As little as 3.5% down. 580+ credit score. Arizona's most accessible home loan program — for first-time buyers and move-up buyers statewide. NMLS #1525192.
Check My FHA Eligibility Call 480-330-1724FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration — making them the most accessible mortgage program for buyers with limited down payment or less-than-perfect credit.
FHA loans require just 3.5% down for borrowers with a 580+ credit score. On a $350,000 Arizona home, that's only $12,250 down — compared to $17,500 for a 5% conventional loan or $70,000 for 20% down.
FHA accepts credit scores as low as 580 (with 3.5% down) and even 500–579 (with 10% down). If your credit took a hit from medical bills, job loss, or past hardship — FHA is designed for exactly your situation.
The entire 3.5% down payment can come from a gift — from family, an employer, or a charitable organization. Combined with Arizona Down Payment Assistance programs, many buyers close with very little out of pocket.
FHA allows debt-to-income ratios up to 43% (and sometimes higher with compensating factors). This means buyers with student loans, car payments, or other obligations can still qualify when conventional loans say no.
Already have an FHA loan? The Streamline Refinance lets you lower your rate with minimal documentation and no appraisal required in most cases — one of the fastest refinance programs available.
Buy a fixer-upper and finance the renovation in one loan. The FHA 203k program is perfect for Arizona buyers who want to purchase in established neighborhoods where homes need updating.
FHA loan limits vary by county in Arizona. These are the maximum loan amounts allowed under the FHA program.
| Arizona County | 1-Unit (Single Family) | 2-Unit (Duplex) | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa County (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa) | $530,150 | $678,900 | $820,500 | $1,019,550 |
| Pima County (Tucson) | $472,030 | $604,400 | $730,525 | $907,900 |
| Coconino County (Flagstaff) | $530,150 | $678,900 | $820,500 | $1,019,550 |
| Yavapai County (Prescott, Sedona) | $472,030 | $604,400 | $730,525 | $907,900 |
| All Other AZ Counties | $472,030 | $604,400 | $730,525 | $907,900 |
The right choice depends on your credit score, down payment, and how long you plan to stay in the home.
| Feature | 🏠 FHA Loan | Conventional Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Down Payment | ✓ 3.5% (580+ score) | 3–5% (620+ score) |
| Min. Credit Score | ✓ 580 (3.5% down) / 500 (10% down) | 620 minimum |
| Mortgage Insurance | ✗ Required for life of loan (most cases) | Drops off at 20% equity |
| Loan Limit (Maricopa) | $530,150 | $832,750 |
| DTI Flexibility | ✓ Up to 43%+ with compensating factors | 45% typical max |
| Gift Funds | ✓ 100% of down payment can be gifted | Allowed with conditions |
| Property Condition | Must meet FHA minimum standards | More flexible |
| Best For | ✓ Lower credit, smaller down payment | Higher credit, 20%+ down |
FHA loans are designed to be accessible — here's what you need to qualify.
| Requirement | FHA Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Score | 580+ (3.5% down) / 500+ (10% down) | Some lenders set overlays at 600+ |
| Down Payment | 3.5% of purchase price | Can be 100% gift funds |
| Employment | 2 years employment history | Gaps OK with explanation |
| Income | No minimum income requirement | Must support DTI requirements |
| DTI Ratio | 43% max (front/back) | Higher allowed with strong compensating factors |
| Property Type | Primary residence only | SFR, condo (FHA-approved), 2-4 unit |
| Property Condition | Must meet FHA Minimum Property Standards | Appraiser checks for safety issues |
| Bankruptcy | Chapter 7: 2 years / Chapter 13: 1 year | With re-established credit |
| Foreclosure | 3-year waiting period | From completion date |
| Citizenship | US citizens & legal permanent residents | Some non-permanent residents eligible |
FHA loans serve a wide range of Arizona buyers — here are the most common situations.
The most common FHA borrower in Arizona — a first-time buyer purchasing in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, or Peoria with 3.5% down and a credit score in the 580–680 range. FHA opens the door when conventional lending isn't accessible yet.
Had a medical event, job loss, or divorce that dinged your credit? FHA's 580 minimum is achievable for many borrowers who've been working on rebuilding. Todd has helped hundreds of Arizona buyers qualify for FHA after credit setbacks.
