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Updated · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555

Phoenix Down Payment Assistance Programs

Phoenix buyers have access to the most diverse DPA program menu in Arizona — Home In Five Advantage (Maricopa County only), statewide Home Plus, national programs (Chenoa, Arrive, Essex/NHF), and public-servant bonus tiers. Here's the practical Phoenix DPA map.

Phoenix DPA program menu

Phoenix is in Maricopa County, which gives Phoenix buyers access to Maricopa-specific programs that Arizona buyers in other counties don't have.

Home In Five Advantage (Maricopa County)

The flagship Maricopa County DPA. 4% grant of loan amount, can layer with a public-servant 1% bonus tier (5% total) for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers. Pairs with FHA, VA, or conventional. Income cap ~$153K. Credit 640+.

Home Plus (statewide AZ)

Available in all Arizona counties including Maricopa/Phoenix. 1-5% DPA depending on tier. Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional. Different income limit and qualification structure than Home In Five.

National programs (work in Phoenix too)

  • Chenoa Fund: 3.5% DPA, FHA pairing, FICO 600+, no income cap
  • Arrive Home: 3.5% DPA, FHA pairing, forgivable after 36 months
  • Essex/NHF: Down payment + closing cost assistance, FHA pairing

Public-servant bonus on Home In Five

Phoenix-area teachers, first responders (police, fire, EMT), and healthcare workers can layer a 1% bonus on top of the standard Home In Five 4% grant — total 5%. This is built into the Home In Five program (not a separate program). Eligibility:

  • Teachers in qualifying Arizona public schools
  • Police officers, firefighters, EMTs in qualifying departments
  • Healthcare workers (nurses, hospital staff, certain medical professionals)
  • State and local government employees in some configurations

Common Phoenix buyer scenarios

  • The Phoenix teacher: Home In Five with 1% public-servant bonus (5% total). Layered with FHA first mortgage. Covers down payment + most closing costs.
  • The Arcadia first-time buyer (under $153K income): Home In Five Advantage 4% grant. FHA first mortgage. Closing costs partially covered.
  • The Phoenix buyer with FICO 605: Chenoa Fund 3.5% DPA — works at 600+ FICO when other programs require 640+.
  • The repeat Phoenix buyer (not first-time): Chenoa or Arrive — neither requires first-time buyer status.
  • The Phoenix buyer over income limits: Chenoa Fund or Arrive — no income limits on national programs.

Phoenix DPA credit checkpoints

  • Under 600 FICO: No DPA program currently qualifies; credit improvement first
  • 600-619 FICO: Chenoa Fund only
  • 620-639 FICO: Chenoa plus some Home Plus configurations
  • 640+ FICO: Most programs open up — Home In Five, Home Plus, Arrive, Essex/NHF
  • 680+ FICO: Best pricing tiers on most programs

Phoenix neighborhood considerations

Different Phoenix neighborhoods have different median home prices that interact with DPA program limits:

  • South Phoenix, Laveen, Maryvale, Sunnyslope: Lower-priced segments; full DPA programs accessible
  • Phoenix central, Encanto, Coronado: Mid-priced; verify against Home In Five purchase-price caps
  • Arcadia, Biltmore, North Central: Higher-priced; some segments may exceed DPA program purchase-price limits
  • Camelback Corridor, Paradise Valley adjacent: Most luxury; typically above DPA program ranges

Next step

20-minute call. Bring rough credit, household income, FTHB status, profession (especially if public-servant eligible), and target Phoenix neighborhood. We map the right DPA pairing.

FAQ

Does Home In Five work outside Maricopa County?

No — Home In Five Advantage is Maricopa County only. Phoenix is in Maricopa, so Phoenix buyers qualify. Buyers in Pima, Pinal, etc. use Home Plus or national programs instead.

Can I get the 1% public-servant bonus if I'm an Arizona state employee?

Some Home In Five configurations include state employees in the public-servant bonus tier. Specific roles vary; verify with us during the consult.

Are there income limits on Phoenix DPA programs?

Home In Five Advantage: ~$153K household. Home Plus: varies by configuration. National programs (Chenoa, Arrive, Essex/NHF) typically have no income limits.

What if I want to buy a Phoenix home above the DPA program purchase-price limit?

Higher-priced Phoenix homes typically don't fit DPA programs. You'd use conventional or FHA without DPA, or layer with seller concessions and lender credits instead.