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First-time homebuyer programs · Arizona

3 First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Arizona

Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Arizona buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.

Available programs in Arizona

Home in Five Advantage

Administered by Maricopa County IDA

Up to 5% of loan amount

Grant for down payment and closing costs in Maricopa County (Phoenix area).

Income limit Income limits vary by area
Minimum credit score 640
First-time buyer required No
Special requirements: Must purchase in Maricopa County.
View official program page Apply through Home in Five approved lender. Verified December 2024

HOME Plus

Administered by Arizona Industrial Development Authority

Up to 5% of loan amount

Down payment assistance grant. Does not need to be repaid.

Income limit Income up to $126,351 for most counties
Minimum credit score 640
First-time buyer required No
Special requirements: Available to first-time and repeat buyers. Homebuyer education required.
View official program page Apply through HOME Plus approved lender. Verified December 2024

Pathway to Purchase

Administered by Arizona Industrial Development Authority

Up to 10% of purchase price

Down payment assistance for homes in targeted areas. Does not need to be repaid.

Income limit Income limits up to 80% AMI
Minimum credit score 640
First-time buyer required Yes
Special requirements: Property must be in eligible census tract.
View official program page Apply through approved lender. Verified December 2024

Federal programs (also available to Arizona buyers)

Good Neighbor Next Door

HUD · Federal program

50% off list price

Law enforcement, teachers, firefighters, and EMTs can buy HUD homes at 50% discount in revitalization areas.

Fannie Mae HomeReady

Fannie Mae · Federal program

3% down payment

Low down payment mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance. Allows income from non-borrower household members.

FHA Loan

Federal Housing Administration · Federal program

3.5% down payment

Government-backed loan allowing as low as 3.5% down payment. More flexible credit requirements than conventional loans.

Freddie Mac Home Possible

Freddie Mac · Federal program

3% down payment

Low down payment option with flexible sources for down payment including gifts and grants.

USDA Rural Development Loan

US Department of Agriculture · Federal program

0% down payment

No down payment for homes in eligible rural areas. Below-market interest rates available.

VA Loan

Department of Veterans Affairs · Federal program

0% down payment

No down payment required for eligible veterans. No private mortgage insurance. Competitive interest rates.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?

Most Arizona programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.

What credit score do I need?

Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Arizona programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.

How do I actually apply?

Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.

Can I combine multiple programs?

Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.

Do these programs cost anything?

The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.