8 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask Before Buying in Arizona

If you are thinking about buying your first home in the Phoenix metro area, you probably have a lot of questions. That is completely normal, and I want you to ask every single one of them. The more you know going in, the smoother the process will be and the more confident you will feel. I am here to help you get those answers, and I want to be your Realtor for Life.

Over my 24 years serving home buyers across Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, Litchfield Park, Buckeye, Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, and all surrounding cities, I have learned which questions matter most to first-time buyers. Here are the eight I recommend you ask before you start your home search.

1. What Loan Programs Am I Eligible For?

This is where everything starts. Before you look at a single home, you need to know what loan options are available to you. And the answer might surprise you: you probably have more options than you think.

FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher. VA loans for eligible military members and veterans require zero down payment and have no private mortgage insurance. USDA loans also offer zero down payment for homes in eligible areas, and some parts of the Phoenix metro qualify. Conventional loans through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow as little as 3% down for first-time buyers. And if you are self-employed or a business owner, bank statement loans let you qualify without filing traditional tax returns.

I work with trusted lenders who can help you figure out which option fits your situation best. Give me a call and I will connect you with the right person.

2. How Much Do I Really Need for a Down Payment?

This is the number one question I hear, and the answer is almost always less than people expect. You do not need 20% down to buy a home in Arizona. That is one of the biggest myths in real estate, and it keeps too many qualified buyers from even starting the conversation.

The truth is that many of my first-time buyers get into a home with well under $10,000 out of pocket. Some have done it with as little as $1,500 of their own money. Between low-down-payment loan programs, down payment assistance, and seller-paid closing costs, the amount you actually need at closing can be surprisingly small.

And if you are a military member or veteran with VA loan eligibility, you can buy a home with zero down. Period.

3. What Are Closing Costs and Who Pays Them?

Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay when you finalize your home purchase. They typically include things like the loan origination fee, appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, recording fees, and prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance. They usually add up to 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price.

Here is the good news: sellers often agree to pay some or all of your closing costs as part of the offer. I negotiate seller concessions on almost every transaction I handle. When the seller covers your closing costs, your out-of-pocket expense at closing drops significantly, and that makes homeownership accessible to more buyers.

Arizona also has down payment assistance programs that can help with both your down payment and closing costs. The HOME Plus program from the Arizona Industrial Development Authority offers up to 5% of the loan amount as a zero-interest, forgivable second mortgage. The Pathway to Purchase program provides similar assistance. These programs are real, and they help Arizona families become homeowners every single week.

4. Should I Call a Realtor Before Visiting a Builder?

Yes, and this is one of the most important questions I can answer for you. If you are looking at new construction homes, please contact me before you visit any builder's sales office. I repeat: call me first.

Here is why. When you walk into a builder's sales office on your own, they register you as an unrepresented customer. Once that happens, most builders will not allow you to bring your own agent into the transaction later. The agent inside that model home works for the builder, not for you. Their job is to sell the builder's homes at the best price for the builder.

When you work with me from the start, I get you registered as a represented buyer. I review the builder's contract, negotiate upgrades and incentives, help you choose the right floor plan, and make sure you get the best deal possible. It costs you nothing because the builder pays my commission. I have helped dozens of first-time buyers navigate new construction purchases in communities across Goodyear, Buckeye, Surprise, Peoria, and the entire Valley, and the ones who came to me first always save more.

5. What if My Credit Score Is Not Perfect?

Do not let your credit score stop you from asking about homeownership. I have worked with many buyers who thought their credit history would prevent them from buying a home, and they were wrong.

FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 with just 3.5% down. Some lenders even work with scores in the 500s under certain programs. And here is something many people do not realize: if your credit score needs improvement, I can help you connect with a lender who will walk you through a credit action plan. Six months of focused work on your credit can open doors you did not know you had.

The question is not whether your credit score is perfect. The question is whether homeownership is a goal you are ready to pursue. If it is, I can help you find a path forward. Call me, and let us talk about your situation.

6. Can I Buy a Home if I Am Self-Employed or a Business Owner?

Yes, absolutely. And you do not have to file traditional tax returns to qualify. Bank statement loans are specifically designed for self-employed buyers and business owners. Instead of relying on tax returns, lenders look at your bank deposits over the last 12 to 24 months to verify your income.

This is a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs, freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners who may not show high taxable income but have healthy cash flow. If you have been putting off buying a home because you thought your tax situation would disqualify you, I have good news: it does not have to.

7. What Assistance Programs Are Available for First-Time Buyers?

Arizona offers several programs designed specifically to help first-time home buyers. The most well-known are the HOME Plus and Pathway to Purchase programs, both administered by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority. These programs provide down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a forgivable, zero-interest second mortgage.

To qualify, you typically need to meet income limits based on your household size and the county where you are buying, and you need to complete a home buyer education course. The assistance can cover 3% to 5% of the loan amount, and in some cases more. For buyers in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, these programs make homeownership far more affordable than most people realize.

There are also local programs and grants that change throughout the year. I keep up with what is available so I can point my buyers in the right direction when they are ready.

8. What Does the Home Buying Process Actually Look Like, Step by Step?

Here is a simple overview of how the process works when you work with me:

Step 1: We talk. You call or text me, and we discuss your goals, your timeline, your budget, and any questions you have. This conversation is free and there is no pressure.

Step 2: You get pre-approved. I connect you with a trusted local lender who reviews your financial picture and tells you exactly what you qualify for and what programs you can use.

Step 3: We start looking. I help you narrow down your search to the neighborhoods and communities that fit your lifestyle. Whether you want to be in Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, Buckeye, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, or any other Phoenix metro city, I know the areas and I know what makes each one special.

Step 4: We find the right home. I schedule showings, point out what to look for, and help you compare properties. When you are ready, I guide you through writing a strong offer.

Step 5: Inspections and due diligence. I help you schedule inspections, understand the results, and negotiate with the seller on any necessary repairs.

Step 6: Closing. I am with you every step of the way, including sitting beside you at the closing table. And after you get the keys, my job does not end. I am your Realtor for Life. Whether you have a question five months from now or five years from now, I am always here for you.

Ready to Start Asking Questions?

I am always available to answer your questions, and I want to share my knowledge in buying a home with you. I want you to have a smooth process and experience. I am here for you.

Call or text me at (623) 640-8840 or reach out online. Let us talk about your goals and find the right path forward together.

Have a great day, and talk to you soon!