See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 6, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Harlingen, TX (2026)
Harlingen is a vibrant city in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas with a median home price around $210,000, making homeownership more accessible than many Texas metros. Local buyers can tap into the City of Harlingen Homebuyer Assistance Program, which offers deferred zero-interest loans for down payment and closing costs, as well as the Harlingen Community Development Corporation HTF program providing up to $40,000 in assistance. The Cameron County Housing Finance Corporation also offers grants and financing for first-time buyers countywide. Combined with state programs from TSAHC and TDHCA offering additional down payment grants and below-market mortgages, Harlingen buyers can stack significant assistance to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
City Programs in Harlingen
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Harlingen Homebuyer Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | — | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- First-time only:
- Yes
County Programs in Cameron County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron County Housing Finance Corporation Programs | Grant | — | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- First-time only:
- Yes
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity Rio Grande Valley Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase with zero-interest mortgage sold at no profit | No | View → |
| HCDC HTF Homebuyer Assistance Program | Grant | Up to $40,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with zero-interest mortgage sold at no profit
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $40,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most Harlingen-area programs require household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income and first-time homebuyer status (no homeownership in the past three years).
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Contact the Harlingen Community Development Corporation at (956) 421-2351 for HUD-approved homebuyer education courses available locally.
Step 3: Contact the City of Harlingen Community Development Department at (956) 216-5180 or housingharlingen@harlingentx.gov to learn about current assistance amounts and apply for the Homebuyer Assistance Program.
Step 4: Explore the HCDC HTF Homebuyer Assistance Program for up to $40,000 in cooperative financing by contacting HCDC at (956) 421-2351.
Step 5: Get pre-approved for a mortgage through a TSAHC or TDHCA participating lender to access state-level down payment assistance grants.
Step 6: Find a home within Harlingen city limits that meets program requirements and passes a Housing Quality Standards inspection.
Step 7: Submit your application and work with your lender and housing counselor to close on your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Harlingen?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can purchase?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Can I use multiple programs together?+−
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