Looking to buy a home in Arizona? These first-time homebuyer grants and assistance programs can help cover your down payment, closing costs, and more โ hereโs what to know.
๐ฉ 1. Home Plus AZ Down Payment Assistance Program
What it is: A statewide program that provides up to 5% of the loan amount to help with down payment or closing costs.
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Income cap: ~$137,000 (varies by county)
- Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
- Forgivable grant after 3 years of living in the home
๐ Best for: First-time buyers and moderate-income households
๐ฆ **2. Pathway to Purchase (P2P) โ [TEMPORARILY PAUSED BUT HISTORICALLY HUGE]
What it was: Up to $20,000 in down payment assistance for targeted cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma.
๐ Status: Currently paused โ but many expect a similar program to re-launch.
โก๏ธ Stay in touch with your Realtor (thatโs me) for alerts.
๐ฅ 3. Arizona Department of Housing โHOMEโ Program
For lower-income first-time buyers, this program provides:
- Up to $10,000 in assistance
- County-specific availability
- Must attend homebuyer education
๐ Best for: Buyers making under 80% of the area median income
๐ง 4. VA Loans + Local Grants for Veterans
If you qualify for a VA loan, combine it with local or city-level grants for zero-down purchasing AND extra financial assistance.
Cities like Mesa, Surprise, and Maricopa County offer special veteran housing help.
๐งพ How to Qualify for AZ Home Buyer Assistance
Most programs require:
- Being a first-time buyer (or havenโt owned in 3+ years)
- Completing a HUD-approved homebuyer course
- Meeting income and loan limits
- Working with an approved lender (Iโve got great referrals)
๐ง Pro Tips for Getting Approved
- Get pre-approved with a lender familiar with grants
- Start your education course early
- Use grant money strategically โ sometimes itโs better for closing costs than down payment
- Pair grants with negotiated seller concessions to lower your out-of-pocket to nearly $0
๐ฏ Final Word
Buying a home in Arizona doesnโt have to drain your bank account.
With the right homebuyer grant, smart financing, and a savvy agent on your side, you can go from renting to owning faster than you think.
๐ Want to find out what youโre eligible for? Iโll walk you through every option, every dollar, and every local advantage.
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๐ Hidden Homebuyer Assistance Programs in Arizona
These grant and down payment assistance programs can help Arizona homebuyers unlock thousands in free fundingโmany are rarely talked about!
1. Arizona Is Home Program
Assistance: Up to $30,000 for down payment and interest rate buydown.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (up to 120% AMI), excludes Maricopa & Pima.
Forgiveness: After 5 years.
More Info: Arizona Department of Housing
2. HOME+PLUS Down Payment Assistance Program
Assistance: Up to 4% of the loan amount.
Eligibility: Statewide; min credit score 640; income cap $136,609.
Forgiveness: After 3 years.
More Info: HOME+PLUS Program
3. Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa County)
Assistance: Up to 6% of the loan amount.
Eligibility: Maricopa County buyers; min credit 640; income cap $141,820.
Forgiveness: After 3 years.
More Info: Home in Five Program
4. Pima Tucson Homebuyerโs Solution
Assistance: Up to 100% financing including closing costs.
Eligibility: Pima County (Tucson); min credit score 640.
Forgiveness: After 3 years.
More Info: LendingTree Guide
5. WISH Program (Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership)
Assistance: 4-to-1 match up to $32,000.
Eligibility: First-time buyers earning โค80% AMI.
Forgiveness: After 5 years.
More Info: TruWest Credit Union
6. City of Phoenix Open Doors
Assistance: Up to 10% of purchase price.
Eligibility: Within Phoenix limits; โค80% AMI.
Forgiveness: After 5โ15 years.
More Info: Bankrate Program Overview
7. Zillow Down Payment Assistance Pilot
Assistance: 2% of the purchase price.
Eligibility: First-time buyers below median income.
Forgiveness: No repayment required.
More Info: Time Magazine
Let These Programs Know Craig C from ServiceSync Sent You!
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