October 17, 2026
UPDATE: The North Central Texas Housing Finance Corporation has stopped accepting applications for its First Home Program.
If you were counting on this down payment assistance to buy a home, I want you to understand what happened, what funds may still be available, and what this means for you.
What the program offered:
• A 3.5% down payment assistance grant with no lien and no repayment required.
• An interest rate of just 5.85%.
• Financing options through FHA, USDA, and VA loans, with a minimum 620 FICO score.
• Eligibility for first-time homebuyers purchasing in Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall counties, as well as Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, and Waxahachie.
Why did the program stop accepting applications?
Following the interest rate increases in September 2026, this became the only remaining down payment assistance program offering a 5.85% interest rate. With other programs offering higher rates, demand surged.
The program initially opened a waitlist to manage the overwhelming demand. That waitlist has now reached capacity, and they are no longer accepting additional names.
Is there still money available?
Yes! There is reportedly still $4 million in funding available, but there’s a catch: those funds are restricted to specific targeted areas.
These areas are highlighted in green on the map. To qualify, you would need to find a home within one of those designated zones, which can significantly limit your options.
So, what should you do if you were counting on this program?
Don’t give up on your homeownership goals just yet!
When this program reopens, I’ll share an update. In the meantime, there may be other down payment assistance programs or homebuying strategies worth exploring based on your income, credit, location, and loan eligibility.
Follow me for updates on down payment assistance and affordable homeownership opportunities.
Send me a DM, and let’s talk about what options may still be available for you right now.
Your path to homeownership may look different than you expected, but let’s explore your options before you put your dreams on hold.
CONNECT WITH ME
Let’s talk about your options
Have questions about down payment assistance or ready to start your home search? Reach out — I’d love to help