First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in Arlington, TX
Buy your first Arlington home with as little as 3% down. Median $320K—affordable entry in DFW's entertainment capital.
Your Arlington homeownership journey starts here
First-Time Buyer Programs for Arlington
Stack these programs to minimize out-of-pocket costs:
My First Texas Home
TDHCA
Up to 5% down payment assistance
Low-interest second lien, forgivable after 3 years. Works with FHA/VA/Conventional.
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
TDHCA
20-40% mortgage interest tax credit
Reduces federal taxes annually for life of loan. $2,000+ yearly savings typical.
Conventional 97
Fannie Mae
3% down payment
For first-time buyers with 620+ credit. PMI removable at 20% equity.
FHA Loans
FHA/HUD
3.5% down, flexible credit
580+ credit score. Higher DTI allowed. Great for newer credit profiles.
HomeReady® / Home Possible®
Fannie/Freddie
3% down + income flexibility
Allows boarder income, ADU income. Reduced PMI for qualifying borrowers.
Tarrant County HOME Program
Tarrant County
Local DPA grants
Income-qualified assistance for Tarrant County residents. Funds limited annually.
Why Start in Arlington?
DFW's Best Value
Median $320K vs $400K+ in Dallas/Fort Worth. Entry homes from $200K. Your first home budget goes further in Arlington.
World-Class Entertainment
Cowboys, Rangers, Six Flags, concerts. Own your home where the excitement is. No commute to the fun.
UTA & Young Professionals
Recent graduates find affordable homeownership here. Turn rent into equity near campus or workplace.
5.8% Annual Appreciation
Arlington values rise steadily. Your starter home builds equity for your next move. Smart investment.
Arlington Starter Home Neighborhoods
Affordable Arlington neighborhoods perfect for first-time buyers:
Southeast Arlington
Price Range: $200K-$300K
Character: Value-focused, established
Schools: Arlington ISD
Near UTA Campus
Price Range: $200K-$320K
Character: Investment potential
Schools: Arlington ISD
West Arlington
Price Range: $240K-$340K
Character: Growing, newer builds
Schools: Arlington ISD
South Arlington
Price Range: $220K-$320K
Character: Commuter-friendly
Schools: Arlington/Mansfield ISD
Near I-20 Corridor
Price Range: $230K-$330K
Character: Central access
Schools: Arlington ISD
North Arlington
Price Range: $280K-$380K
Character: Top schools
Schools: Arlington ISD
Your Path to Arlington Homeownership
Free Consultation
Discuss your goals, income, credit, and timeline. We'll map out your path to Arlington homeownership.
Program Matching
Identify which assistance programs you qualify for. Stack benefits for maximum savings.
Pre-Qualification
Get your pre-qualification letter. Show sellers you're serious about your Arlington offer.
Home Search
Work with an Arlington-expert Realtor. Find your perfect starter home in the right neighborhood.
Close & Celebrate
Navigate inspections, appraisal, and closing. Get the keys to your first Arlington home!
Arlington First-Time Buyer Success Stories
"Both work entertainment at Globe Life Field. Thought buying was impossible with event income. Emmett used TDHCA for $13K assistance. $235K first home, $8K total out of pocket!"
February 2026
"UTA nursing graduate, just started career. Emmett helped me buy $255K townhome with Conventional 97—$7,650 down. Building equity instead of renting near campus!"
January 2026
See What You Can Afford in Arlington
Enter your income and debts—find out your Arlington home budget in 2 minutes.
Arlington First-Time Buyer FAQs
What first-time buyer programs are available in Arlington, TX?
Arlington first-time buyers can access: TDHCA My First Texas Home (up to 5% DPA), Tarrant County HOME Program, Conventional 97 (3% down), FHA loans (3.5% down), and Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) for tax savings.
Why is Arlington ideal for first-time buyers?
Arlington offers DFW's best value with median home prices around $320K—significantly lower than Dallas or Fort Worth. Entry-level homes from $200K-$280K make homeownership achievable with 3% down ($6,000-$8,400).
Can UTA students or graduates qualify for first-time buyer programs?
Yes! Recent UTA graduates entering the workforce can qualify once they have stable employment. Student loan debt is factored into DTI ratios, but income-driven repayment plans help. Many programs welcome new professionals.
What is the income limit for Arlington first-time buyer programs?
TDHCA programs in Tarrant County have income limits around $105,000-$125,000 depending on household size and program type. Most working families easily qualify for at least one program.
Ready for Your First Arlington Home?
DFW's most affordable major city is waiting. Let Emmett guide you home.