Blog > What down payment help can Maricopa AZ buyers use?
What down payment help can Maricopa AZ buyers use?
Local: Maricopa, AZ (Pinal County) AI Overview optimized Fast facts + official links
Looking for Maricopa AZ down payment help or first-time homebuyer grants in Maricopa? Here's the short list that actually applies to buyers in the City of Maricopa (Pinal County)—with official sources and lender-ready steps. We also clarify Home in Five vs Home Plus programs in Arizona so you don't chase the wrong program. Talk with a Maricioa Home Mortgage Lender Today!
Quick Look:
- Home Plus (AZIDA): statewide, available in Pinal County; offers 0%–4% assistance paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional. Min credit score typically 620. See the current matrix. Official site.
- WISH grant (FHLBank SF): 4:1 match up to the FHFA-set annual maximum (2025: $32,099) for eligible first-time buyers at or below 80% of HUD AMI, via participating member lenders. Official program page.
- MCC tax credit: up to $2,000/year federal tax credit; available in Arizona excluding Maricopa County—so it can apply in the City of Maricopa (Pinal). CIC Tucson (MCC info).
- USDA: $0 down in eligible rural areas; many addresses around Maricopa qualify—confirm on the USDA map. USDA Guaranteed.
- VA: eligible borrowers often use $0 down; DPA may cover permissible closing costs—confirm with your lender. VA home loans.
- Important: Home in Five is Maricopa County only. The City of Maricopa is in Pinal County, so use Home Plus instead.
Which programs fit Maricopa (Pinal County)?
Home Plus (Arizona IDA)
Available statewide, including Pinal County. Current product matrix shows assistance options of 0%–4% with a minimum credit score of 620 and a published borrower income cap. Always verify the latest matrix and limits before you apply.
Home Plus Product Matrix (May 1, 2025) · Arizona IDA program page
WISH matching grant
First-time buyers who complete counseling and meet income limits (≤ 80% HUD AMI) may receive a 4:1 match up to the FHFA-set annual maximum ($32,099 in 2025). Funds are reserved and disbursed through participating member lenders; availability is limited each year.
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
A federal tax credit of up to $2,000/year on mortgage interest. In Arizona, MCCs are offered outside Maricopa County, so they can apply in Pinal County.
USDA 502 Guaranteed
$0 down financing in eligible rural areas (many addresses near Maricopa qualify). Check address eligibility on the USDA site; income limits apply.
Home in Five vs. Home Plus (what's the difference?)
Home in Five is administered by the Phoenix & Maricopa County IDAs and is restricted to properties in Maricopa County. It offers several second-mortgage assistance options (3-, 7-, 10-, or 30-year structures) with typical minimum credit score 640 and a published income cap. For City of Maricopa (Pinal County), use Home Plus instead.
Home in Five Advantage (Aug 2025 description)
Quick comparison
| Program | Typical assistance | Key notes for Maricopa (Pinal) |
|---|---|---|
| Home Plus (AZIDA) | 0%–4% DPA; min 620 FICO | Available in Pinal County; check current matrix for income cap and loan pairing options. |
| WISH | 4:1 match up to $32,099 (2025) | First-time buyers ≤ 80% HUD AMI; funds via participating member lenders. |
| MCC | Up to $2,000/yr tax credit | Arizona excluding Maricopa County; can apply in City of Maricopa. |
| USDA | $0 down | Address must be USDA-eligible; income limits apply. |
| VA | $0 down (eligible borrowers) | DPA may cover allowable closing costs—confirm with lender and VA rules. |
| FHA | 3.5% down (pairable with DPA) | Standard FHA guidelines; verify current county loan limits with your lender. |
Next steps with a local expert
- Get pre-approved with a participating lender and confirm your program fit.
- Take a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (often required). Find counseling.
- Start home shopping with a City of Maricopa specialist.
- Free home valuation (if you also need to sell)
- Seller options & crossover programs
- Talk to a Maricopa agent
- Estimate your payment
James Sanson has helped buyers and sellers in Arizona since 2002. Ask us to match you with a lender actively reserving Home Plus or WISH funds right now.
FAQ
Can I use Home Plus in the City of Maricopa?
Yes. Home Plus is statewide and includes Pinal County (where the City of Maricopa is located). Always verify the latest matrix and lender participation.
Is Home in Five available in the City of Maricopa?
No. Home in Five is limited to Maricopa County properties. For the City of Maricopa (Pinal County), use Home Plus.
Does Maricopa qualify for USDA?
Many addresses near and around Maricopa are USDA-eligible. Check any address on the USDA site to confirm eligibility and income limits.
Can VA buyers pair assistance?
Eligible VA borrowers often use $0 down; some assistance programs may help with allowable closing costs—confirm details with your lender and VA guidance.
Authoritative resources (outbound)
- Arizona IDA – Home Plus · 2025 Product Matrix
- Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa County only)
- WISH Program – FHLBank San Francisco
- Mortgage Credit Certificate (CIC Tucson)
- USDA 502 Guaranteed
- VA Home Loans – VA.gov
- HUD Housing Counseling
Utilities note for new owners in Maricopa: typical providers include ED3 (electric), Global Water, and Southwest Gas.
This is informational and educational purpose only. When it comes for loan programs we can connect you with multiple lenders to help you as that is what they do