See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 6, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Amarillo, TX (2026)
Amarillo is the largest city in the Texas Panhandle, straddling Potter and Randall counties with a population of approximately 204,000 and a median home price around $230,000. While Amarillo does not currently offer a city-funded down payment assistance program, buyers here can take advantage of several strong state and federal programs. TSAHC provides grants of 3% to 5% of the loan amount through its Home Sweet Texas and Homes for Texas Heroes programs, and TDHCA offers low-interest mortgages with down payment assistance through My First Texas Home. Amarillo Habitat for Humanity also provides affordable homeownership opportunities with zero-interest mortgages for qualifying families in Potter and Randall counties. By combining state programs, eligible buyers can stack meaningful assistance toward their home purchase in one of Texas's most affordable housing markets.
State Programs in Texas
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program | Grant | 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of the total loan amount (borrower chooses); grant on FHA/VA/USDA loans or 0% 3-year forgivable second lien | No | View → |
| Homes for Texas Heroes Program | Grant | Up to 5% of the loan amount (between 3% and 5%) | No | View → |
| My First Texas Home | Forgivable Loan | Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount | Yes | View → |
| SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to 5% of the loan amount | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of the total loan amount (borrower chooses); grant on FHA/VA/USDA loans or 0% 3-year forgivable second lien
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the loan amount (between 3% and 5%)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the loan amount
- First-time only:
- No
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase at no profit with 0% interest mortgage | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase at no profit with 0% interest mortgage
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Texas state programs through TSAHC require a minimum credit score of 620 and income within program limits. TDHCA programs cap at approximately 115% of the area median income for the county.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. TSAHC and TDHCA both require completion of an approved homebuyer education course before closing. TDHCA offers free online courses, and several HUD-approved counseling agencies serve the Amarillo area.
Step 3: Contact a TSAHC or TDHCA participating lender in the Amarillo area. They can help you determine which state programs you qualify for and walk you through the application process. TSAHC offers an online eligibility quiz at tsahc.org.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Your participating lender will help you apply for state DPA of 3% to 5% of your loan amount, which can come as a grant or a deferred forgivable second lien loan.
Step 5: Find a home within program purchase price limits, which vary by county and are updated annually.
Step 6: For Habitat for Humanity, contact Amarillo Habitat for Humanity at 806-383-3456. Applications are accepted once a year in the fall. Applicants must complete 500 sweat equity hours and 30 hours of financial stability courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Amarillo?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?+−
Does the City of Amarillo offer its own down payment assistance?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Is Amarillo eligible for USDA loans?+−
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