 in assistance, structured as a forgivable loan tied to a 5-year affordability period. As long as you keep the home as your primary residence through that period, the balance is forgiven — you don't make payments on it and you don't owe it back at closing on a future sale. If you sell or refinance out of the program early, a prorated portion may come due, which is one of the first things I walk every Fort Worth buyer through before we apply.
Who Qualifies for Fort Worth HAP
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Buyer status | First-time homebuyer (or hasn't owned in 3 years) |
| Property location | Must be within Fort Worth city limits |
| Household income | At or below Tarrant County limits (~$97,200 for smaller households in 2026) |
| Homebuyer education | Required course completion before closing |
| Occupancy | Primary residence only, for the 5-year affordability period |
I've found the income limit is where most Fort Worth buyers have questions, since it varies by household size and is adjusted periodically. Rather than guessing, call or text me at 469-545-7180 and I'll run your exact household income against the current published limits before you spend time house hunting.
Pairing HAP With FHA Financing
I pair Fort Worth HAP with an FHA loan for the vast majority of my Fort Worth clients, since FHA's 3.5% minimum down payment is easily covered by the program's assistance amount — often with money left over for closing costs. On a $300,000 Fort Worth home, FHA's minimum down payment is $10,500, meaning a full $25,000 HAP allocation covers that down payment more than twice over, freeing up the rest for rate buydowns, prepaid taxes and insurance, or lender fees. Some qualified buyers also use it alongside a conventional loan if their credit profile supports it.
A Realistic Fort Worth Scenario
| Home Price | FHA 3.5% Down Needed | HAP Assistance Applied | Remaining Toward Closing Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| $275,000 | $9,625 | $25,000 | $15,375 |
| $325,000 | $11,375 | $25,000 | $13,625 |
| $375,000 | $13,125 | $25,000 | $11,875 |
That leftover amount often means a Fort Worth buyer can come to closing with little to no out-of-pocket cash, which is a scenario I've built for dozens of clients across the city. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 to see how this plays out on the specific home you're considering.
What to Do Next
If Fort Worth HAP sounds like it could work for you, start by visiting my Fort Worth DPA combo page for the full program list, check my Fort Worth location page for current market data, or read my broader down payment assistance guide to see how HAP compares to statewide programs like TSAHC and TDHCA. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 and I'll confirm your eligibility before you make an offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)?
Fort Worth HAP provides up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time buyers, structured as a forgivable loan over a 5-year period. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 to check whether you qualify.
How is Fort Worth HAP assistance forgiven?
The assistance is structured as a forgivable second lien that reduces over the 5-year affordability period, provided you keep the home as your primary residence and don't sell or refinance out of it early. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), call or text me at 469-545-7180 for the exact forgiveness schedule.
What are the income limits for Fort Worth HAP in 2026?
Tarrant County's 2026 income limit for this program runs approximately $97,200 for a smaller household, though the exact figure varies by household size, so I always run your specific numbers. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 to see where you land.
Can I use Fort Worth HAP with an FHA loan?
Yes, I most often pair Fort Worth HAP with FHA financing because the 3.5% minimum down payment requirement stacks well with the program's assistance amount, often covering the down payment and much of your closing costs. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) — call or text me at 469-545-7180 to see the numbers on your target home.
Find Out How Much Fort Worth HAP Could Cover
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329). I'll check your income against Tarrant County's 2026 limits and show you exactly how far the $25,000 HAP allocation stretches on your target Fort Worth home. Call or text me at 469-545-7180, message me on WhatsApp, or start your pre-approval online.