First-Time Home Buyer in Tucson?
Get Up to 5% in Down Payment Help

Missing one program doesn't rule you out of the others. The Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution and Home Plus Arizona both accept repeat buyers but measure income differently, and Lighthouse, limited to first-time buyers, is available only while a funding round is open. If nothing fits today, we'll tell you what's standing in the way and map out the steps to get there.

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. Look us up there first, read our reviews on Google, and ask us to confirm in plain terms whether a program you're interested in can be paired with a loan through us.

Often, yes. The Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution publishes a 640 minimum score, and Home Plus Arizona sets its own program floor, which the lender can raise; we confirm the number that applies to your loan. If you fall short, don't give up. Lowering card balances, catching report errors, and keeping every payment on time can all move a score, and we'll point out which changes matter most for your file.

There's no minimum income requirement for Tucson DPA, and these programs are aimed at low-to-moderate income buyers. The real test on the low end is whether the full monthly mortgage payment fits your budget. Each program sets its own ceiling and its own way of counting income, so a number you saw online may not be the one that applies to you; we check that when we review your application.

Being over one program's limit doesn't automatically rule out another. Home Plus Arizona applies one statewide cap, $155,386 for 2026, to the income of the borrowers on the loan; people in the home who aren't on the loan don't count, and the cap is the same for every household size, while the Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution sets one cap for every household size by loan type ($155,386 for FHA, VA, USDA-RD or Fannie Mae HFA Preferred; $79,840 for its 80%-of-AMI conventional options). Take the quiz and we'll check which limit applies to your purchase. If DPA isn't an option, we can still look at other ways to lower what you bring to closing.

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. The Pima Tucson programs and Home Plus Arizona follow standard mortgage timelines. The DPA is recorded as a second lien that closes at the same time as 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.

It depends on the program. The Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution (2% to 5% of the loan) publishes a 640 minimum score. Home Plus Arizona (up to 4%) has its own program minimum, and lenders can add a higher floor, so we confirm the exact number for your loan rather than quote one here. If you're below the floor that applies, we can show you which items on your credit report are holding it down and what to tackle first.

Income limits and whose income is counted depend on the program. HOME Plus and the Pima Tucson programs use different rules; we check the applicable limit for your application. Published limits are revised from time to time, so we work from the current figure rather than an old chart.

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 be applied toward that requirement and eligible closing costs, though you may still need funds of your own. You'll still want savings for earnest money, the inspection, and any costs the assistance doesn't reach. The DPA is a separate second lien (deferred with the Homebuyer's Solution, forgivable or repayable with Home Plus), so there's no conflict between the programs.