See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 6, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in El Paso, TX (2026)
El Paso is a vibrant border city in far west Texas with a population of approximately 683,000, making it one of the largest cities in the state. With a median home price around $250,000, El Paso remains one of the most affordable major metros in Texas. Homebuyers here can access significant assistance through programs like the El Paso HFC Mi Casa Homebuyer Grant, which provides up to $20,000 in free grant money, the GECU Home Purchase Assistance Program offering up to $35,000 in principal reduction, and the City of El Paso First-Time Homebuyer Program with up to $45,000 in assistance within priority housing areas. Combined with state programs like My First Texas Home and the Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program, which each offer up to 5% of the loan amount in down payment assistance, El Paso buyers can stack tens of thousands of dollars in support toward homeownership.
City Programs in El Paso
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of El Paso First-Time Homebuyer Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $45,000 in Priority Housing Area; up to $25,000 outside Priority Housing Area | Yes | View → |
| El Paso HFC Mi Casa Homebuyer Grant Program | Grant | Up to 4% of mortgage amount or up to $20,000 in down payment assistance | No | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $45,000 in Priority Housing Area; up to $25,000 outside Priority Housing Area
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to 4% of mortgage amount or up to $20,000 in down payment assistance
- First-time only:
- No
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GECU Home Purchase Assistance Program | Grant | Up to $35,000 in principal reduction, plus up to $5,000 in closing costs and down payment assistance | Yes | View → |
| Habitat for Humanity of El Paso Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home with zero-interest mortgage; average home cost around $55,000 with monthly payments of $350-$400 | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $35,000 in principal reduction, plus up to $5,000 in closing costs and down payment assistance
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home with zero-interest mortgage; average home cost around $55,000 with monthly payments of $350-$400
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Review income limits for El Paso programs. The City of El Paso FTHB Program requires household income between 60%-80% of Area Median Income. The Mi Casa Grant requires meeting El Paso HFC income limits with a minimum 640 credit score.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Enroll in a HUD-approved homebuyer education course through Project BRAVO at (915) 562-4100 or through GECU, both of which are HUD-approved counseling agencies in El Paso.
Step 3: Contact a participating lender. For the Mi Casa Grant, reach out to an El Paso Housing Finance Corporation approved lender. For state programs, find a TSAHC or TDHCA participating lender. You can also contact GECU directly about their Home Purchase Assistance Program.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with your lender to determine which combination of programs you qualify for and get pre-approved.
Step 5: Find a home within program limits. Most local programs require the home to be within El Paso city limits. The City FTHB Program has a maximum purchase price of $184,000.
Step 6: Submit your application. Your lender will help you apply for the appropriate down payment assistance programs alongside your mortgage application. The Mi Casa Grant and state programs are processed at closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in El Paso?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for El Paso programs?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay using these programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required in El Paso?+−
Is the City of El Paso First-Time Homebuyer Program currently accepting applications?+−
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