The 2026 Arizona Home Loan Guide
Every Arizona home loan compared in one place, so you can see which one fits your credit and down payment. Read it here or get it emailed.
Which Arizona home loan is right for you?
There's no single best mortgage — there's the one that fits your credit, your down payment, and your goals. Arizona buyers have five main paths, and the right choice usually comes down to your credit score and how much you have to put down. Here's the plain-English map.
| Loan | Min down | Min credit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA | 0% | 580–620 | Veterans, active duty |
| USDA | 0% | 640 | Rural AZ (parts of Pinal, Coconino) |
| FHA | 3.5% | 580 | Lower credit, flexible ratios |
| Conventional | 3% | 620 | Stronger credit; drops PMI at 20% |
| Jumbo | 10%+ | 700+ | Above the county conforming limit |
Don't have the down payment? Arizona has help.
Down payment assistance can cover most or all of the down payment on the loans above. Home Plus gives up to 4% of the loan amount statewide, plus 1% more for eligible Active Duty and Veterans (620 credit, income under $155,386). In Maricopa County, Home in Five reaches up to 6.5% (640 credit, household income under $157,360, per the 2026 guidelines effective June 10, 2026). Both are no-monthly-payment second liens, forgiven if you stay long enough.
What credit score do you need?
Lower than most people assume. FHA and VA open at 580, USDA and Home in Five at 640, conventional and Home Plus at 620. A 600 score has real options today, and a focused 60–90 days can lift you a full tier and cut your rate. Your score sets your menu; it rarely closes the door.
What counts as a jumbo loan in Arizona?
A jumbo loan is any mortgage above the conforming loan limit set each year by the FHFA for your county. Above that line, the loan can't be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, so it's underwritten to stricter standards — typically 10%+ down and a 700+ score. Most Arizona buyers stay under the limit; higher-end Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Sedona purchases often cross it.
Figures reflect current 2026 program guidelines; caps and terms change — confirm current numbers with a specialist. This is not a commitment to lend.