I'm Bond Peter Njoku, and one program I bring up with almost every first-time buyer I work with in DFW is My First Texas Home. It's run by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), and it does two things at once: it hands you down payment assistance you don't have to repay in most cases, and it pairs that with a below-market 30-year fixed mortgage rate. If you've been putting off buying because you can't get past the down payment, this program exists specifically to solve that problem. Here's exactly how it works.
What My First Texas Home Actually Gives You
The program provides down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of your final loan amount, structured as a second lien behind your primary mortgage. That second lien is deferred, meaning you make no separate monthly payment on it, and in many structures it's forgiven over time as long as you stay in the home and don't refinance out of the program early. Paired with an FHA loan requiring just 3.5% down, the assistance can cover your entire down payment and still leave room for closing costs.
- Up to 5% of your loan amount in down payment and closing cost assistance
- Available with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional first mortgages
- Below-market 30-year fixed interest rate on the primary loan
- No separate monthly payment on the assistance itself
- Statewide program — available across all 20 cities I serve in DFW
My First Texas Home — Key Numbers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Assistance amount | Up to 5% of the total loan amount |
| Structure | Deferred second lien, no separate monthly payment |
| Minimum credit score | Varies by loan type — typically 620+, some FHA paths lower |
| First-time buyer requirement | Yes, unless you're an eligible veteran |
| Income limits (Dallas/Tarrant) | Approximately $97,200 |
| Income limits (Collin/Denton/Rockwall) | Approximately $119,700 |
| Homebuyer education | Required, completed online or in person before closing |
Figures are directional estimates for 2026 based on published TDHCA guidance. Income limits and assistance percentages can be adjusted — I confirm exact current numbers for your county before we move forward.
Who This Program Fits Best
My First Texas Home is built for exactly the buyer profile I see most often in Garland, Mesquite, and East Dallas: renters with steady income, a credit score somewhere between 580 and 680, and little to no savings set aside for a down payment. It also works well for buyers in Rockwall, Forney, and Royse City who don't qualify for USDA's zero-down financing but still need help covering upfront costs. If you've already saved a full down payment, you may not need this program — but for most first-time buyers, it's one of the fastest ways to get from renting to owning.
How It Pairs With Loan Types
My First Texas Home isn't a standalone loan — it's assistance layered on top of a first mortgage. Most of my clients pair it with FHA financing because the combination gets total upfront cash closest to zero. If you're a veteran, pairing it with a VA loan can eliminate the down payment requirement entirely, using the assistance purely for closing costs. Buyers in USDA-eligible areas like Forney or Royse City can also combine it with a USDA loan for a genuinely zero-out-of-pocket purchase in many cases.
Steps to Use My First Texas Home
- Confirm income eligibility for your county. I check this first since it varies by household size and county.
- Get pre-approved with a lender who's set up for TDHCA programs. Not every loan officer processes these regularly — I do.
- Complete an approved homebuyer education course. This is a one-time requirement, usually a few hours online.
- Shop for your home with your assistance amount already factored into your budget. Knowing your DPA amount upfront changes what price range makes sense.
- Close with both liens recorded together. Your first mortgage and the TDHCA second lien close simultaneously.
How I Help You Use This Program
I process My First Texas Home applications regularly across Garland, Dallas, Mesquite, Fort Worth, and the rest of DFW, and I know exactly which documentation TDHCA wants and how to keep your file moving without delays. If a down payment has been the only thing standing between you and homeownership, call or text me at 469-545-7180, or start your pre-approval at bondmortgagesolutions.com and I'll tell you within a day or two whether you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does My First Texas Home give you toward a down payment?
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), and My First Texas Home provides down payment and closing cost assistance up to 5% of your loan amount, structured as a deferred forgivable second lien through TDHCA. Combined with FHA's 3.5% minimum down payment requirement, many buyers close with little to no cash out of pocket beyond earnest money and inspections. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 and I'll run your exact numbers.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for My First Texas Home?
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), and generally yes — you need to be a first-time buyer, defined by TDHCA as not having owned a home in the past three years, unless you're an eligible veteran, in which case that requirement is waived. You'll also need to meet income limits for your county and complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing. I can confirm your eligibility at bondmortgagesolutions.com.
What are the income limits for My First Texas Home in DFW?
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), and income limits vary by county and household size — Dallas and Tarrant County limits run around $97,200, while Collin, Denton, and Rockwall County limits run closer to $119,700 for most household sizes as of 2026. These figures can shift, so I always verify current limits against your specific county before we move forward. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 for your exact number.
Can I combine My First Texas Home with other down payment assistance?
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), and generally you use one primary state or local DPA program per loan rather than stacking multiple second liens, since TDHCA, Dallas DHAP, and Fort Worth HAP each have their own underwriting rules. What I do is compare which single program nets you the most assistance and the best terms for your specific city and situation. Reach me at 469-545-7180 or bondmortgagesolutions.com to compare your options.
Let's see how much down payment assistance you qualify for.
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), and I process My First Texas Home applications across DFW every week. Text or call me at 469-545-7180 to check your eligibility.