First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) in San Antonio

First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) in San Antonio

If you’re a first-time buyer serving as a full-time San Antonio Police or Fire Department employee, the First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP) can ease your path to ownership.

Administered by the City’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department (NHSD), it provides a 0% interest, no-payment second loan—$20,000 for homes outside the Community Revitalization Action Group (CRAG) area, or $40,000 within CRAG. Forgiven at 20% per year over five years, it requires continued employment, residence, and completion of homebuyer education.

No income limits apply, making it broadly accessible. Apply through an approved lender for properties within city limits, and you’ll gain a substantial, forgivable boost toward down payments and closing costs—helping you protect the community while building long-term personal stability.

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Key Takeaways

  • FRHAP focuses exclusively on supporting San Antonio police and fire personnel.
  • Assistance amounts vary by location, with higher aid in CRAG neighborhoods.
  • No income limits, making it accessible for a broad range of first responders.
  • Forgiveness over five years encourages long-term residency and stability.
  • Works seamlessly alongside VA benefits for eligible Veterans and Military.
  • Completing HUD-approved education improves homeownership readiness and budgeting skills.

What is the First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program (FRHAP)?

The First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program is run by San Antonio’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department (NHSD) to help SAPD and SAFD employees purchase homes in the city. It offers forgivable loans that reduce upfront costs, strengthen recruitment, and encourage first responders to live where they work.

  • Provides targeted support to uniformed police officers, firefighters, and cadets in San Antonio.
  • Second-lien loans at 0% interest with no monthly payments.
  • Forgives annually over five years if service and residency continue.
  • Pairs well with FHA, VA, and conventional mortgages, helping stretch housing budgets.
  • Encourages homeownership in revitalization zones to strengthen community ties.

Benefits of FRHAP for San Antonio First Responders

  • Up to $20,000 outside CRAG and $40,000 inside CRAG for down payment and closing costs.
  • Forgives over five years, turning assistance into equity if residency and employment remain.
  • No monthly repayment keeps budgets intact for essential expenses.
  • For Veterans in fire or police roles, benefits can be combined with VA home loan benefits.
  • Reduces primary mortgage size, potentially improving loan approval odds.

Eligibility Requirements for FRHAP

  • Active full-time employment as uniformed SAPD officer, cadet, or SAFD firefighter/cadet.
  • No principal residence ownership in past three years.
  • Primary residence must be within San Antonio city limits.
  • Completion of HUD-approved 8-hour homebuyer course (find a HUD counselor).
  • Ability to qualify for an FHA, VA, or conventional mortgage.

FRHAP Assistance Amounts (2025)

Location Assistance Forgiveness Term
Inside City Limits, Outside CRAG $20,000 20% per year over 5 years
Inside City Limits and CRAG $40,000 20% per year over 5 years

How to Apply for FRHAP

  • Get pre-approved with a participating lender.
  • Lender submits contract and employment proof to NHSD.
  • Complete required HUD-approved homebuyer education.
  • NHSD issues commitment letter upon approval.
  • Funds disbursed at closing; review NHSD program guidelines before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is FRHAP in San Antonio?

The First Responders Homebuyer Assistance Program offers $20,000-$40,000 forgivable loans to SAPD and SAFD employees for down payments, with no interest or payments, forgiving 20% yearly over five years for continued residency and employment.

Who qualifies for FRHAP?

Full-time uniformed SAPD officers/cadets or SAFD firefighters/cadets qualify if first-time buyers (no ownership in three years), creditworthy, U.S. citizens or residents, and completing homebuyer education; no income limits apply.

What are the assistance amounts for 2025?

$20,000 for homes in city limits outside CRAG, $40,000 inside CRAG. Use for down payments or closing; check the CRAG map to see if your target area qualifies for higher aid.

Can I combine FRHAP with other programs?

Yes, often with VA loans or TSAHC's Heroes for added DPA or MCC; consult your lender to stack benefits, maximizing savings for Veterans and Military in first responder roles.

How does forgiveness work in FRHAP?

20% forgives annually over five years if you remain employed and occupy the home; early sale or job change requires repaying unforgiven portion, prorated fairly.

Is FRHAP available for Veterans and Military?

Absolutely, especially if serving in SAPD/SAFD; it enhances VA benefits, providing extra down payment help without conflicting terms for military-affiliated first responders.

What if I sell before five years?

You repay the unforgiven balance; however, if employment ends involuntarily, options exist—discuss with NHSD to understand impacts in San Antonio's market.

How do I apply for FRHAP?

Get mortgage pre-approval, complete education, then lender submits packet to NHSD; approval leads to funds at closing—contact (210) 207-6459 for guidance.

Are there purchase price limits?

No specific caps mentioned, but homes must be affordable per your mortgage qualification; focus on city limits properties, including condos or new builds.

What's the homebuyer education requirement?

An 8-hour HUD-approved course covering finances, maintenance; NHSD provides options, ensuring you're prepared for ownership alongside your demanding role.

Eager to get started with FRHAP? Reach out to NHSD or a lender today. This program rewards your service—make San Antonio home. More info at FRHAP KB Article.



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