Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)

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Let us help you make your homeownership dream come true with closing cost and down payment assistance.

Eligible first-time homebuyers can now receive up to $25,000 to help with down payment and closing costs through the City of Fort Worth’s Homebuyer Assistance Program.

The city’s Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) can provide up to $25,000 in mortgage assistance for income-eligible first-time homebuyers within the Fort Worth city limits. Maximum sales price for an existing unit is $290,000 and new construction is $305,000 as of July 2023.

The amount of assistance will be dependent on sales price and loan amount from the lender. A financial subsidy is available in the form of closing costs and down payment assistance. Three percent of the loan amount may be used for closing costs and the remainder for down payment or all of the assistance may be used for down payment.

Getting Started With Your HAP Application

Let us help you make your homeownership dream come true - follow these steps to get started.

  1. Get pre-qualified from one of the city approved lenders to determine your loan amount (see list of approved lenders below)
  2. Attend a homeownership training and counseling program

    HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agencies:

    • Housing Opportunities of Fort Worth
      1065 W. Magnolia Ave, Suite B
      Fort Worth, TX 76104
      817-923-9192
      housingoppsfw.com
    • Services of Hope Entities, Inc
      1137 Conveyor Lane Ste 107
      Dallas, Texas 75247
      214-707-2396 - Cell
      214-276-0235 - Office
    • Housing Channel
      2900 Airport Freeway
      Fort Worth, TX 76111
      817-924-5091
      housingchannel.org
  3. Contact your real estate agent and begin reviewing home listings that match your criteria and price range.
  4. Once you found your perfect home, work with your realtor to make an offer.
  5. The City of Fort Worth HAP can assist participants if the sale price falls within a specific range – existing homes or new construction. Visit our website for the sale price maximum limits.
  6. The lender will assist you with the HAP application and submit to the City of Fort Worth for processing and approval for closing costs and down payment assistance.
  7. Closing & funding. Move in to your dream home.

HAP Guidelines to Participate in the Program

Guidelines to participate in the program:

  • The property must be located in Fort Worth city limits.
  • Applicant(s) must be first-time homebuyer(s) or must have not owned a home within the last three years. Displaced homeowners may be eligible.
  • HOME regulation 24 CFR Section 92.254 (a) (2) (iii) require that the sales price not exceed 95% of the area median sales price. For existing homes the sales price must not exceed $290,000 and for new construction the sales price must not exceed $305,000 as of July 2023.
  • Government owned properties are not eligible for assistance.
  • Applicant must qualify for a first lien mortgage from a city-approved lender.
  • The homebuyer’s minimum contribution of $1,000 or two percent of the of the purchase price, whichever is less, is required. May include out of pocket expenses such as appraisal, earnest money and credit report.
  • The homebuyer agrees to live in the home as their principal residence for five years to receive up to $14,999 in assistance or ten years to receive over $14,999 in assistance.
  • The home must pass a Minimum Acceptable Standards Inspection and City of Fort Worth Environmental Review
  • Two months of reserves will be verified.
  • Applicant(s) must be a citizen of the United States or legal permanent resident.
  • Applicant(s) must attend eight hours of homeownership training provided by a HUD-certified housing counseling agency.
  • The yearly income for all adults living in the home must be at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) based on family size.
  • Reserves in the amount of 2 months (2 monthly mortgage payments.) These cannot be gift funds.
  • You must pay costs associated with the home purchase such as earnest money, option fee, home inspection, appraisal and any out-of-pocket expenses required. These are costs that you are responsible for when purchasing your home.  

Area Median Income (AMI) Limits

  • Area Median Income (AMI)
  • Income limits will be updated by HUD in June.  Effective June 5, 2023
Household Size Maximum Annual Income
1 $53,600
2 $61,250
3 $68,900
4 $76,550
5 $82,700
6 $88,800
7 $94,950

8

$101,050 

   

2024 Certified Mortgage Lender List

This list is in alphabetical order of current Certified Mortgage Lenders who will work with you to discuss your home buying goals, review your financial picture and determine your eligibility for a mortgage loan. 

Lenders(XLSX, 143KB)