Down payment help
Arizona HOME Plus down payment assistance, explained.
HOME Plus is Arizona's statewide down payment and closing cost assistance program, run by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority (Arizona IDA). It pairs a first mortgage with a forgivable second loan that can cover the cash you need to close. You don't apply to HOME Plus directly. You apply through a participating lender, and Marketline offers HOME Plus loans. We'll walk you through whether it beats a standard loan for you.
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HOME Plus at a glance (as of April 6, 2026)
| Item | Program rule |
|---|---|
| Where | Every county, city, and ZIP code in Arizona |
| Who | First-time and repeat buyers. You do not have to be a first-time buyer. |
| Income limit | $155,386 in qualifying borrower income, the same in all counties |
| Credit score | 620 minimum, plus the normal FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional guidelines |
| Education | At least one borrower must finish a homebuyer education course before closing |
| Home | Primary residence only. Purchases only, no refinances. |
| First mortgage types | FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae HFA Preferred, Freddie Mac HFA Advantage, HUD 184 |
| Assistance | A percentage of the first mortgage, set by Arizona IDA, that can cover the down payment and closing costs |
| Repayment | Forgiven after 5 years. Repaid if you sell or refinance within the first 60 months. |
| Funding | Available year-round. Arizona IDA says it does not run out. |
Source: homeplusaz.com and the Arizona IDA HOME Plus Program Summary for Lenders (v04062026b, April 6, 2026). Rules can change, so we confirm them when you apply.
How the assistance works
The assistance is a second mortgage with no interest and no monthly payment, and it is fully forgiven on its fifth anniversary. There is no partial forgiveness before then. Sell or refinance during the first five years and the full amount is repaid from the proceeds.
The first mortgage rate is set daily by Arizona IDA and may be a little higher than a standard loan. In exchange, conventional HOME Plus loans can carry reduced mortgage insurance. We'll give you a side-by-side comparison of HOME Plus and a standard loan so you can see which one costs less over the time you plan to stay.
Is HOME Plus right for you?
HOME Plus often makes sense if: - You have steady income and credit but limited savings for closing. - You plan to stay in the home at least five years. - Your qualifying income is under the program limit.
It may not be the best fit if you have enough saved to close, or you expect to sell or refinance soon.
Arizona HOME Plus FAQ
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use HOME Plus?
No. HOME Plus is open to first-time and repeat buyers, as long as the home will be your primary residence and you meet the income and credit requirements.
What is the HOME Plus income limit in 2026?
As of April 6, 2026, qualifying borrower income can't exceed $155,386, the same in every Arizona county. The limit counts the income of borrowers on the loan, not the whole household (except on USDA loans).
Is HOME Plus assistance a grant?
No. It's a second mortgage with no interest and no payments, forgiven after five years. If you sell or refinance before then, it is repaid.
Do I need to take a homebuyer class?
Yes. At least one borrower must complete an approved homebuyer education course, online or in person, before closing. We suggest finishing it early.
Which loans work with HOME Plus?
FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae HFA Preferred, Freddie Mac HFA Advantage, and HUD 184 tribal purchase loans through a participating lender.
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This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, property eligibility, and program guidelines, which can change.
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