Fort Worth First-Time Homebuyer Assistance: Can You Really Get Up to $25,000?

If you think you need tens of thousands of dollars saved before you can even consider buying a home in Fort Worth, there is a local program worth knowing about.

Yes. The City of Fort Worth currently offers eligible first-time homebuyers up to $25,000 through its Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) to help with down payment and/or closing costs.

But there is an important word in that sentence: up to.

Not every buyer receives $25,000. The amount of assistance depends on the buyer's situation, the home's sales price, the mortgage amount and program requirements. Buyers also have to meet income, property, lender, education, reserve and occupancy requirements.

So before assuming you qualify or assuming you don' here is what Fort Worth buyers should understand.

What Is the Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program?

The City of Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program, commonly called HAP, is designed to help eligible first-time homebuyers with one of the biggest barriers to homeownership: the upfront cost.

The City currently says eligible buyers may receive up to $25,000 in payment- and interest-free assistance toward a down payment and/or closing costs.

There is one geographic requirement that is especially important:

The home must be located within Fort Worth city limits.

A Fort Worth mailing address does not necessarily answer that question, and this is not a general Tarrant County or DFW assistance program.

Before building your home search around HAP, confirm that the properties you're considering are actually eligible.

Can You Really Get $25,000?

Potentially, yes.

But I would never tell a buyer, "You're getting $25,000," before the program and lender determine eligibility and the actual assistance amount.

The City states that the amount depends on factors including the sales price and the loan amount provided by a HAP-approved lender.

Think of $25,000 as the current maximum assistance amount, not an automatic benefit.

That distinction matters when you're determining how much cash you need and what price range makes sense.

Is the $25,000 a Grant or a Loan?

This is another area where buyers need a clear explanation.

The City describes HAP assistance as a forgivable loan.

That means the assistance may eventually be forgiven when the program's requirements are satisfied, but buyers shouldn't treat it like cash with no conditions attached.

The City's detailed eligibility information currently says a buyer agrees to occupy the property as a principal residence for:

• 10 years when receiving assistance up to $25,000

• 5 years when receiving assistance up to $14,999

The City's webpage also contains simplified language referring to a five-year minimum. Because your actual obligation depends on the assistance you receive and the documents you sign, verify the specific affordability and occupancy period that applies to you with the City and your HAP-approved lender before closing.

If you sell the property before completing the applicable forgiveness period, an outstanding balance may have to be repaid.

That is why I would not describe HAP as simply "free money."

Who Qualifies for Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance?

Meeting one requirement does not guarantee approval. However, some of the major current requirements include:

• The property must be within Fort Worth city limits.

• The applicant must meet the program's first-time-homebuyer requirements.

• Household income must meet the applicable income limits.

• The buyer must qualify for a first-lien mortgage through a City-approved lender.

• The buyer must complete required homeownership education/counseling.

• The buyer must make the required minimum contribution.

• The buyer must have the required reserves.

• The property must meet the City's applicable property standards and environmental requirements.

The City makes the final determination regarding HAP eligibility.

What Are the Fort Worth HAP Income Limits for 2026?

The City says HAP eligibility is generally limited to households at or below 80% of HUD Area Median Income, adjusted for household size.

The City of Fort Worth's HAP webpage lists these income limits, last updated in June 2026:

Household Size	Maximum Listed Income
1 person	$61,800
2 people	$70,600
3 people	$79,450
4 people	$88,250
5 people	$95,350
6 people	$102,400
7 people	$109,450
8 people	$116,500

Income limits can change, so don't rely on an older social-media post, flyer or article when determining whether you qualify.

Check the current City requirements and speak with a HAP-approved lender.

What Counts as a First-Time Homebuyer?

This surprises a lot of people.

"First-time homebuyer" doesn't necessarily mean you have never owned a home in your life.

Under the City's current guidelines, an applicant can qualify if they are a first-time homebuyer or have not owned a home during the previous three years.

Certain displaced homeowners may also qualify.

So if you owned a home years ago but have been renting since then, don't automatically assume you're excluded.

Which Fort Worth Homes Qualify?

Location is only one part of the equation.

The home must be inside Fort Worth city limits and must meet the program's property requirements.

The City also requires the property to pass a Minimum Acceptable Standards inspection and an Environmental Review.

The City's current webpage says HOME regulations limit the property's sales price to no more than 95% of the area's median sales price under the applicable rules.

Because property-price limits and program guidelines can change, I recommend checking the current limit with your HAP-approved lender before getting attached to a particular property.

This is one reason I prefer buyers to understand their financing and assistance program before we start touring homes.

How Much Money Does the Buyer Still Need?

HAP does not mean buying a house with no money of your own.

Under the City's current guidelines, the buyer must contribute $1,000 or 2% of the purchase price, whichever is less.

Buyers are also responsible for certain home-purchase expenses that may include:

• Earnest money

• Option fee

• Home inspection

• Appraisal

• Other applicable out-of-pocket expenses

The City also requires reserves equal to two months of mortgage payments, and those reserves cannot consist of gift funds.

