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Harris County Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance

Harris County Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance is a grant for homebuyers in Houston, Texas.

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The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 580 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Citizenship or immigration status: yes
  • A home in Harris County

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Harris County

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

Income limit

80% of Harris County’s area median income

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

$104,000
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Harris County’s homes

  • 56.5% single-family
  • 3.8% townhouse
  • 5.1% 2–4 units
  • 32% 5+ units
  • 2.6% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$276,600

Harris County median home value

37.1%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Harris County

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is Harris County Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance?

Harris County Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance is a grant for homebuyers in Houston, Texas. The Harris County Housing Finance Corporation offers a forgivable down payment assistance loan of up to $23,800 for first-time homebuyers purchasing in Harris County (excluding Houston, Baytown, Deer Park, Friendswood, La Porte, League City, Missouri City, Pasadena, and Pearland). Assistance is provided as a 0% interest second lien paired with a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage, fully forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy. Up to $23,800 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Fully forgivable after 5 years. 0% interest. 30-year fixed rate first mortgage. Funding comes from Local.

How much assistance does it provide?

Harris County Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance offers up to $23,800 in assistance. The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each. 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 Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid. Repayment is triggered by Sale, Refinance, 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 Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. The program lists a minimum credit score of 580. A homebuyer education course is required. Citizenship or immigration status: yes.

What are the income limits?

Harris County Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Household income at or below 80% AMI; see HCHFC income limit chart for 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 Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance can be used for Single-family. New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

Harris County Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance serves homebuyers purchasing in Houston, Texas.

How do you apply?

Applications for Harris County Housing Finance Corporation Down Payment Assistance go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Program terms are set by the administering agency and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.