A higher standard of lending.
Local expertise. Proven solutions. Loans built around you. Experience lending the Arizona way — with a Phoenix-based branch manager who closes the deals other lenders walk away from.
Phoenix-based, licensed in AZ, we know the state-specific programs because we close them every week.
Real numbers. No salesy script. We tell you when Down Payment Assistance (DPA) isn't the right move.
First-time buyer, self-employed, jumbo, investor, move-up — we cover the full lender's toolbox.
One team handles your loan from application to close. Clear communication at every step — you always know where you are in the loan process.
Pick the path that fits your situation.
Each of our specialized guides goes deep on one type of buyer. Land directly on the answers that matter to you.
Down Payment Assistance
Home Plus, Home In 5, Flagstaff CHAP, Sedona SWHAP, Cottonwood CHP, plus Chenoa, Arrive, and Essex. The full AZ DPA menu, explained simply.
Open the DPA guide →Buy Before You Sell
Bridge financing that removes the contingency from your offer. Buy your next home before your current one sells. Listing agents: this is the deal-saver.
See how BBYS works →Self-Employed Loans
Bank statement, 1099, and asset-qualifier paths. Qualify on what your business actually makes — not what your tax return shows after deductions.
Self-employed options →Jumbo & Doctor Loans
Full doc, alt doc, super jumbo, plus the Medical Professionals program — up to 100% LTV, no PMI, FICO 680, residents and fellows eligible 150 days pre-start.
Jumbo options →Investor & DSCR Loans
DSCR loans that finance below the 1.0 ratio floor most lenders quote. Short-term-rental and standard rental property options. Built for AZ STR markets.
Investor loans →First-Time Home Buyer Loans
FHA, USDA, conventional with low down payment, and DPA-paired structures. Designed for the Arizona buyer with real-life income and credit, not perfect-paper applicants.
FTHB options →A direct lender built on honest advice.
We operate out of Cornerstone First Mortgage's Phoenix branch, serving buyers and agents across Arizona. Our belief is simple: lending should be straightforward. Real numbers, honest tradeoffs, and a commitment to closing the files other lenders walk away from.
What that looks like in practice:
- Clear communication. You always know where your loan stands and what comes next — no chasing us down for updates.
- Honest advice. We'll tell you when a program isn't the right fit, including when DPA adds cost that doesn't make sense for your scenario.
- Complex files welcome. Self-employed borrowers, jumbo with student debt, contingency removal, investors at scale — that's where we specialize.
Common questions.
What is the conforming loan limit in Arizona for 2026?
$832,750 statewide — no Arizona county qualifies for a higher limit. Any single-family loan above $832,750 is classified as jumbo and requires jumbo underwriting, typically a 700+ credit score and at least 12 months of reserves.
What credit score do I need to get a mortgage in Arizona?
It depends on the loan type. FHA accepts 580+ for 3.5% down (500–579 qualifies with 10% down). Conventional requires 620 minimum. VA loans require 620. Most Arizona DPA programs — Home Plus and Home In Five — require 640. Jumbo financing typically requires 700+.
What is the minimum down payment to buy a home in Arizona?
VA and USDA loans: 0% down. Conventional: 3% with 620+ credit. FHA: 3.5% with 580+ credit. Arizona DPA programs can cover that requirement — Home Plus provides up to 5% of the loan amount statewide, which on a $420,000 Phoenix-area home is up to $21,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
What is the FHA loan limit in Maricopa County for 2026?
$546,250 for a single-family home. Maricopa County is classified as a high-cost area by HUD, so the limit exceeds the national FHA baseline of $524,225. Multi-unit limits: duplex $699,300, triplex $845,300, fourplex $1,050,500.
What down payment assistance programs are available in Arizona?
Two primary programs: Home Plus (statewide, up to 5% assistance, maximum household income $155,386 as of April 6, 2026) and Home In Five (Maricopa County only, up to 6.5% assistance, maximum household income $157,360). Both pair with 30-year fixed mortgages. The two programs cannot be combined with each other.
Can I get a mortgage in Arizona if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Standard conforming loans require 2 years of personal and business tax returns. If write-offs reduce your taxable income, bank statement loans let lenders use 12 or 24 months of deposits instead. 1099-only programs and asset depletion loans are also available. Most bank statement programs require 660+ credit and 10% down minimum.
What are the requirements for a jumbo loan in Arizona?
Any loan above $832,750 in Arizona is jumbo. Typical requirements: 700+ credit score, debt-to-income ratio of 43% or lower, 10–20% down payment, and 12 months of liquid reserves. Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and north Scottsdale homes regularly require jumbo financing given current price points.
How long does mortgage pre-approval take?
24–48 hours for a straightforward file — W-2 income, good credit, stable employment. Self-employed or complex income structures typically take 3–5 business days. Pre-approval letters are valid for 90 days. Submit your documents by noon and we usually turn around a same-day answer.
Ready when you are.
Get pre-approved in 24-48 hours, or talk to Mike first to figure out which path fits.