Home in Five's teacher and first-responder 1% bonus ended in October 2024
Home in Five Advantage in Maricopa County used to add a 1% bonus for teachers, K-12 staff, and first responders on top of its 5% standard assistance, plus a 0.5% BOOST, which stacked to 6.5%. Those extra tiers were discontinued in October 2024. The program now provides a single amount of up to 6% down payment assistance, no matter your profession. Here is what changed, and what Maricopa County buyers get today. For current dollar limits, see our current DPA figures page.
Correction The 0.5% BOOST and 1% public-servant tier that raised Home in Five to 6.5% were discontinued in October 2024. The current maximum is 6%. Many sites still list 6.5% — that figure is outdated.
Who the 1% bonus used to cover
Until October 2024, these roles earned the extra 1% on top of Home in Five's standard assistance. That tier no longer exists. We keep the list here so buyers who read about the bonus elsewhere know exactly what changed.
- 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 and Veterans.
If you fall into one of these professions, you can still buy with Home in Five. You just receive the same up-to-6% assistance as everyone else, based on your credit and income tier. Cornerstone also works with programs built for public servants, such as Good Neighbor Next Door, and we will flag any that fit your purchase.
The math on a $400K Phoenix purchase
Here is how the change plays out on a typical Maricopa County purchase. The left column is what a qualified professional could reach before October 2024; the right column is the current maximum.
| Item | Before October 2024 (max with bonus) | Now (current max) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| FHA loan amount | $393,000 | $393,000 |
| Maximum DPA | 6.5% (5% + 1% bonus + 0.5% BOOST) | 6% |
| DPA dollars | $25,545 | $23,580 |
| Difference | — | About $1,965 less |
The current 6% still covers most of an FHA down payment and a good chunk of closing costs. Home in Five 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.
Do you still need bonus paperwork?
No. Because the profession-based tier ended in October 2024, you no longer submit a school ID, oath of office, or state license to unlock a higher percentage. Home in Five now runs on your credit score, household income, and loan type. That is one less document to chase during the loan process.
What still matters: a 640 minimum credit score, household income at or below $157,360, and a Maricopa County property. We confirm your assistance tier at pre-approval so you know the real number before you write an offer.
Common questions
Is the Home in Five 1% teacher and first-responder bonus still available?
No. The 1% profession-based bonus for teachers, K-12 staff, first responders, military, and Veterans was discontinued in October 2024, along with the 0.5% BOOST. Home in Five now provides a single down payment assistance amount of up to 6% in Maricopa County, set by your credit and income tier rather than your profession.
What was the Home in Five bonus, and why did it change?
Before October 2024, Home in Five stacked a 1% profession bonus and a 0.5% BOOST on top of its 5% standard assistance, reaching 6.5%. The program operators retired those extra tiers. The current structure is simpler: up to 6% of your loan amount, with no separate profession paperwork to claim.
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 4%. Home in Five is Maricopa County only and provides up to 6%. 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% with Home in Five in Maricopa County. The 1% profession bonus and 0.5% boost that used to reach 6.5% were discontinued in October 2024. On a $400,000 purchase with a $393,000 FHA loan, 6% is about $23,580 in assistance. The statewide Home Plus program tops out at 4%. 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. The 1% profession bonus is gone, but the program still delivers up to 6% toward your down payment and closing costs, and we lock in the highest tier you qualify for at pre-approval. We also compare it against Home Plus and any public-servant program that might net you more. Have questions first? Reach out for a free consult.
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