First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP)

What is First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP)?

First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in San Antonio, Texas.

• San Antonio NHSD program providing up to $15,000 forgivable DPA exclusively for police, firefighters, and EMS/paramedics. 0% interest, 10-year forgiveness, owner-occupied within City of San Antonio limits.
• City of San Antonio's First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) provides up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to qualifying San Antonio first responders - police officers, firefighters, and EMS/paramedics employed by the City of San Antonio or qualifying public safety agencies. The assistance is structured as a deferred 0% second mortgage forgiven over 10 years of continued owner-occupancy. Funds may be applied to down payment, closing costs, prepaid items.
• Funding comes from Local and HOME.

Do you have to pay it back?

First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) is forgiven after 10 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Pro-rata forgiveness (10% per year) over 10 years and balance recaptured if sold, refinanced, or no longer owner-occupied during forgiveness period.
• The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Income limits scale to first responder profession; typical ceiling at 120% AMI San Antonio MSA. Verify current schedule with NHSD.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) caps the purchase price as follows: Subject to NHSD published acquisition limits / HUD HOME 95% area median where applicable.

• Eligible property types include Single-family detached, townhouse, condominium, PUD and 1-unit only.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) names law enforcement officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) serves buyers purchasing in San Antonio, Texas.

How do you apply?

Applications for First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HUD-approved 8-hour homebuyer education required; SA-area providers include Alamo Community Group, Family Service Association, NHS San Antonio..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Apply through City of San Antonio NHSD; subject to annual fund availability., and are subject to availability.

3. 3

   Work with a lender who handles the program

   Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.