First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Dallas-Fort Worth

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and it is easy to see why. With a thriving job market, no state income tax, and a diverse array of neighborhoods, DFW has become a magnet for families and professionals looking to put down roots. But as the area grows, home prices have risen too, making down payment assistance programs more valuable than ever for first-time buyers in the region.

If you are looking to buy your first home in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, or anywhere else in the metroplex, this guide will walk you through the down payment assistance options available to you.

The DFW Housing Market in 2025

The Dallas-Fort Worth housing market remains one of the most dynamic in Texas. Median home prices across the metroplex generally range from the low $300,000s to the mid $400,000s, depending on the specific city and neighborhood. While prices have moderated from their pandemic-era peaks, affordability is still a challenge for many first-time buyers.

The good news is that DFW's size and diversity mean there is a wide range of price points. While areas like Southlake and Highland Park command premium prices, there are plenty of communities across Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties where first-time buyers can find homes well within the limits of Texas down payment assistance programs.

State-Level DPA Programs Available in DFW

Texas offers several statewide down payment assistance programs that work throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. These programs are administered by two agencies: the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC).

TDHCA My First Texas Home

The My First Texas Home program is designed specifically for first-time home buyers. It provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage paired with down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount. For a $350,000 home in DFW, that could mean up to $17,500 in assistance.

Key requirements for DFW buyers include:

• Must be a first-time home buyer (no homeownership in the past three years)
• Must meet income limits based on household size and county
• Must complete a homebuyer education course
• The home must be a primary residence

TDHCA My Choice Texas Home

The My Choice Texas Home program offers similar benefits but is open to both first-time and repeat home buyers. This is a great option if you have owned a home before but need help with a down payment on your next purchase in DFW.

TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes

If you work in education, law enforcement, firefighting, healthcare, corrections, or the military, the Homes for Texas Heroes program may be an ideal fit. It provides down payment assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount as either a grant or a second lien.

TSAHC Home Sweet Texas

The Home Sweet Texas program is open to all qualifying Texas home buyers, not just those in specific professions. Like the Heroes program, it offers up to 5% in DPA as a grant or second lien.

Income Limits for Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton Counties

Income limits are a critical piece of the DPA puzzle. Each program sets maximum household income levels that vary by county and household size. Because DFW spans multiple counties, limits can differ depending on exactly where you are buying.

For TDHCA programs, income limits in the DFW area are generally set at or near the area median income. In 2025, typical income limits for a household of one to two people in the DFW metroplex fall in the range of $90,000 to $115,000, depending on the specific county and program. Larger households may qualify with higher incomes.

TSAHC programs often have slightly different thresholds. It is important to check the most current limits, as they are updated annually based on federal data.

The best way to confirm your eligibility based on income is to take our qualifier quiz or speak with a licensed loan originator who specializes in DPA programs.

Local and City-Level Programs

In addition to state programs, several cities and organizations in the DFW area offer their own down payment assistance:

City of Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program

The City of Dallas offers up to $60,000 in assistance for eligible buyers purchasing within Dallas city limits. This program targets low-to-moderate income households and has specific requirements around income, property location, and homebuyer education.

Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office

Tarrant County provides housing assistance through various federal and local funding sources. Programs can include down payment assistance, closing cost help, and homebuyer education resources for residents of Fort Worth, Arlington, and surrounding communities.

Collin County and Denton County Programs

While Collin and Denton counties have fewer standalone local DPA programs compared to Dallas and Tarrant counties, buyers in these areas still have full access to all state-level TDHCA and TSAHC programs. Additionally, some nonprofit organizations and community groups offer targeted assistance in these rapidly growing suburban areas.

Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers in DFW

Finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right loan. Here are some areas across the metroplex where first-time buyers often find strong value:

Dallas County

• Mesquite offers affordable homes with easy access to downtown Dallas and Lake Ray Hubbard.
• Grand Prairie sits between Dallas and Fort Worth, offering competitive prices and a family-friendly environment.
• Lancaster is seeing renewed investment and offers homes well within DPA price limits.

Tarrant County

• Fort Worth (south and east) provides a growing selection of homes at accessible price points, with expanding infrastructure and amenities.
• White Settlement and Saginaw offer small-town charm with big-city proximity.

Collin County

• McKinney (east) has newer construction and master-planned communities that may fall within DPA purchase price limits.
• Princeton and Celina are rapidly growing and still offer competitive entry points for first-time buyers.

Denton County

• Denton itself is a college town with a vibrant downtown and homes at various price points.
• Aubrey and Pilot Point offer more rural settings with easy highway access to the rest of the metroplex.

Tips for First-Time Buyers in DFW

Navigating the DFW market as a first-time buyer can feel overwhelming, but these strategies can help:

Get Pre-Qualified with a DPA-Approved Lender First

Not every lender is approved to offer TDHCA and TSAHC programs. Working with a lender who specializes in Texas DPA programs, like the Cook Brothers Mortgage Team, ensures you have access to every option available to you. Starting with a pre-qualification also helps you understand your budget before you begin house hunting.

Complete Homebuyer Education Early

All Texas DPA programs require a homebuyer education course. Getting this done early in the process saves time later and gives you a solid foundation of knowledge about the home buying process.

Be Flexible on Location

The DFW metroplex is massive, covering over 9,000 square miles. Being open to different cities and neighborhoods significantly increases your chances of finding a home that fits both your budget and the DPA program requirements.

Consider New Construction

Several builders in the DFW area offer incentives that can be combined with state DPA programs. New construction in areas like Princeton, Celina, Forney, and Waxahachie can sometimes provide more value than resale homes in more established neighborhoods.

Move Quickly but Carefully

DFW is still a competitive market in desirable areas. Having your pre-approval and DPA eligibility confirmed before you make an offer puts you in a stronger position. At the same time, do not skip inspections or rush through due diligence just to close faster.

Understand the Full Cost of Homeownership

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are higher than the national average. In DFW, property tax rates typically range from 2% to 2.5% of assessed value. Make sure you factor this into your monthly budget alongside your mortgage payment, insurance, and any HOA fees.

How the Cook Brothers Mortgage Team Can Help

As a DPA-approved lending team based in Texas, we work with DFW buyers every day. We are approved to offer all four major state DPA programs and can help you determine which option provides the most benefit for your specific situation. Whether you are buying in downtown Dallas, suburban Frisco, or anywhere in between, we are here to guide you through the process.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are a first-time home buyer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, down payment assistance could be the key to making homeownership a reality. Take our free qualifier quiz to see which programs you may be eligible for, or contact us directly to start the conversation.

• Tanner Cook - NMLS #2090424 - (480) 420-4918
• Zac Cook - NMLS #2111496 - (480) 406-2016

Tanner Cook is a licensed mortgage loan originator (NMLS #2090424). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Loan approval is subject to credit and property qualification. Equal Housing Lender.