This is important.

Down-payment assistance can solve one part of the affordability puzzle. It doesn't eliminate every expense associated with buying and owning a home.

Do You Have to Take a Homebuyer Class?

Yes.

The City's application process currently requires homeownership education/counseling through an approved HUD-certified housing counseling agency.

The City's application steps describe an eight-hour homeownership education class.

I actually see education as a positive part of the process.

A first-time buyer shouldn't just know how to get to closing. You should understand what happens after closing too mortgage payments, maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes and the financial responsibility that comes with owning a home.

How Does the Fort Worth HAP Process Work?

The City's current process can be simplified into these steps:

Step 1: Work With a HAP-Approved Lender

The lender helps determine your mortgage qualification and works with the City's assistance program.

Step 2: Complete the Required Homebuyer Education

Complete the required homeownership education through an approved provider.

Step 3: Get Prequalified and Establish Your Price Range

This is where I want buyers to look beyond the maximum mortgage approval.

The better question is:

What monthly payment actually works for your life?

Those are not always the same number.

Step 4: Search for an Eligible Fort Worth Home

Once we know your financing, HAP considerations and realistic budget, we can focus the home search on properties that make sense.

Step 5: Make an Offer

When you find the right property, your real estate agent helps you structure and submit the offer.

Step 6: Your Lender Submits the HAP Application

According to the City's process, the participating lender submits the HAP application to the City for processing and approval.

Step 7: City and Property Requirements Are Completed

The City reviews the assistance application and applicable property requirements before closing and funding.

Common Mistakes I Would Avoid

Assuming $25,000 is automatic

It isn't. The program offers up to $25,000.

Shopping before understanding the program

A house may look affordable online but not work with your financing, assistance program or monthly budget.

Confusing Fort Worth with DFW

HAP is a City of Fort Worth program. Don't assume a property elsewhere in Tarrant County or the broader Dallas-Fort Worth area qualifies.

Spending every dollar before closing

The program requires reserves, and homeownership itself requires a financial cushion.

Ignoring the occupancy requirement

Understand how long you're agreeing to maintain the property as your principal residence and what could happen if you sell early.

Assuming assistance automatically means buying is the right decision

This may be the most important point.

Getting help with a down payment does not automatically make homeownership affordable.

I want a buyer to look at the mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, repairs and their other financial obligations before deciding whether buying makes sense.

Sometimes buying is the right next move.

Sometimes waiting, saving or improving your financial position is the better move.

How I Can Help Before You Start Touring Homes

My job isn't to determine whether the City will approve you for HAP. That decision belongs to the program and participating lender.

My role is on the real-estate side.

I can help you understand how your financing connects to the type, location and price of home you're considering.

That means asking questions such as:

What price range makes sense?

Which properties fit the program requirements?

What other upfront expenses should you prepare for?

Does the estimated monthly payment make sense for your budget?

And should you even start touring homes yet?

I would rather help you answer those questions first than spend weekends looking at houses that don't fit your financial plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can first-time homebuyers really receive up to $25,000 in Fort Worth?

Yes. As of September 2026, the City of Fort Worth says eligible first-time homebuyers may receive up to $25,000 in payment and interest-free assistance toward down payment and/or closing costs. The actual amount depends on the buyer and transaction and is not guaranteed.

Do I have to repay Fort Worth down-payment assistance?

The City describes the assistance as a forgivable loan. The detailed current guidelines establish an occupancy/affordability period based on the assistance amount. Selling before completing the applicable period can result in repayment of an outstanding balance. Confirm your exact terms before closing.

Do I qualify if I owned a house before?

Possibly. The City's current guidelines include applicants who have not owned a home during the previous three years, and certain displaced homeowners may also qualify.

Can I use Fort Worth HAP anywhere in Tarrant County?

No. The property must be located within Fort Worth city limits. Do not assume a Fort Worth mailing address or a property elsewhere in Tarrant County qualifies.

Do I still need my own money?

Yes. The City currently requires a minimum buyer contribution of $1,000 or 2% of the purchase price, whichever is less. Buyers are also responsible for certain expenses and must meet the reserve requirement.

Ask Dina: Could I Buy in Fort Worth?

Not sure whether you might qualify?

I can help you understand the homebuying side of the process, connect the financing questions with the type and price of home you're considering, and help you determine what your next step should be before you start touring homes.

Final HAP eligibility and assistance amounts are determined by the City of Fort Worth and participating lender.

Dina Morales | Selling Fort Worth
817.881.3474
RealtorDina.com

Sources

City of Fort Worth — Homebuyer Assistance Program
City of Fort Worth Neighborhood Services — HAP Guidelines

Program requirements, funding availability, income limits, property-price limits and lender requirements can change. Verify current information directly with the City of Fort Worth and a participating HAP lender before making financial or real-estate decisions.