See programs you qualify for

Get Matched Free →

By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 7, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Forney, TX (2026)

Population: 31,532 | Median home price: $330,000 | Est. closing costs: $6,500 - $10,000

Skyline of Forney, TX

Forney is one of the fastest-growing cities in Kaufman County, located about 25 miles east of Dallas along US Highway 80, with a median home price around $330,000. While Forney and Kaufman County do not currently offer city- or county-funded down payment assistance programs, buyers here benefit from strong state options. The TSAHC Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program and Homes for Texas Heroes each offer up to 5% of the mortgage amount in DPA, potentially over $16,000 on a median-priced Forney home. The Homeownership Across Texas (HAT) grant program also provides 1-5% of the mortgage amount. Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity serves Kaufman County with affordable homeownership opportunities. By combining state programs, Forney buyers can significantly reduce their upfront costs in this rapidly growing market.

State Programs in Texas

Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program
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
Homes for Texas Heroes Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to 5% of the loan amount (between 3% and 5%)
First-time only:
No
My First Texas Home
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount
First-time only:
Yes
SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to 5% of the loan amount
First-time only:
No

Federal Programs

FHA Loans
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
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
Type:
Government Property Sale Program
Amount:
50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
First-time only:
Yes
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
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
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
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
HUD $100 Down Program
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
USDA Rural Development Loans
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
First-time only:
No
VA Loans
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

Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable home purchase with low-interest mortgage
First-time only:
Yes

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. Texas state DPA programs generally require a minimum credit score of 620 and household income within program limits for Kaufman County.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. A HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for most assistance programs. Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity offers homebuyer and financial education courses. You can also call 800-569-4287 to find a HUD-approved course.

Step 3: Contact a TSAHC-approved lender. To access the Home Sweet Texas or Homes for Texas Heroes programs, you must work with a lender in the TSAHC network. They can walk you through income limits and assistance amounts for Kaufman County.

Step 4: Explore the HAT Grant. The Homeownership Across Texas (HAT) grant program offers 1-5% of the mortgage amount that can be applied toward down payment and closing costs. Ask your lender about eligibility.

Step 5: Explore Habitat for Humanity. Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity serves Kaufman County. Visit dallasareahabitat.org for application details and eligibility requirements.

Step 6: Get pre-approved and find a home. Your lender will coordinate any DPA funds at closing. Forney's market currently favors buyers with homes averaging about 92 days on market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Forney?+
Forney buyers can access Texas state programs offering up to 5% of the mortgage amount in DPA. On a $330,000 home, that could mean up to $16,500 in assistance from programs like TSAHC Home Sweet Texas, My First Texas Home, or the HAT grant. Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity also provides affordable homeownership for qualifying families in Kaufman County.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
Not for all programs. The TSAHC Home Sweet Texas program is available to repeat buyers. The My First Texas Home program targets first-time buyers, defined as anyone who has not owned a home in the past three years. FHA loans are also available to repeat buyers.
Does Forney or Kaufman County have local DPA?+
Forney and Kaufman County do not currently offer city- or county-funded DPA programs. However, Texas state programs from TSAHC, TDHCA, and the HAT grant are available statewide and provide substantial assistance. Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity also serves the Kaufman County area.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Most state DPA programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before closing. Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity offers homebuyer and financial education courses covering budgeting, home buying, and financial stability. You can also call 800-569-4287 to find courses near Forney.
Is the Forney housing market favorable for buyers right now?+
As of early 2026, the Forney market has shifted toward more balanced conditions after years of rapid growth. Median sale prices have eased slightly from peak levels, and homes are averaging about 92 days on market, giving buyers more room to negotiate. Kaufman County remains one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.

Related Cities

Related Articles