Buying your first home in Arizona is more approachable than most people think. This roadmap walks you through financing, down payment assistance, and the exact sequence of events so nothing surprises you.
Down payment & closing cost programs
- Home Plus (statewide) — up to 5% forgivable assistance
- Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa) — up to 5% grant + 1% for teachers/first responders
- Pathway to Purchase (select cities) — up to $20,000 forgivable
- FHA 3.5% down with gift funds allowed
- Conventional 3% down (HomeReady / Home Possible)
- USDA 0% down in eligible rural Arizona areas
Pre-approval, done right
- Interview 2–3 lenders — rates and fees vary more than buyers realize
- Ask for a Loan Estimate, not a verbal quote
- Lock rate only after mutual acceptance on a home
- Keep credit clean — no new cards, cars, or big purchases until close
Home search & offer strategy
- Define non-negotiables vs nice-to-haves before touring
- Tour 5–10 homes to calibrate the market
- Use inspection + appraisal contingencies wisely
- Ask for seller-paid closing costs when the market allows
Under contract to keys
- Day 1–3 — Earnest money deposited, inspection scheduled
- Day 4–10 — Inspection, repair requests, appraisal ordered
- Day 11–25 — Loan underwriting, insurance bound, HOA docs reviewed
- Day 26–30 — Clear to close, final walkthrough, sign at title, get keys
Start my first home search
Tell us where you want to buy and roughly what you can afford. We'll match you with a program-savvy lender and follow up within one business day.
Start my first home search© AZ Buy N Sell · Milan & Co. powered by Orchard Brokerage · Licensed in Arizona. Provided for informational purposes; not legal, tax, or financial advice.