What is the Home in Five Advantage program?

It is a program designed by the Maricopa County and Phoenix Industrial Development Authorities to provide low-to-moderate-income homebuyers with up to 5% (and sometimes 6% for veterans/first responders) in down payment and closing cost assistance.

Do I have to pay back the Home in Five grant in Arizona?

Typically, the assistance is structured as a forgivable second mortgage. As long as you reside in the home as your primary residence for a continuous 3-year period, the assistance is completely forgiven and does not need to be repaid.

Can I use the Home in Five program with an FHA loan in Phoenix?

Yes! The Home in Five program pairs perfectly with the 2026 FHA loan limits in Maricopa County. You can use the 5% assistance to entirely cover the FHA's 3.5% down payment requirement, leaving extra for closing costs.

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Arizona 'Home in Five' Program: A 2026 Guide

For many homebuyers in Maricopa County, the biggest hurdle to homeownership isn't the monthly mortgage payment—it is saving for the upfront down payment. The Home in Five Advantage program is one of the most powerful solutions in Arizona, providing a generous grant to help you buy a home with little to no money out of pocket.

What is the Home in Five Program?

The Home in Five program provides eligible homebuyers in Maricopa County with financial assistance to cover their down payment and closing costs. This assistance is typically equal to 4% to 5% of your total loan amount.

Technically structured as a 3-year forgivable second mortgage, this "silent second" loan requires no monthly payments. As long as you reside in the home as your primary residence for 36 months, the balance is completely forgiven.

Who is Eligible in 2026?

While subject to annual changes, the general requirements for 2026 are highly accessible for the average buyer:

Location: The property must be located in Maricopa County (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, etc.).
Income Limits: Your total household income must be below the program's cap, typically set around 120% of the Area Median Income (check with us for the exact current figure, roughly $138,000+).
Credit Score: You will need a minimum FICO credit score, typically starting at 640.
Debt-to-Income Ratio: Your DTI must be within acceptable limits, often capped at 50%.
Homebuyer Education: You must complete an approved homebuyer education course prior to closing.

The Extra 1% Bonus for "Heroes"

To honor those who serve our community, the program offers an additional 1% in assistance (for a total of up to 6%) to qualified "Heroes." This exclusive tier includes:

Veterans and active-duty military personnel
First responders (police officers, firefighters, EMTs)
K-12 Teachers
Qualified medical professionals and nurses

Home in Five FAQs

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?

No! Unlike some other grants, the Home in Five program does not require you to be a first-time buyer. You can have owned a home in the past, provided the new home you are purchasing will be your primary residence.

Can I pair this program with an FHA Loan?

Yes, absolutely. The Home in Five assistance pairs perfectly with 30-year fixed FHA, VA, and Conventional loans. If you use it with an FHA loan (which requires 3.5% down), the 5% grant covers your entire down payment with 1.5% left over to help pay your closing costs.

What happens if I sell the home before 3 years?

Because the assistance is a 3-year forgivable loan, if you sell or refinance the property before the 36-month mark, you will be required to repay a pro-rated portion of the grant out of the proceeds of your sale.

See if you qualify for Home in Five.

Don't let the down payment hold you back. We can quickly verify your income and credit to see how much assistance you qualify for.

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Jonathan Moses

Senior Loan Officer | ✅ Verified NMLS #2064741

This guide was prepared by Jonathan Moses (NMLS #2064741), the senior loan officer and founder of Roadrunner AZ Lending. With years of experience in the Phoenix and Scottsdale markets, Jonathan is dedicated to providing expert, transparent advice. Learn more about Jonathan.

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