Home in Five Advantage — the teacher and first responder 1% bonus
In Maricopa County, the Home in Five Advantage program gives teachers, K-12 staff, and qualified first responders an extra 1% on top of the standard 5% down payment assistance. That bonus is real money, and we make sure you claim it at pre-approval. For the current dollar limits, see our current DPA figures page.
Who qualifies for the bonus
- Full-time K-12 public school teachers (Arizona Department of Education certified).
- Charter school teachers with state certification.
- K-12 school administrators, librarians, counselors.
- Sworn police officers (city, county, state, federal).
- Active firefighters and EMTs.
- Paramedics (advanced EMT or higher).
- Active US military (covered separately under different programs).
The math on a $400K Phoenix purchase
| Item | Standard Home in Five | Teacher/First Responder bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| FHA loan amount | $393,000 | $393,000 |
| DPA percentage | 5% | 6% |
| DPA dollars | $19,650 | $23,580 |
| Cash to close | ~$3,000 | Approaching $0 |
| Bonus impact | — | $3,930 extra |
Home in Five Advantage runs in Maricopa County only. Compare it with the statewide Home Plus option on our loan programs page before you decide which fits your purchase.
Documentation required for the bonus
School ID + most recent pay stub showing employer name + Arizona Department of Education certification (for teachers). Police/fire need active service ID, oath of office, or department-issued documentation. EMT/paramedic need active state license.
Pre-approve with the bonus assumed. We collect documentation during the loan process — the bonus paperwork rarely delays close if started early.
Common questions
Can charter school teachers qualify?
Yes if state-certified. Some private school staff may also qualify — verify with the program.
Does the bonus require staying employed in the role?
The DPA itself forgives over 5 years regardless of employment. But if you take the bonus and immediately change careers, that could be reviewed.
Can a couple where one spouse is a teacher and one isn't claim the bonus?
Yes — as long as the qualifying spouse is on the loan.
Does this stack with Home Plus?
No, you cannot stack Home in Five with Home Plus. Borrowers use one down payment assistance program per purchase. Home Plus is statewide and gives up to 5% (4% plus a 1% Active Duty/Veteran add-on). Home in Five is Maricopa County only and reaches up to 6.5%. Compare both on our loan programs page and pick the one that fits your purchase.
How much down payment assistance can I get with Home in Five?
You can get up to 6.5% with Home in Five in Maricopa County: up to 5% base, plus 1% for teachers, first responders, military, Veterans, or income-qualified buyers, plus a 0.5% boost. On a $400,000 purchase, that is roughly $26,000 in assistance. The statewide Home Plus program tops out at 5%. See exact figures on our current DPA figures page.
Do you have to pay back Home in Five down payment assistance?
No, you do not repay the Home in Five assistance with a monthly payment. It comes as a soft second lien with no monthly payment that forgives over time, so most buyers never write a check for it. The terms live in your loan documents. We walk you through exactly how the second lien works before you sign anything.
What credit score and income do I need for Home in Five?
You need a 640 minimum credit score for Home in Five, and household income must be at or below $157,360 (as of June 10, 2026). FHA on its own allows scores as low as 580, but the down payment assistance layer sets the 640 floor. Home in Five works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages.
How Mike + Cornerstone help
We work with Phoenix-metro teachers and first responders constantly through Home in Five Advantage. We claim the bonus upfront in pre-approval so you get the extra $3,000 to $5,000 in assistance. The documentation is straightforward once you know to ask for it. Have questions first? Reach out for a free consult.
Talk to Mike first Get pre-approved
No pressure, no commitment. Free 20-minute consult. Mike will look at your scenario and tell you straight whether this works for you.