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

Homebuyer Programs in Texarkana, TX (2026)

Population: 35,992 | Median home price: $213,000 | Est. closing costs: $4,500 - $6,500

Skyline of Texarkana, TX

Texarkana straddles the Texas-Arkansas border in Bowie County, offering some of the most affordable housing in Texas with a median home price around $213,000. The City of Texarkana First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA) provides up to $20,000 in forgivable loan assistance for down payment and closing costs. State programs like My First Texas Home and Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program each offer up to 5% of the loan amount in additional assistance. Habitat for Humanity of Texarkana also serves the area with affordable homes priced between $80,000 and $95,000 featuring zero-interest mortgages. By stacking city and state programs, Texarkana buyers can cover a substantial portion of their upfront costs on an already affordable home.

City Programs in Texarkana

City of Texarkana First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA)
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $20,000
First-time only:
Yes

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

Habitat for Humanity of Texarkana Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable home purchase ($80,000-$95,000 typical) with zero-interest mortgage
First-time only:
No

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. The City of Texarkana HBA requires household income at or below 80% of the area median income and first-time buyer status, meaning you have not owned a home in the past three years.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. A HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for the city program. State programs can be completed online through Texas Homebuyer U.

Step 3: Get pre-approved with a participating lender. Work with a lender who participates in both the city HBA program and state DPA programs to maximize your assistance.

Step 4: Apply for state programs. Ask your lender about My First Texas Home or Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program for up to 5% of the loan amount in additional down payment assistance.

Step 5: Find a home within Texarkana city limits. The city HBA program requires the home to be located within the city limits of Texarkana, Texas.

Step 6: Submit your full application. Your lender will package the city HBA and mortgage applications together. Contact the City of Texarkana Community Development department for current application details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Texarkana?+
Texarkana buyers can access up to $20,000 through the City of Texarkana First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA) as a forgivable loan for down payment and closing costs. State programs like My First Texas Home add up to 5% of the loan amount. On a $213,000 home, combined assistance could exceed $30,000, potentially covering the entire down payment and closing costs.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?+
The City of Texarkana HBA requires first-time buyer status, meaning you have not owned a home in the past three years. State programs like My First Texas Home also require first-time buyer status. However, the Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program and SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program do not require first-time buyer status.
What is the maximum home price in Texarkana?+
The City of Texarkana HBA does not publish a fixed purchase price cap, but the home must be within Texarkana city limits. State programs through TDHCA and TSAHC set purchase price limits that vary by county and are updated annually. Check with a participating lender for current limits in Bowie County.
What homebuyer education is required?+
The City of Texarkana HBA requires a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. State programs through TDHCA and TSAHC also require homebuyer education, which can be completed online through Texas Homebuyer U at no cost.
Does Habitat for Humanity serve Texarkana?+
Yes. Habitat for Humanity of Texarkana serves Bowie County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas. They build affordable homes typically priced between $80,000 and $95,000 with zero-interest mortgages. Applicants must have lived or worked in the service area for at least 12 months. Contact them at (903) 832-1746 for details.

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