Arizona First-Time Home Buyer Guide 2026
This guide for Arizona first-time home buyers covers HOME Plus down payment assistance, Pathway to Purchase DPA, Arizona IDA programs, income limits by county, and step-by-step guidance for first-time buyers in Arizona.
HOME Plus Assistance Program
HOME Plus is Arizona’s primary down payment assistance program and one of the most generous in the country. It provides up to 4% of the first mortgage loan amount, structured as a forgivable second mortgage — if you stay in the home for 5 years, it never needs to be repaid.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Assistance amount | Up to 4% of the first mortgage loan amount |
| Repayment | Forgiven after 5 years; repaid only if you sell or refinance sooner |
| Eligible loan types | FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional (Fannie/Freddie) |
| Min credit score | 640 (some lenders may require higher) |
| Income limit (2026) | $155,386 household income (as of 4/6/2026) |
| Purchase price limit | No specific cap published — income limit is the primary constraint |
| First-time buyer required? | No — repeat buyers may qualify |
| Homebuyer education | Required for first-time buyers; recommended for all |
| Owner occupancy | Required — must be primary residence |
HOME Plus is available throughout Arizona — not just in specific cities or counties. It is administered through participating lenders, and not all Arizona lenders offer it. Ask your lender specifically about HOME Plus eligibility when shopping for a mortgage. Confirm current terms at homeplusaz.com.
Pathway to Purchase Program
Pathway to Purchase is a Maricopa County-focused down payment assistance program that provides up to 10% of the purchase price — significantly more than HOME Plus — but with stricter geographic and income requirements.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| DPA amount | Up to 10% of purchase price (second mortgage) |
| Structure | 0% interest forgivable second mortgage |
| Forgiveness | Forgiven after 5 years if you remain in the home |
| Geography | Primarily Maricopa County — check current eligible areas |
| Income limit | Based on county AMI — typically around 80% AMI |
| First-time buyer | Required |
Arizona IDA Programs
Arizona’s Industrial Development Authorities (IDAs) — including the Maricopa County IDA, Pima County IDA, and others — offer additional first-time homebuyer programs including mortgage revenue bond (MRB) loans with below-market rates and DPA options.
- Maricopa County IDA: Offers below-market rate mortgages paired with DPA for first-time buyers in Maricopa County
- Pima IDA: Programs for first-time buyers in Pima County (Tucson area)
- Pinal County Housing: Assistance programs for the growing Pinal County market (Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Casa Grande)
IDA programs have specific income limits, purchase price limits, and geographic restrictions. Check with your lender or the relevant IDA directly for current program availability and terms.
Income and Purchase Price Limits
| Program | Income Limit | Purchase Price Limit | Geography |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOME Plus (2026) | $155,386 | No cap published | Statewide |
| Pathway to Purchase | ~80% AMI (Maricopa) | Varies by area | Maricopa County (mostly) |
| Maricopa IDA | Varies by program | Varies by program | Maricopa County |
Arizona Down Payment Assistance Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for HOME Plus or Arizona’s other DPA programs, buyers generally must meet the following requirements:
- Credit score: Minimum 640 for HOME Plus (some lenders may require higher); Pathway to Purchase and IDA programs may set their own minimums
- Owner-occupancy: Must live in the home as a primary residence
- Income limits: Household income must be at or below $155,386 for HOME Plus (2026); Pathway to Purchase and IDA programs use separate county-based AMI limits
- Homebuyer education: Required for first-time buyers using HOME Plus — an 8-hour HUD-approved course must be completed before closing
- Participating lender: Must use a lender that participates in the specific program — not all Arizona lenders offer HOME Plus, Pathway to Purchase, or IDA programs
- First-time buyer status: Not required for HOME Plus (open to repeat buyers); required for Pathway to Purchase
Combining DPA programs: HOME Plus generally cannot be combined with Pathway to Purchase or IDA down payment assistance on the same loan, since these programs are structured as competing second mortgages. Ask your lender which single program offers the best terms for your situation.
Step-by-Step Buying Process for Arizona First-Time Home Buyers
| Step | What to Do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check your credit score | You need at least 640 for HOME Plus and most Arizona DPA programs. |
| 2 | Find a HOME Plus participating lender | Not all Arizona lenders offer HOME Plus. Ask specifically about HOME Plus eligibility before committing to a lender. |
| 3 | Complete homebuyer education | Required for first-time buyers using HOME Plus. Complete an 8-hour HUD-approved course before closing. |
| 4 | Get pre-approved | Your lender calculates your maximum loan amount and determines which DPA programs you qualify for. |
| 5 | Make an offer | Arizona is an escrow state; your real estate agent will guide you through the Arizona residential purchase contract (BINSR/SPDS). |
| 6 | Complete due diligence period | Arizona has a standard 10-day inspection period; negotiate any repairs or credits. |
| 7 | Close with escrow | Arizona closings are handled by title/escrow companies, not attorneys. Review your Closing Disclosure and sign documents. |
