Down Payment Assistance & Special Programs
Arizona Programs for Manufactured Homes
First-time buyer programs • Down payment grants • Closing cost assistance • Special population programs
Arizona State Programs
Arizona Home Plus Program
Requirements:
- First-time buyer
- Income limits apply
- Primary residence
- FICO 640-680+ for manufactured homes
- Max DTI 45% for manufactured homes
Arizona Is Home Program (2024-2025)
Requirements:
- First-time buyer
- Up to 120% AMI (~$107,000 for family of 4)
- Primary residence
- Limited to 500 families statewide
ADDI (American Dream Downpayment Initiative)
Requirements:
- First-time buyer
- Income ≤80% AMI
- Manufactured homes explicitly eligible
- Primary residence
HOME Plus Home Improvement
Requirements:
- Existing homeowner
- Income qualified
- Property improvements
- Manufactured homes eligible
NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization)
Requirements:
- Income limits
- Specific geographic areas
- First-time buyers preferred
- Must occupy 5+ years
Local County Programs
Yavapai County
Available Programs:
- Yavapai County First-Time Homebuyer Program
- HOME Investment Partnership Program
- Community Development Block Grant
Contact:
Yavapai County Community Development
(928) 771-3214
Coconino County
Available Programs:
- Coconino County Housing Program
- First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
- Rural Housing Development Grant
Contact:
Coconino County Housing
(928) 679-7900
Gila County
Available Programs:
- Gila County Housing Assistance
- HOME Program
- Emergency Repair Program
Contact:
Gila County Development Services
(928) 425-3231
Navajo County
Available Programs:
- Navajo County Housing Authority
- Self-Help Housing Program
- Rural Development Partnership
Contact:
Navajo County Housing
(928) 524-4151
First-Time Buyer Program Qualification
Definition
Have not owned a home in the past 3 years
Single parents and displaced homemakers may qualify regardless of prior ownership
Income Limits
Typically 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
Varies by household size and county
Asset Limits
Usually $75,000 or less in assets
Retirement accounts often excluded from calculation
Education Requirement
8-hour homebuyer education course
Available online or in-person, HUD-approved counselor
Good News for Manufactured Home Buyers!
Most down payment assistance programs that work with FHA, VA, and USDA loans also work with manufactured homes, as long as they meet the permanent foundation and real property requirements. This opens up significant opportunities for assistance that many buyers don't realize they qualify for.
2025 Income Limits by County
Area Median Income (AMI) Limits
Most programs use 80% AMI, some allow up to 100% AMI
| County | 80% AMI (1 Person) | 80% AMI (4 Person) | 100% AMI (1 Person) | 100% AMI (4 Person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yavapai County | $45,000 | $64,300 | $56,250 | $80,400 |
| Coconino County | $47,200 | $67,500 | $59,000 | $84,400 |
| Gila County | $42,400 | $60,600 | $53,000 | $75,700 |
| Navajo County | $40,800 | $58,300 | $51,000 | $72,900 |
Income limits are updated annually and vary by household size. Contact us to verify current limits for your specific situation.
Specialty Programs for Specific Populations
Native American Programs (Section 184)
Special loan program for Native Americans with lower down payments and flexible credit.
Eligibility:
Native American tribal members or eligible areas
Benefits:
- 1.25% down payment
- No mortgage insurance
- Tribal land eligible
Teacher/Healthcare Worker Programs
Special assistance for essential workers in education and healthcare fields.
Eligibility:
Teachers, nurses, healthcare workers, first responders
Benefits:
- Reduced down payments
- Closing cost assistance
- Special rate discounts
Law Enforcement Assistance
Programs specifically designed for police officers and law enforcement personnel.
Eligibility:
Active law enforcement officers
Benefits:
- Down payment grants
- Favorable loan terms
- Rural area focus
Rural Healthcare Professional Programs
Assistance for healthcare professionals working in underserved rural areas.
Eligibility:
Healthcare professionals in rural/underserved areas
Benefits:
- Loan forgiveness options
- Grant assistance
- Flexible qualification
Types of Assistance Programs
Forgivable Loans
Loans that are forgiven after a certain period (usually 5-10 years) if you stay in the home
Pros:
- Becomes free money over time
- No monthly payment
- Tax advantages
Cons:
- Must stay in home for full term
- May have liens on property
Example:
Arizona Home Plus - forgiven after 3 years
Deferred Payment Loans
No monthly payments required, but must be repaid when you sell or refinance
Pros:
- No monthly payment
- No interest accrual
- More cash flow
Cons:
- Due on sale/refinance
- Affects equity when selling
Example:
Many county programs - due when home is sold
True Grants
Money that never has to be repaid under any circumstances
Pros:
- Never repay
- No liens
- Complete freedom
Cons:
- Very limited availability
- Strict qualification
- Small amounts
Example:
Some county emergency assistance programs
Shared Equity Programs
Government shares in the appreciation when you sell the home
Pros:
- Larger assistance amounts
- Lower monthly payments
Cons:
- Share appreciation with government
- Complex calculations
Example:
Some California programs (not common in Arizona)
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance
Check Income Eligibility
Verify your household income meets program requirements for your county and household size.
Complete Homebuyer Education
Take a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (8 hours, available online or in-person).
Get Pre-Approved for Base Loan
Qualify for your primary loan (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) before applying for assistance.
Apply for Assistance Programs
Submit applications to relevant state and local programs. Apply early as funds are limited.
Coordinate with All Lenders
Ensure your primary lender and assistance program lenders coordinate for smooth closing.
Important Timeline Note
Start the assistance application process early. Some programs have limited funding and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It's not uncommon for popular programs to run out of funds mid-year.
Ready to Explore Down Payment Assistance?
Let R.J. help you navigate available assistance programs and maximize your buying power
Free assistance • Expert guidance • Maximize your buying power