Houston Homebuyers Could Receive Up to $125K Through Hurricane Harvey Assistance Program (HbAP 2.0)

Houston Buyers Could Receive Up to $125K Through Hurricane Harvey Assistance Program (HbAP 2.0)

If you've dreamed of owning a home in Houston but felt held back by rising costs, the City of Houston may have the perfect opportunity for you.

Launching June 30, 2025, the Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program 2.0 (HbAP 2.0) offers up to $125,000 in forgivable assistance to qualified buyers.

Originally created to support residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey, this renewed program is a rare and powerful tool to help Houstonians achieve homeownership.

💸 What HbAP 2.0 Offers:

• Up to $125,000 in assistance

• Funds can be used for:

  • Down payment

  • Closing costs

  • Reducing your loan principal

  • Buying down your interest rate

• Forgiveness Terms:
  You don’t have to pay it back—if you stay in the home for the required time:

👥 Who Is Eligible:

• First-time buyers (or haven’t owned in the last 3 years)

• Must have lived in Houston city limits on August 25, 2017

• U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents

• Income: Up to 120% of Area Median Income

• Not a registered sex offender
  
  

🏠 Eligible Properties:

• Located within Houston city limits

• Single-family homes, condos, townhouses, co-ops, or manufactured homes on permanent foundations

• Must be your primary residence

• Must pass City of Houston environmental and safety inspections
  
  

🏦 Loan & Credit Details:

• Compatible with FHA, VA, and Conventional loans
  (Lender must understand City’s process)

• No minimum credit score required
  (Credit history of all applicants is still reviewed)

• Debt-to-Income Ratios:

  • 33% front-end

  • 45% back-end
    
    

💰 What Funds Can Be Used For:

• Down payment

• Prepaid items (insurance, taxes, interest)

• Mortgage interest rate buy-down

• Reducing your first mortgage principal

• Reasonable closing costs

🚫 What Funds Cannot Be Used For:

• Realtor commissions
  
  

📋 Other Program Details:

• Minimum buyer contribution: $350

• No payment is made to the City—report anyone requesting fees

• Processing time: ~6 weeks after a complete application
  
  

⚠️ Thinking of Selling or Refinancing Early?

• Moving or selling early = prorated repayment

• Refinancing requires City approval
  
  

✅ How the Process Works:

1. Get Ready: Complete a HUD-approved course, find a Realtor, get pre-approved. See a list of accepted locations

2. Apply: Call 832-393-0550 to begin and receive a program number.

3. Underwriting: HCDD (City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department) determines your subsidy.

4. Inspection: Property must pass city safety and environmental reviews.

5. Close: Funds are wired directly to your title company.
   
   

🏡 Pop Realty Is Here to Help!

From eligibility to closing, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

📧 info@poprealty.com
📞 713-714-5926
🌐 www.poprealty.com

Let’s make homeownership happen—together.