Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program

What is Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program?

Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program is a silent second mortgage for homebuyers in Harris County, Texas.

• Harris County Housing & Community Development Down Payment Assistance Program providing silent second loans for income-eligible first-time homebuyers in unincorporated Harris County. Covers down payment and closing costs. Home must be in unincorporated Harris County (not Houston, Baytown, or Pasadena). Income must be at or below 80% AMI.
• Base award $27,100.
• up to $40,000 with eligible incentives.
• silent second mortgage provides gap financing.
• liquid assets can't exceed $15,000.
• Funding comes from Local Government.

How much assistance does it provide?

Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program offers between $27,100 and $40,000 in assistance, depending on the award tier a buyer qualifies under.

• The program asks buyers to contribute $1,000.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale and No Longer Primary.
• 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?

Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• 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?

Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program caps the purchase price at $261,000.

• Eligible property types include Single Family.
• New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Harris County, Texas.

How do you apply?

Applications for Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program 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 before funds are reserved.

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider 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.