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What Is Down Payment Assistance?
Down payment assistance (DPA) is help — usually from a state or local housing program — that covers some or all of your down payment and often part of your closing costs. Instead of saving for years to reach a 3.5% or 5% down payment, an eligible Arizona buyer can pair a standard first mortgage with an assistance program that supplies those funds. For many buyers, DPA is the difference between renting indefinitely and owning this year.
The single most important thing to understand: assistance almost always pairs with a first mortgage rather than replacing it. You still get an FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loan for the bulk of the purchase — the DPA covers the upfront cash barrier on top of it. If you're weighing loan programs first, start with the types of home loans guide at todduzzell.com.
Arizona Down Payment Assistance Programs
HOME Plus — Statewide
HOME Plus is the only state-run, statewide down payment assistance program in Arizona. It offers up to 4% of the loan amount in down payment and closing cost assistance, and it's available in every county, city, and zip code in the state. HOME Plus pairs the assistance with a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage, and — importantly — it is not limited to first-time buyers.
Home in Five Advantage — Maricopa County
The Home in Five Advantage program serves buyers in Maricopa County (the Phoenix metro). It provides down payment and closing cost assistance alongside a competitive-rate first mortgage. Home in Five is for new purchases only — it can't be used to refinance — and layers extra assistance for qualifying buyers, including enhanced amounts for eligible professions and income tiers.
Other Local & Targeted Programs
Beyond the two flagship programs, various city, county, and lender-specific options exist across Arizona, and some can provide substantial assistance for qualifying buyers. Because these programs open, close, and change funding regularly, the right move is to confirm what's currently available and what you qualify for at the time you're ready to buy.
Program Comparison
| Feature | HOME Plus | Home in Five Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage area | All of Arizona | Maricopa County only |
| Assistance amount | Up to 4% of loan | Down payment + closing help (tiered) |
| First-time buyer required? | No | No |
| Purchase only? | Yes (no refinance) | Yes (no refinance) |
| First mortgage | 30-year fixed | Competitive fixed rate |
| Pairs with FHA/VA/USDA/Conv. | Yes | Yes |
How the Assistance Is Structured
DPA usually arrives in one of two forms, and the difference matters for your long-term cost:
- Forgivable second mortgage — the most common structure. The assistance is recorded as a silent second lien that is gradually forgiven the longer you stay in the home. Live in the property for the required period and you never repay a dollar of it.
- Grant — a smaller number of programs provide funds that never need to be repaid at all.
Some programs may require repayment if you sell or refinance before the forgiveness period ends. Understanding which structure applies to your specific program — and its timeline — is essential before you commit, and it's something we walk through with every DPA client.
Who Qualifies in Arizona?
| Requirement | Typical Detail |
|---|---|
| Income | Must fall under the program's income limit (set per program, updated periodically) |
| Credit score | Commonly 640+ (varies by program and first-mortgage type) |
| Occupancy | Primary residence — no investment properties |
| Homebuyer education | A short course is often required before closing |
| First-time buyer | Not required for HOME Plus; required by some local programs |
| Property type | Single-family, approved condos, and some manufactured homes |
Self-employed or have non-traditional income? Qualifying for the first mortgage behind the assistance may call for flexible underwriting — see our bank statement loan guide.
How the Process Works
- Pre-qualify and confirm which assistance programs you're eligible for at todduzzell.com/pre-qualification — then run the numbers with the calculator suite.
- Choose your first mortgage — FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional — that the assistance will pair with.
- Complete homebuyer education if your program requires it (usually a few hours online).
- Find your home and write the offer as a primary-residence purchase.
- Underwrite both layers — the first mortgage and the assistance are approved together.
- Close — the assistance funds are applied to your down payment and closing costs at the closing table.
Pros & Cons of Down Payment Assistance
✓ Advantages
- Buy years sooner without saving a full down payment
- Covers down payment and often closing costs too
- Frequently forgiven if you stay in the home — often $0 repaid
- HOME Plus is statewide and not limited to first-time buyers
- Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans
- Keeps more of your savings in reserve for moving and emergencies
✗ Considerations
- Income limits apply — higher earners may not qualify
- Primary residence only, no investment properties
- May require repayment if you sell/refinance early
- Homebuyer education course often required
- Program funds and rules change and can run out
- Slightly more coordination than a standard purchase
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Arizona?
HOME Plus offers up to 4% of the loan amount statewide in down payment and closing cost assistance. Regional programs like Home in Five Advantage in Maricopa County can add more. The exact amount depends on the program, your loan type, and your qualifications.
Do I have to repay it?
Often no. Much Arizona assistance is a second mortgage forgiven over time if you stay in the home — meaning you repay nothing if you keep the property for the required period. Some assistance is an outright grant. Terms vary by program, so confirm the structure first.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility depends on income limits, credit (commonly 640+), and buying a primary residence. HOME Plus is statewide and not limited to first-time buyers. Income limits update periodically, so eligibility should be confirmed against current figures at application.
Can I combine it with an FHA, VA, or USDA loan?
Yes — assistance is built to pair with a first mortgage. HOME Plus pairs a 30-year fixed first mortgage with the assistance, letting you combine a low-down-payment loan with help covering the down payment and closing costs.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Not for every program. HOME Plus does not require it. Some local or targeted programs do (generally meaning you haven't owned a home in the past three years). Which programs fit depends on your situation and location.
Related Arizona Loan Resources
- FHA Loans in Arizona — the most common loan paired with DPA
- USDA Loans in Arizona — 0% down for eligible areas
- Bank Statement Loans — self-employed income options
- Down Payment Assistance at ToddUzzell.com
- Arizona First-Time Buyer Guide
- Arizona Dept. of Housing: HOME Plus — official program page
About the Author
Todd Uzzell is a licensed Arizona mortgage lender (NMLS #1525192) with Starboard Financial (NMLS #156931), based in Gilbert, AZ. Todd helps Arizona buyers combine down payment assistance with the right first mortgage to buy sooner and keep more cash in reserve. Call or text 480-330-1724 or visit todduzzell.com.
See What Down Payment Assistance You Qualify For
Find out which Arizona assistance programs fit your income, location, and loan type — and how much of your down payment they could cover — before you start house hunting.
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