Down Payment Assistance El Paso, TX
Every DPA program available to El Paso buyers in 2026 — TSAHC, My First Texas Home, City of El Paso, VLB, and more. How to stack programs, income limits, and getting to 0% down.
Get Matched with a DPA LenderAll Programs
Down payment assistance programs for El Paso
TSAHC — My Choice Texas Home
Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
Available to ALL Texas buyers — not just first-timers. Provides 2% to 5% of the loan amount as a grant (no repayment required) or a deferred second lien. Compatible with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. Income limits apply and vary by county.
My First Texas Home
Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs
Designed for first-time buyers (no home ownership in past 3 years) and qualified veterans. Offers below-market interest rates PLUS up to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs as a deferred, forgivable second lien. Must work with a TDHCA-approved lender.
City of El Paso DPA Grant
City of El Paso Housing Department
The City of El Paso administers a local down payment assistance grant program for income-qualifying first-time buyers purchasing within El Paso city limits. Grants up to $14,999. Homebuyer education course required. Income limits based on El Paso Area Median Income (AMI). Contact El Paso Housing at (915) 849-6148.
Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB)
Texas General Land Office
Texas veterans have access to the VLB Home Loan program, which provides competitive interest rates and down payment assistance specifically for Texas residents who are U.S. military veterans. VLB loans can be combined with VA loan benefits. No first-time buyer requirement.
Fannie Mae HomeReady
Fannie Mae
A conventional loan program requiring as little as 3% down for income-qualifying buyers. Allows gift funds, boarder income, and rental income to qualify. Cancelable PMI once you reach 20% equity. Ideal for El Paso buyers above FHA income limits who still need low down payment options.
FHA Loan with 3.5% Down
Federal Housing Administration
FHA loans require only 3.5% down for buyers with a 580+ credit score. The 3.5% down payment can come from gift funds or most DPA programs, making FHA + TSAHC a powerful combination. El Paso FHA loan limits for 2026 allow purchasing most homes in the local market.
Real Example
How stacking programs gets you to 0% down
Here is how an El Paso buyer uses FHA + TSAHC together to purchase a home with zero out-of-pocket down payment.
Base Loan
FHA loan on a $200,000 El Paso home
Required Down Payment
3.5% of $200,000
TSAHC Grant (5%)
Applied toward down payment + closing costs
Out-of-Pocket
Down payment fully covered by TSAHC; remaining credit toward closing
Note: Example uses a $200,000 purchase price. Actual amounts depend on your loan amount, income, and program eligibility. Income limits, purchase price caps, and program availability change — always verify current terms with a licensed lender. ProGen connects you with El Paso lenders who specialize in DPA program stacking.
FAQ
DPA questions answered
What down payment assistance programs are available in El Paso?
El Paso buyers have access to multiple programs in 2026: TSAHC (My Choice Texas Home and Home Sweet Texas), My First Texas Home, City of El Paso DPA Grant, Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), and Fannie Mae HomeReady with 3% down. Income and purchase price limits apply to each program.
Can I combine multiple down payment assistance programs in Texas?
Yes, in many cases. Some DPA programs can be stacked — for example, a TSAHC grant can be combined with an FHA loan to reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. However, not all programs can be combined, and your lender must approve the combination. ProGen connects you with lenders who specialize in stacking DPA programs in El Paso.
Do I have to be a first-time home buyer to get down payment assistance in El Paso?
Not always. TSAHC's My Choice Texas Home program is open to all buyers — not just first-timers. My First Texas Home and City of El Paso DPA are typically limited to first-time buyers (defined as not owning a home in the past 3 years). Veterans using VLB loans have no first-time buyer requirement.
How much down payment assistance can I get in El Paso?
Assistance amounts vary by program. TSAHC offers 2% to 5% of the loan amount. My First Texas Home provides up to 5% of the loan amount. The City of El Paso DPA grant offers up to $14,999 for eligible buyers. VLB loans for veterans can go to 0% down. With strategic stacking, some buyers cover their entire down payment and closing costs.
Does down payment assistance have to be repaid?
It depends on the program. TSAHC grants do not need to be repaid. My First Texas Home assistance is a deferred, forgivable second lien — it is forgiven if you stay in the home for a qualifying period. City of El Paso DPA is typically a forgivable grant. Always confirm repayment terms with your lender and the program administrator.
Let's Find Your Program
Get connected with the right DPA lender for you.
ProGen Real Estate works with El Paso lenders who specialize in down payment assistance. We will match you with the program — and the lender — best suited to your situation.
Get DPA Lender ReferralsProGen Real Estate — Josue R. Jimenez, Licensed Texas Broker — TREC #619091 — (915) 691-1082