All Panther Properties · Money Field Guide · Tarrant County edition

Money you didn’t know to ask for.

Help with the down payment and closing costs is out there. Most buyers never ask. Here is where to start.

Programs checked September 25, 2026

The programs · each one sourced and dated

Four doors most buyers walk past

Tarrant County Homebuyer Assistance
Up to $50,000 toward your down payment and closing costs, forgiven over time as long as you live in the home. For buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years, with income limits. Covers Tarrant County outside the cities of Fort Worth, Arlington and Grand Prairie.
Source: housingchannel.org/tarrant · checked September 25, 2026
My First Texas Home
State down payment help for first-time buyers using FHA, VA or USDA loans. It can pair with a yearly federal tax credit.
Source: welcomehome.tdhca.texas.gov · checked September 25, 2026
My Choice Texas Home
The same kind of state help, without the first-time rule.
Source: welcomehome.tdhca.texas.gov · checked September 25, 2026
Home Sweet Texas and Homes for Texas Heroes
Down payment help with no first-time rule. The Heroes version is for teachers, first responders, nurses, veterans and a few other professions.
Source: tsahc.org · checked September 25, 2026

Two things you can ask the seller for

Closing cost help

In Texas it is common to ask the seller to cover part of your closing costs. Your agent writes it into the offer.

A rate buydown

The seller pays to lower your interest rate for the first two years, then it settles at your regular rate. Smaller payments while you settle in.

Every loan type caps how much seller help it allows. Your lender knows the number.

Three questions that shorten the road to closing

“Which of these programs do I qualify for?”
Ask before you get pre-approved, not after. Some programs require a short homebuyer class. Take it early; it is the step people find out about late.
“Can this stack with a seller credit?”
Some programs can be combined with seller help, inside the loan’s limits. Your lender runs the math.
“Can you pre-approve me with the help already built in?”
A pre-approval that already counts the help means your offer is ready the day you find the house.

Get your paperwork ready this week

Most lenders will ask for:

Your last two months of pay stubs
Two years of W-2s or tax returns
Two months of bank statements
A photo ID

Program details as published by each program on the date in the edition line. Income limits, funds and terms change, and programs can run out of money. Confirm with a participating lender. This guide is general information, not a loan offer, a rate quote or a promise of approval.