See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 6, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Plano, TX (2026)
Plano is a thriving city in Collin County within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, known for its strong economy, top-rated schools, and high quality of life. With a median home price around $500,000, buying here is a significant investment, but multiple assistance programs can help. The City of Plano offers its own First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Program with two options providing up to $10,000 (CDBG) or up to $55,000 (HOME) in forgivable, zero-interest loans for down payment and closing costs. Texas state programs including Home Sweet Texas, My First Texas Home, and the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program can add up to 5% of the loan amount in grants or forgivable loans. By stacking city and state programs, eligible Plano buyers could potentially access over $75,000 in combined assistance.
City Programs in Plano
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Plano FTHB Program - CDBG Option | Forgivable Loan | Up to $10,000 | Yes | View → |
| City of Plano FTHB Program - HOME Option | Forgivable Loan | Up to $55,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $55,000
- 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 of Collin County Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase at no profit with 0% interest mortgage | No | View → |
| NDBT HomeStart Program | Grant | $2,500 closing cost credit plus no PMI | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase at no profit with 0% interest mortgage
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- $2,500 closing cost credit plus no PMI
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Your total household income must be at or below 80% of the Dallas Area Median Income to qualify for the City of Plano FTHB program. Cash assets must be under $30,000, and you must not have owned a home in the past three years. Texas state programs through TSAHC and TDHCA have higher income limits, with Collin County buyers potentially qualifying with incomes up to roughly $132,000.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. The City of Plano requires an 8-hour First Time Homebuyer class held by the City. You must also receive housing counseling from a HUD-approved agency. State programs like TSAHC and TDHCA require their own homebuyer education courses, which can typically be completed online in a few hours.
Step 3: Contact the City of Plano Community Services Division at 972-208-8183 to learn about current funding availability and begin your application for the FTHB program. They will walk you through both the CDBG option (up to $10,000) and the HOME option (up to $55,000).
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. For state DPA programs, you'll need to work with a TSAHC or TDHCA participating lender. The NDBT HomeStart Program is also available locally for Collin County buyers, offering a $2,500 closing cost credit with no PMI.
Step 5: Find a home within Plano city limits. The property must be a single-family home, townhome, or condominium to qualify for the City of Plano program. Both you and your spouse must have a minimum credit score of 620.
Step 6: Submit your application and close. Once you have found a home and been pre-approved, the City of Plano will process your FTHB application. The CDBG option places a 5-year lien, while the HOME option places a 15-year lien with a shared equity agreement. Allow extra time for processing and coordination between your lender and the City.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Plano?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can purchase in Plano with assistance?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
What is the difference between the CDBG and HOME options in the Plano FTHB program?+−
Can I combine the City of Plano program with state programs?+−
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