Down Payment Assistance Arizona · Cornerstone First Mortgage · NMLS #173855 Call Mike Certo · (480) 296-6513

Yavapai County Down Payment Assistance — 2026 Programs

Yavapai County buyers — Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Cottonwood, Sedona, Camp Verde — qualify for statewide Home Plus plus several local employer-assisted programs in the Verde Valley. Here's how Yavapai County DPA actually works and what to choose.

By Mike Certo, Cornerstone First Mortgage · NMLS #260555 · Updated 2026-06-08

Home Plus across Yavapai County

Arizona Department of Housing's Home Plus program works statewide including Yavapai County. Down payment assistance ranges from 1% to 5% of the loan amount depending on the pricing tier you choose. Income cap typically $112-$130K in 2026. Credit score 640+. Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages. Useful across Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and the Verde Valley.

Cottonwood Community Housing Programs (Verde Valley)

The City of Cottonwood operates an Employer-Assisted Housing program with substantial assistance amounts — up to $40,000 for qualifying Cottonwood employer-affiliated buyers. The program is designed to attract and retain workforce in the Verde Valley. Specific eligibility requires Cottonwood employer affiliation and meeting program income/property guidelines. Worth asking about if you work in Cottonwood and are buying in the Verde Valley.

Sedona Sustainable Workforce Housing Assistance Program (SWHAP)

Sedona's workforce housing program offers up to $40,000 in assistance for qualifying buyers affiliated with Sedona-area employers. Like Cottonwood's program, this is employer-tied. Useful for Sedona healthcare workers, education workers, hospitality workers (managers), and other Sedona-employer-affiliated buyers facing the higher cost of Sedona housing.

National DPA programs available in Yavapai

For buyers whose income exceeds Home Plus caps or who don't qualify under the employer-tied Verde Valley programs:

  • Chenoa Fund — 3.5% DPA, pairs with FHA first mortgage, no income limit (pricing tiers apply file-specific)
  • Arrive Home — 3.5% DPA forgiven after 36 months, FHA pairing, no FTHB requirement
  • Essex/NHF — Down payment + closing cost assistance, broader eligibility

How to pick by Yavapai location

  • Prescott / Prescott Valley / Chino Valley: Home Plus is typically the practical fit. Verde Valley employer programs don't apply this far north.
  • Cottonwood / Camp Verde: Home Plus + Cottonwood EAH (if employer-affiliated). Cottonwood's program is typically the stronger option when you qualify.
  • Sedona / Big Park / VOC: Home Plus + Sedona SWHAP (if employer-affiliated). SWHAP is typically the stronger option for Sedona workforce buyers.
  • Higher-income Yavapai buyers: National programs (Chenoa, Arrive, Essex) are usually the only fit.

Next step

The right Yavapai County DPA program depends on your specific income, credit, neighborhood, and employer affiliation. A 20-minute call walks through the math. Schedule a free consultation or call (480) 296-6513.

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