Down payment assistance in Collin and Denton

For first-time buyers, meaning no ownership interest in a primary residence in the past three years; the requirement is waived for veterans and homes in targeted census tracts. Up to 5% as a 30-year deferred repayable second lien, with FHA, VA or USDA loans, a 620 minimum score and a 50% maximum debt-to-income ratio. Income limits in Collin and Denton: $121,100 (1 or 2 people) or $139,265 (3 or more); price limit $589,596. In targeted areas they rise to $145,320, $169,540 and $720,617 (effective July 13, 2026). Published fees: $275 compliance review, $150 loan review, $85 tax service.

No first-time requirement. Also up to 5%, and besides FHA, VA and USDA it allows conventional loans (Fannie Mae HFA Preferred and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage). In the Dallas area the income limit is $94,000 for conventional at or below 80% of median income, $199,750 for conventional above 80%, and $205,870 for FHA, VA and USDA. It has no purchase price limit of its own; each loan type's guidelines apply.

For first-time buyers. It turns part of the mortgage interest you pay into a credit against federal income tax; TDHCA's Oct 27, 2026 notice lists a 15% credit rate. It can be used alone or combined with My First Texas Home, with a $400 issuance fee (waived for military). The stand-alone version has no minimum credit score.

Up to 5% of the loan for down payment and closing costs, as a grant that is never repaid or as a second lien forgiven after three years if you do not sell, refinance or move out. Minimum score 620 for government loans and 640 for conventional. In July 2026 TSAHC raised the income limit to 150% of area median income: $181,650 in the Dallas area.

Same structure, for educators, police and public safety officers, firefighters and EMS, veterans and active military, correction officers, and nursing or allied health faculty. The income limit is 170% of median: $205,870 in the Dallas area (July 2026).

The city offers forgivable loans up to $10,000, but only to households where an adult has worked full time for the City of Frisco or Frisco ISD for six months or more. Combined income cannot exceed $150,212 and the maximum price is $563,500 (city page, Oct 2026). Details are in the Frisco first-time buyer guide.

The city's Homebuyer Assistance Program has spent its funds and is not taking applications (Oct 2026). The same page refers buyers to Denton Affordable Housing Corporation, which helps with purchases in Denton County, at 940-484-7048.

The city's housing page lists first-time homebuyer education classes, not a cash assistance program (Oct 2026). Those classes can count toward other programs' education requirement if the lender accepts them.

If you are buying in Little Elm, Aubrey, Prosper, Celina or another city in these counties, ask the city directly. For most buyers the realistic starting point is TDHCA and TSAHC.

Eligible for every loan type these programs use: FHA, VA, USDA and conventional.

Since May 25, 2025, FHA only accepts citizens and permanent residents, and USDA dropped that eligibility as well. Because My First Texas Home only works with FHA, VA and USDA, the practical path for a non-permanent resident is a conventional loan, for example within My Choice Texas Home, since Fannie Mae accepts lawful non-permanent residents.

These programs' loans follow FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac rules, and a portfolio ITIN loan is not on that list. If this is your situation, read the guide to buying with an ITIN.

The TSAHC pages I reviewed do not spell out citizenship or residency requirements. Before counting on the help, ask TSAHC (877-508-4611) or a participating lender and get the answer in writing.

TDHCA and TSAHC require an approved homebuyer education course. Finish it before you make an offer so it does not delay closing.

The help only comes through lenders approved for each program. Ask on the first call whether they work with TDHCA, TSAHC or both.

At TDHCA the income of everyone signing the deed of trust counts, even if one of them is not buying. Check it before you fall for a house.

My First Texas Home caps the price at $589,596 in Collin and Denton outside targeted areas, and an FHA loan cannot exceed $563,500. Look for homes that fit both.

Get two estimates and compare monthly payment, closing costs and what you would owe on the second lien. Decide with numbers, not with the word "free".