First-Time Home Buyer in Tucson?
Get Up to 5% in Free Assistance

Most buyers in Pima County qualify for at least one DPA program. Pima Tucson Lighthouse offers 4% assistance for first-time buyers, while Home Plus Arizona offers up to 5% and doesn't require first-time buyer status. If you don't qualify for one, you often qualify for the other. If you truly don't qualify today, we'll tell you exactly what to work on and create a personalized plan to get you there. We're here to guide you through every step.

Great question—you should always verify who you're working with. Cornerstone First Mortgage is a licensed mortgage company (NMLS #173855). Tanner Cook (NMLS #2090424) and Zac Cook (NMLS #2111496) are licensed loan officers you can verify on the NMLS Consumer Access website. We've helped families across Tucson and Pima County access DPA programs. Check our Google reviews—real families, real results.

Yes. Both Pima Tucson Lighthouse and Home Plus Arizona require a minimum credit score of 640—lower than many people expect. Both programs work with FHA, VA, and conventional loans. If your score is below 640, don't give up. We've helped buyers improve their scores by 50-100 points in just a few months with simple changes. We'll walk with you through the process.

There's no minimum income requirement for Tucson DPA. These programs are designed for low-to-moderate income buyers. Income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI)—typically 80-115% of AMI, which varies by household size. What matters is that you can afford the monthly mortgage payment. Our quiz will tell you if your income falls within the program limits for Pima County.

Income limits vary by household size in Pima County. If you're slightly over the limit for Pima Tucson Lighthouse, you may still qualify for Home Plus Arizona, which has different income thresholds. Take our quiz—we'll tell you exactly where you stand. And even if DPA isn't available, we can often find other ways to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

From first conversation to getting your keys: typically 45-60 days, sometimes faster. The quiz takes 60 seconds. We can usually tell you if you qualify within 24 hours. Both Pima Tucson Lighthouse and Home Plus Arizona integrate smoothly with standard mortgage timelines. The DPA is structured as a forgivable second lien that closes simultaneously with your first mortgage. We handle all the paperwork and coordination—you just focus on finding your dream home.

Yes, Arizona DPA programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before closing. Don't let this scare you off—it's done online through providers like eHome America or Framework, takes about 6-8 hours (you can pause and resume), and costs $0-$99. It teaches useful information about budgeting, mortgages, and home maintenance. Most buyers complete it over a weekend, and we'll help you get it scheduled.

Most Tucson DPA programs require a minimum credit score of 640. This includes both Pima Tucson Lighthouse (4% assistance) and Home Plus Arizona (up to 5% assistance). Both programs work with FHA, VA, and conventional loans. If your score is below 640, we can help you improve it—many buyers raise their scores by 50-100 points within a few months with our guidance.

Income limits vary by household size and program. Tucson DPA programs typically use 80% to 115% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as the limit for Pima County. These limits are updated annually, and we can quickly tell you the exact limits when you take our quiz. The good news: most working families in Tucson fall within these income limits.

Yes, absolutely. Tucson DPA works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. In fact, FHA loans are one of the most popular combinations because FHA only requires 3.5% down—and Tucson DPA can cover that entire amount plus closing costs. This means you can buy a home with zero out of pocket. The DPA is structured as a forgivable second lien, separate from your FHA first mortgage, so there's no conflict between the programs.