Not just for first-timers — move-up buyers who don't have 20% to put down on the next home sometimes find FHA more accessible than conventional. The higher DTI flexibility also helps when the new payment is larger.
In markets like Tucson, Casa Grande, Yuma, Kingman, and Sierra Vista, FHA loan limits well exceed local median prices — making FHA the default financing choice for most purchases.
The FHA 203k loan lets you purchase AND renovate in one loan. Perfect for buyers targeting older Phoenix, Tucson, or Scottsdale neighborhoods with good bones but dated finishes.
Todd handles the entire process — from eligibility check to closing.
Call or apply online. Todd reviews your credit, income, and down payment to confirm FHA is the right fit.
FHA pre-approval letter in 24 hours. Shows sellers you're serious and your financing is solid.
Shop with confidence. FHA appraisal includes a property condition check — Todd advises on what to watch for.
Most Arizona FHA loans close in 30–45 days. Todd manages the process start to finish.
Stack FHA with DPA programs to reduce your out-of-pocket costs even further.
Arizona's statewide down payment assistance program provides a soft second mortgage (forgiven after 60 months) to cover your 3.5% FHA down payment — available in every Arizona county and city. Combined with FHA, many buyers close with minimal cash out of pocket.
The Home in Five Advantage program (Maricopa County only) provides additional assistance specifically for FHA borrowers in the Phoenix metro. Income limits and purchase price limits apply — call Todd to check your eligibility for both programs simultaneously.
FHA loans available statewide — Todd is licensed in every Arizona county.
FHA loan limits vary by county in Arizona. In Maricopa County (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa), the 2026 FHA limit is $530,150 for a single-family home. In Pima County (Tucson) and most other Arizona counties, the limit is $472,030. Coconino County (Flagstaff) matches Maricopa at $530,150. Loans above these limits require conventional or jumbo financing.
The FHA minimum is 580 for a 3.5% down payment, and 500–579 with a 10% down payment. However, individual lenders (including Todd Uzzell) may set slightly higher minimums — typically 580–620. If your score is below 580, Todd can discuss credit improvement strategies to get you qualified faster. Call 480-330-1724 for a free credit review.
The minimum is 3.5% of the purchase price for borrowers with a 580+ credit score. On a $350,000 Arizona home, that's $12,250. The entire down payment can come from gift funds or Arizona Down Payment Assistance programs. Some buyers combine FHA with the Arizona Home Plus DPA program and close with very little out of pocket.
Yes — FHA is specifically designed for borrowers with imperfect credit. Scores as low as 580 qualify for 3.5% down, and scores as low as 500 qualify with 10% down. FHA also has shorter waiting periods after bankruptcy (2 years from Chapter 7 discharge) and foreclosure (3 years) compared to conventional loans. Todd has helped hundreds of Arizona buyers qualify after credit challenges.
Yes — FHA loans require two types of mortgage insurance. An upfront MIP of 1.75% (typically rolled into the loan) and an annual MIP of 0.55%–1.05% depending on loan term and LTV ratio. For most FHA loans, the annual MIP lasts the life of the loan. Once you've built 20% equity, you can refinance into a conventional loan to eliminate MIP — which many Arizona FHA borrowers do after 3–5 years.
Yes — FHA loans are available throughout Maricopa County including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Peoria, Glendale, Scottsdale, Surprise, and all other Phoenix metro cities. The 2026 FHA limit for Maricopa County is $530,150 — which covers a wide range of homes in these markets. Todd closes FHA loans throughout the East Valley and Phoenix metro.
The 2026 FHA loan limit in Tucson (Pima County) is $472,030 for a single-family home. This limit covers the vast majority of home purchases in the Tucson market. Todd Uzzell closes FHA loans throughout Tucson and southern Arizona.
Yes — and this is one of the most powerful combinations in Arizona mortgage lending. The Arizona Home Plus DPA program provides a soft second mortgage (forgiven after 60 months) that can cover your 3.5% FHA down payment. Available statewide in every county, city, and zip code. Income and purchase price limits apply. Call 480-330-1724 to check your eligibility.
See how FHA compares to VA, USDA, Conventional, and Jumbo — and find the right program for your situation.
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