Arizona boasts stunning views and generally mild winters, making it a place many people want to call home. Taking advantage of programs for first-time home buyers offered through the Arizona Department of Housing, or ADOH, may help you purchase a home in the Grand Canyon State sooner than you think.Home loan programs offered nationally by a variety of lenders also have features that could help you qualify for a mortgage. Browse loan and assistance options for first-time home buyers below.

National first-time home buyer programs

First-time home buyers sometimes have trouble finding a mortgage because of credit history issues or because they don't have extra money for a down payment. That's where these national loan programs — available to borrowers in all 50 states — may come in handy.

ADOH highlights and eligibility requirements

Arizona's Home Plus mortgage program is designed to help people become homeowners. While first-time home buyers may participate in the Home Plus program, owning real estate now or in the past doesn’t necessarily disqualify you.

Highlights

  • Down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Reduced mortgage insurance premiums on conventional mortgages.

Eligibility

  • Property must be located in Arizona and not exceed purchase price limit.

  • Borrower must meet income and credit score requirements.

  • Allows for properties that include new or existing single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and manufactured homes.

  • Home buyer education course required.

Summary: 2021 ADOH first-time home buyer programs

  • Home Plus loan with down payment and closing cost assistance, and the possibility of discounted mortgage insurance.

  • Pathway to Purchase Down Payment Assistance offers loans with down payment and closing cost assistance in targeted ZIP codes and cities.

Now that you’re familiar with the basics of Arizona state home buyer programs and how they work, it’s time to take the next step.

For full details and eligibility requirements of the Home Plus loan program, visit the Home Plus AZ website.

If you think a Home Plus mortgage may be right for you, select from a network of participating lenders throughout the state. These lenders may have additional rules about income limits, credit scores and the types of properties eligible for a Home Plus mortgage, so the only way to know whether you qualify is to contact them.

The state’s Department of Housing website provides details on how the Pathway to Purchase Down Payment Assistance program works, including a breakdown of which ZIP codes and cities are targeted.