ArizonaFirst-Time HomebuyerPrograms & Assistance
Up to 7% assistance for down payment—plus 37,000+ Arizona families have already used these programs.
Watch & Understand
Real Arizona success stories and official program explanations—not sales pitches.
'Arizona is Home' Program Helps New Homebuyers
Real success story of a Valley woman getting her first home through Arizona's state program.
- 37,000+ buyers have used Arizona DPA programs
- Programs in all 15 counties—not just Phoenix
- 8-hour class required but it's actually helpful
Who Qualifies as a "First-Time" Homebuyer?
Good news: The definition is more generous than you think. Most programs define a first-time homebuyer as someone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past 3 years.
Arizona's Major DPA Programs
Side-by-side comparison of the 4 largest down payment assistance programs.
| Feature | HOME Plus | Home in Five | Pima Tucson | Arizona is Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | All 15 counties | Maricopa only | Pima County | All except Maricopa/Pima |
| Assistance Amount | Up to 4% | Up to 6% (7% military) | Up to 5% | 4% |
| First-Time Required? | Yes (3-year rule) | Yes | No | Yes (exceptions) |
| Min Credit Score | Varies by lender | 640 | 640 | ~640 |
| Income Limit | Varies by county/AMI | Up to $153,440 | Varies by loan type | Up to 120% AMI |
| Forgivable? | Both options | Yes | 3-year or 30-year | Deferred |
| Education Required | Yes (8 hours) | Yes (8 hours) | Yes (online OK) | Yes (8 hours) |
| Loan Types | FHA, VA, USDA, Conv | FHA, VA, USDA-RD | FHA, VA, USDA, Conv | All major types |
| Funding | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round | Annual limit |
| Buyers Helped | 37,000+ | 25,091 | Thousands | Growing |
How Arizona DPA Works
From pre-approval to keys in hand—typically 60-90 days.
Complete Education
8-hour course (online or in-person)
Get Pre-Approved
Find a participating lender
Find Your Home
Work with any real estate agent
DPA Application
Lender submits on your behalf
Close & Move In
DPA applied at closing
Special Programs for Essential Workers
Teachers, nurses, police, firefighters, and military often qualify for 100% financing—no down payment, no PMI.
Desert Financial Community Heroes
100% financing with no down payment and no PMI for first-time homebuyers in qualifying professions.
- Nurses (RN, LPN, CNA)
- Doctors & Physicians
- EMTs & Paramedics
- + 4 more
- Teachers (Pre-K to College)
- Administrators
- School Counselors
- + 3 more
- Police Officers
- Firefighters
- Emergency Responders
- + 2 more
- Active Duty (All Branches)
- Reserves
- Coast Guard
- + 1 more
- Government Agency Employees
- Civil Servants
- Public Service Workers
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door
50% discount off list price for law enforcement, teachers, firefighters, and EMTs in revitalization areas.
HUD OfficialCredit Union West Hometown Heroes
No down payment mortgages for first responders, teachers, and military servicemen and women.
Credit Union WestHomes for Heroes (National)
Savings on real estate service fees for firefighters, law enforcement, military, healthcare, EMS, and teachers.
Homes for HeroesWhat You Need to Know
Real concerns from Arizona buyers on Reddit—addressed honestly.
Higher Interest Rates with DPA
DPA programs often come with slightly higher interest rates than non-assisted loans. As one Reddit user noted: "The downside is the interest rate is higher than normal." Do the math to see if the DPA savings outweigh the rate difference.
Arizona Cooling Costs Are Real
Summer electric bills can run $300-500/month with older AC systems. Before buying, check the age of the HVAC system and ask about utility costs. A 15-year-old AC could mean a $5,000+ replacement soon.
HOAs Are Common in Arizona
Many Arizona communities have mandatory HOAs with fees of $100-400/month. Read the CC&Rs carefully—rules about landscaping, parking, and rentals can be strict. These fees are on top of your mortgage payment.
The $350K Threshold Struggle
"Finding anything below 350k that fits our needs is feeling damn near impossible" - Reddit user. This is real in Phoenix metro. Consider Tucson, smaller cities, or areas further from downtown. DPA can help bridge the gap.
Are You Ready to Buy in Arizona?
- Credit score 640+ (or working toward it)
- Stable employment for 2+ years
- Debt-to-income under 45%
- Emergency fund beyond down payment
- Planning to stay 3+ years
- Can handle 8-hour education class
- Credit score below 580
- Job change in past 6 months
- Maxed out credit cards
- No savings after down payment
- Might move within 1-2 years
- Buying just to "stop renting"
We'd rather lose a deal than put you in the wrong product. If you're not ready, we'll tell you. If a program isn't right for your situation, we'll explain why. Homeownership should strengthen your financial future—not jeopardize it.
Arizona First-Time Homebuyer FAQs
Real questions from real Arizona buyers—answered honestly.
Financial & Qualification
Programs & Process
Have more questions?
Call (602) 753-9600Your First Arizona Home Is Within Reach
With 37,000+ buyers helped and programs in all 15 counties, homeownership may be closer than you think. Let's find out what you qualify for—no pressure, honest assessment.
Official Resources: