Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program

Harris County Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP) provides financial assistance to home buyers purchasing a home in Harris County. Those eligible for this special home buying program could receive up to $23,800 for a new or pre-existing home. Money can be used towards a downpayment, customary closing costs, owner’s title policy, and a 3-year home warranty up to a maximum of $500 per year on pre-existing homes.

Elegibility Home Buyer Requirements

• A U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Aliens
• A first time home buyer, that has not owned a home for three years prior to applying for assistance
• Homebuyer’s household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Harris County as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Must attend a first time homebuyer course that is HUD-certified (8-hours), and complete a Budget Worksheet. See HUD approved course providers.
• Buyer must be approved through one of the participating mortgage lenders
• Minimum credit score of 580
• Buyer will not pay more than 39% of their income toward housing costs. These include Mortgage principal and interest, Private mortgage insurance, Property taxes, Homeowners’ insurance, HOA fees
• Buyers will not pay more than 42% of their income towards housing costs and other debts, which may include Car payments, Revolving loans (credit card monthly payment), Student loans, Child Support and other Obligations, Other Loans
• Buyer must contribute a minimum of $1,000 towards the purchase of the home
• Buyer cannot have more than $15,000 in liquid assets, such as stocks, cash, or bonds

Area Median Income Limits for Harris County 80% AMI (Effective June 15, 2023)

Elegibility Property Requirements

• The home purchased must be the primary residence for 5 if DAP award is $1 – $14,999 or 10 years if DAP award is $15,000 – $23,800
• Located outside the city limits of Houston, Pasadena, or Baytown and within the unincorporated area of Harris County, Texas or within the Harris County cooperative cities of Deer Park, Galena Park, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, La Porte. Morgan’s Point, Seabrook, Shoreacres, South Houston, Tomball, and Webster.
• Must Meet Harris County’s acceptable property standards
• The maximum purchase price for a Pre-existing home is $261,000, and Newly constructed home is $268,000

If you would like more information about this home buying program, fill out the contact form.