Saving for a down payment is the biggest hurdle for a lot of Arizona buyers. Two programs run by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority can help, but they’re easy to mix up. Here’s how they compare as of mid-2026.
Home Plus: available everywhere in Arizona
Home Plus is available in every Arizona county, city and ZIP code. As of April 2026, the borrower income limit was $155,386.
The help comes as a second loan with a 0% interest rate and no monthly payment. If you keep the home and the loan for five years, the second loan is forgiven. There’s no partial forgiveness along the way, so selling or refinancing in the first five years means repaying it.
Arizona Is Home: rural Arizona only
Arizona Is Home is for buyers in rural Arizona. It is not available in Maricopa or Pima counties, and in Yavapai County it isn’t available in Chino Valley. Income limits vary by county. For example, as of July 2026 the limit was $112,400 in Pinal County, $106,000 in Coconino County and $92,200 in Yavapai County.
This help is also a 0% second loan with no monthly payment, but it is not forgiven. The full amount is due when you sell or refinance.
A quick comparison
- Where: Home Plus is statewide. Arizona Is Home is rural counties only.
- Forgiveness: Home Plus is forgiven after five years. Arizona Is Home is repaid when you sell or refinance.
- Income limits: Home Plus has one statewide limit. Arizona Is Home sets limits by county.
What about the City of Phoenix?
If you’re buying inside Phoenix city limits, the city’s Open Doors program may also help with down payment and closing costs for households at or below 80% of area median income, with a purchase price cap. Funding and rules change, so check current availability.
Is assistance worth it?
Sometimes. Assistance can get you into a home years sooner. But programs can come with a slightly higher rate or extra requirements, and a second loan affects what you walk away with if you sell. The only way to know is to compare the same home with and without assistance.
Pete will run both versions for you. Book a free call or see the first-time buyer page.
Program details change. Figures here are as of the dates noted and should be confirmed before you rely on them.
General information, not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Programs, limits and guidelines change; confirm current details before relying on them. Pete Huegel, NMLS #242395. Barrett Financial Group, L.L.C., NMLS #181106. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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