HOME Plus vs. Pima Tucson DPA: Which Program Is Right for You?

Comparing Arizona's Top DPA Programs

If you're buying a home in Arizona, you likely have access to two major down payment assistance programs: HOME Plus (statewide) and the Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution (Pima County). Both offer up to 5% DPA, but they have important differences.

Quick Answer: For most Arizona buyers, HOME Plus is the better choice due to its shorter 3-year forgiveness period. Pima County buyers should compare both programs—PTHS may offer advantages for certain situations.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	HOME Plus	Pima Tucson (PTHS)
Coverage Area	All 15 AZ counties	Pima County only
Max DPA	5% of loan	5% of loan
Forgiveness Period	3 years	30 years
Monthly Payment on DPA	$0	$0
Interest on DPA	0%	0%
First-Time Buyer Required	No	No
Min Credit Score	640	640
Income Limit (2026)	$136,609	Varies by household size

When to Choose HOME Plus

HOME Plus is typically the better choice if:

You plan to stay at least 3 years: The DPA is fully forgiven after 36 months
You want maximum flexibility: Available statewide in all 15 Arizona counties
You have income near the limit: The flat $136,609 limit is straightforward
You might refinance: Shorter forgiveness means less risk of repayment if you refi

HOME Plus Forgiveness Example

If you receive $15,000 in HOME Plus DPA:

Month 1-36: DPA forgiven at $416.67/month
Month 37: $0 owed—full forgiveness

When to Choose PTHS

PTHS may be better if:

You're buying in Pima County/Tucson: It's only available here anyway
You have a larger household: Income limits increase with household size
You might sell before 3 years: PTHS has no early repayment penalty
You qualify for PTHS Edge: This add-on provides below-market interest rates

PTHS Edge Option

PTHS Edge provides a 1-2% interest rate discount on your first mortgage. This can save thousands over the life of your loan. However, PTHS Edge cannot be combined with standard PTHS DPA—you choose one or the other.

Income Limit Comparison

HOME Plus (All Counties)

Household size doesn't matter
Flat limit: $136,609

PTHS (Pima County)

1-2 persons: Lower limit
3-4 persons: Moderate limit
5+ persons: Higher limit
Contact us for current PTHS limits

Can I Use Both Programs?

No. You can only use one DPA program per loan. However, you can compare both programs and choose the one that works best for your situation.

Loan Types Compatible with Both Programs

Both HOME Plus and PTHS work with:

FHA loans (3.5% down)
VA loans ($0 down for eligible veterans)
USDA loans ($0 down for rural areas)
Conventional loans (3-5% down)

How to Decide: Our Recommendation

For most buyers, we recommend HOME Plus because:

3-year forgiveness vs. 30 years with PTHS
Simpler income limits to calculate
Statewide availability if you move within Arizona

However, if you're in Pima County and qualify for PTHS Edge, that rate discount could outweigh the forgiveness difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch programs after applying?

Yes, before loan commitment. After commitment, switching may cause delays.

What if I sell my home before the forgiveness period?

HOME Plus: You repay the unforgiven portion (prorated monthly). PTHS: Similar proration over 30 years—so less owed if you sell early.

Do both programs require homebuyer education?

Yes. Both require completion of an approved homebuyer education course (6-8 hours, available online).

Get Personalized Guidance

Not sure which program is right for you? Take our 60-second quiz to get a personalized recommendation, or contact the Cook Brothers Mortgage Team:

Tanner Cook: (480) 420-4918 | NMLS #2090424
Zac Cook: (480) 406-2016 | NMLS #2111496

Cornerstone First Mortgage, NMLS #173855. Equal Housing Lender.