First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Arizona

Arizona Industrial Development Authority (AzIDA) Programs:

HOME+PLUS Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program:

Eligibility: Available to both first-time and repeat buyers in all Arizona counties.
Offerings: Provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to 4% down payment assistance for use toward down payment and/or closing costs. Compatible with FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac loans. Assistance is a silent second mortgage, fully forgivable after 5 years.
Requirements:

• Annual household income must not exceed $136,609 (varies slightly by location).
• Minimum credit score of 620 (higher for some loan types or manufactured homes).
• Debt-to-income ratio must not exceed 45% (50% allowed with a score of 680+).
• At least one borrower must complete a homebuyer education course.

Arizona Is Home:

Benefits: Offers up to $30,000 for buyers earning ≤80% of Area Median Income (AMI), and up to $20,000 for buyers between 81% and 120% AMI. Provided as a silent second mortgage, forgivable after 5 years.
Eligibility: First-time buyers only (no homeownership in the last three years). Available in all Arizona counties except Maricopa and Pima.

Local Programs:

Maricopa County

Home in Five Advantage Program: Offers up to 6% of the loan amount as forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance (forgiven after 3 years). Available for purchases in Maricopa County. Borrowers may be eligible for an additional 1% if they are teachers, first responders, military personnel, or earn under $49,500.

Pima County/Tucson

Pima Tucson Homebuyer’s Solution Program: Offers up to 20% of the purchase price in forgivable assistance (minimum $1,000 buyer contribution required). Forgiven after 3 years. Income limit is $126,351.

Phoenix

Open Doors Down Payment Assistance: Offers variable assistance through HUD-certified counseling agencies for first-time homebuyers in Phoenix. Requires completion of an 8-hour homebuyer education course and one-on-one counseling session.

Additional Information:

• Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Offers a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 annually for eligible first-time buyers, veterans, or those buying in targeted areas. $500 application fee and $100 annual renewal fee apply.
• USDA and VA Loans: Provide 0% down options for rural buyers (USDA) and eligible veterans/active-duty military (VA).
• FHA Loans: Require a minimum 3.5% down payment for credit scores of 580 or higher (10% if score is below 580).