Homes for Texas Heroes takes applications all year: up to 5% of the loan amount, paid toward your down payment and closing.(800) 555-0100Run the 2-minute check
Dallas County has about 2.66 million residents and some of the largest school and public-safety employers in Texas. Eligible heroes here can get up to 5% of their loan for down payment and closing costs.
SeatDallas
Residents2,661,397
Metro income figure$205,870
The local picture
Dallas, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie and Mesquite anchor the county. Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Richardson ISD, Irving ISD and Mesquite ISD together employ thousands of classroom teachers, aides and counselors, and every full-time one in those roles may fit TSAHC's Professional Educator definition.
Dallas Police Department and Irving Police Department officers and Dallas County Sheriff's Office deputies use their TCOLE license as proof. Dallas Fire-Rescue firefighters use TCFP certification, and Dallas Fire-Rescue paramedics may instead show DSHS certification under the EMS category.
TSAHC lists a Dallas-metro figure of $205,870. For non-bond help without an MCC, only the borrower's own qualifying income counts toward it, which is worth knowing if your partner isn't on the loan.
Income and price limits in Dallas County
TSAHC's Dallas-metro Heroes figure is $205,870, but a lender confirms the exact limit for Dallas County; TDHCA's My First Texas Home limits in the Dallas HMFA are $121,100 (1-2 people) and $139,265 (3+), with a $589,596 price limit. Statewide limits · What can I afford?
Local money in Dallas County
Programs run by cities, counties and employers here. Some can sit on top of the state help, some replace it. A loan officer sorts out which pairings are allowed.
Low- and moderate-income buyers purchasing within Dallas city limits
How much
Up to $60,000 in High Opportunity Areas; up to $50,000 elsewhere (based on need)
Kind of help
Loan due when you sell or refinance
Income cap
80% AMI (~$96,900 for a family of 4, eff. June 1, 2026)
Price cap
$342,000 existing or new construction
Fine print
DHAP-approved lender; homebuyer education from a DHAP provider; housing payment no more than 35% of gross income; must appraise at 100% of price; US citizen, permanent resident or eligible immigration status
BCL: funding is subject to availability. Repayment/forgiveness terms are in the DHAP manual (not confirmed). City page: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/housing-and-homelessness/Pages/Dallas-Homebuyer-Assistance-Program-DHAP.aspx
Budget a few hours for a buyer class before closing, because almost every program requires it. These HUD-approved agencies around Dallas County teach the class or sit down with buyers one on one:
Agency
Town
Miles away
Offers
Languages
How
Dallas County Home Loan Counseling Center
Dallas
4
Buyer class, One-on-one prep
English
By phone
Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity
Dallas
4
Buyer class, One-on-one prep
English, Spanish
In person, By phone
Transformance Dba Services of Hope Entities
Dallas
5
Buyer class, One-on-one prep
English
By phone
Pulled from HUD's list of approved counseling agencies. A class that one program accepts may not count for another.
Which class counts? Your lender keeps the list of approved courses for each Texas program, and can open your pre-approval during the same conversation. Start the eligibility check
Local employers whose staff can qualify
Dallas ISD
Garland ISD
Richardson ISD
Irving ISD
Mesquite ISD
Dallas Police Department
Dallas County Sheriff's Office
Dallas Fire-Rescue
Irving Police Department
Full-time staff at Dallas, Garland, Richardson, Irving and Mesquite ISDs plus DPD, Irving PD, sheriff's and Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel are the main local fit. The full list of eligible jobs.
Questions from Dallas County buyers
Can a Dallas Fire-Rescue paramedic qualify?
Yes. A permanent, full-time firefighter qualifies with TCFP certification, and a full-time licensed paramedic qualifies with DSHS certification. Your lender uses whichever fits your paperwork.
Does my spouse's income count toward the Dallas limit?
For TSAHC's non-bond down payment help without an MCC, only the borrower's own qualifying income counts. Adding the MCC means meeting its lower 115% limit.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer in Dallas County?
No for the Heroes down payment help. Only the optional Mortgage Credit Certificate requires first-time status, with waivers for qualified veterans and targeted areas.
I'm Linda, and I answer the phones for this desk. See if you're eligible for down payment assistance in Texas. A few taps and you'll know where you stand.
