First-time buyers · Arizona
Chad is based in Phoenix and works with first-time buyers across the Valley and the rest of Arizona — Ahwatukee, the East Valley, Scottsdale, the West Valley, and the towns up the hill and down the highway. Here is how buying works in Arizona, what help exists, and what to do first.
Where buyers are looking in Arizona
Licensed statewide in Arizona — these are just the areas that come up most. Any address in Arizona works.
Down payment help in Arizona
The Arizona IDA's HOME+PLUS program is the state's workhorse down payment assistance program, and it is available in every county, city and ZIP code in Arizona. It pairs a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage — conventional, FHA, VA or USDA — with down payment assistance delivered as a second lien that carries no monthly payment and is forgiven over a short term if you stay in the home. The assistance can go toward the down payment, closing costs or both. A statewide income limit applies, homebuyer education is part of the deal, and you do not have to be a first-time buyer.
Chad · Loan OfficerBuying in Arizona, specifically
Arizona property taxes are low compared with most of the country, which helps the payment — but homeowners insurance and HOA dues often make up the difference. Most newer Valley neighborhoods have an association, and dues count in your qualifying payment. Chad pulls the actual tax, insurance and HOA figures for any address before you write, so the payment you see is the payment you get.
A huge share of Arizona first homes are new construction, and builders push their in-house lender with closing-cost incentives. Sometimes it is the better deal; sometimes the rate makes up for it. Chad runs the builder's offer against a Fairway loan side by side so you can take the incentive with your eyes open — or beat it.
Two Arizona quirks: many resale homes carry a leased or financed solar system that has to be transferred or paid off, and Arizona closes through escrow and title companies rather than attorneys. Chad flags solar early so it never surprises underwriting, and coordinates with escrow so the closing calendar holds.
Loan programs for Arizona first-time buyers
The workhorse of home financing — flexible terms, competitive costs, and down payments as low as 3% for first-time buyers.
Learn more →The first-time buyer favorite — 3.5% down, friendlier credit requirements, and forgiving guidelines for real-life finances.
Learn more →For those who served — $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and some of the strongest terms in all of lending.
Learn more →$0 down for homes in eligible communities across Arizona and most of New Mexico — far more towns qualify than buyers expect.
Learn more →Arizona and New Mexico both have real down payment help — HOME+PLUS, Home in Five and Housing New Mexico programs can put thousands toward your down payment and closing costs.
Learn more →Six myths busted and the six-step path from first text to keys — the page to read before anything else.
Start here →How it works from Phoenix
Text, phone, video, secure document upload, and a closing at a title company near you. Your real estate agent and Chad talk directly at every milestone — offer-day numbers in minutes and a call to every listing agent included.
Timing varies by file and depends on receiving complete documentation. Turnaround figures are typical, not guaranteed. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement; not all customers will qualify. Rates, programs and terms are subject to change. All loans subject to credit and property approval.
Arizona first-time buyer questions
Arizona first-time buyers can use conventional loans with as little as 3% down, FHA with 3.5% down, VA or USDA with $0 down for eligible buyers, and the Arizona IDA's HOME+PLUS program, which adds down payment and closing cost assistance to a 30-year fixed first mortgage statewide. Maricopa County buyers may also look at the Home in Five Advantage program.
As little as 3% on a conventional loan, 3.5% on FHA, or $0 on VA and USDA loans for eligible buyers. HOME+PLUS assistance may cover some or all of the down payment and closing costs for eligible households.
Buyers whose income is under the program's statewide limit, who meet the credit and debt-to-income requirements of the underlying loan, who will live in the home, and who complete homebuyer education. You do not have to be a first-time buyer. Chad checks eligibility as part of every pre-approval.
Yes. Chad Stallings is licensed in Arizona and New Mexico (NMLS #221569) and is based at Fairway Home Mortgage's Phoenix, AZ branch on Agave Road in Ahwatukee.
Arizona buyers
After that it's just a conversation. Text Chad what you're wondering about buying in Arizona — tonight is fine.
Applications happen on Fairway's secure site — never here. Prefer your phone? Get the FairwayNow app.
