New Arizona program will provide up to $30,000 for first-time homeowner help

A new $13 million state program to help middle-income Arizona families purchase homes kicked off Thursday.

Why it matters: Arizona — and especially metro Phoenix — has a severe housing shortage that has driven up home prices to unattainable levels for many.

• A 2023 analysis found that average nurses, teachers and first responders don't make enough to afford the median Valley home.

The big picture: First-time homebuyers who make up to 120% of the area median income ( about $107,000 for a Phoenix family of four ) can apply for the "Arizona is Home'' program, which will provide as much as $30,000 for down payment assistance and interest rate buydowns.

• It's expected to assist 500 families and is funded with $10 million from the Arizona Housing Trust Fund and $3 million from federal COVID relief money.
• Gov. Katie Hobbs announced the program during her "State of the State" address in January.

The fine print: Arizonans can apply in two ways:

• Chicanos Por La Causa and Trellis : Available to all Arizonans through these Phoenix-based organizations.
• Arizona IDA : Available to residents who live outside of Maricopa and Pima counties and make up to 80% of the area median income. They may also qualify for a below-market interest rate.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the program is not available through Home Plus, just Arizona IDA.