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Down Payment Assistance

How To Get a House in Tucson Without Money for a Down Payment

A photo of Jonathan Neuser, Tucson Arizona Real Estate Agent at OMNI Homes International
Jonathan Neuser
Tucson Realtor, OMNI Homes International
April 9, 2024
5 min read
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With housing prices at historically high levels and with interest rates also high, the idea of owning a home can feel impossible. Luckily Pima IDA and Tucson IDA have developed a program to help cover the down payment for eligible home buyers in Tucson while also helping them secure a low mortgage rate. This is an amazing program and if you have been thinking about buying a house, you definitely need to talk to a lender to see if you qualify for this program.

Understanding the Pima Tucson Lighthouse Program: A Path to Homeownership

The journey to homeownership can be complex and challenging, particularly for first-time buyers navigating the increasing costs of housing. The Pima Tucson Lighthouse Program, a collaborative effort by the Pima IDA and the Tucson IDA, offers a structured pathway to make this journey more accessible and manageable.

Down Payment Assistance: A Financial Stepping Stone

Central to the Lighthouse Program is its down payment assistance feature. Qualified applicants receive 4% of the loan amount to cover the down payment. This assistance is designed as a five-year forgivable loan, incentivizing long-term residency and contributing to community stability. As long as you stay in the house that you buy for 5 years, you won't have to pay back the down payment loan.

Interest Rate Stability: Predictable Mortgage Planning

The program also addresses the uncertainty of fluctuating interest rates by providing a fixed mortgage rate. This feature allows participants to plan their finances with greater certainty, knowing their mortgage payments will remain consistent over time.

Program Eligibility: Focused Support for Homebuyers

Eligibility for the Lighthouse Program is primarily aimed at first-time homebuyers within Tucson and Pima County. It supports government loans and requires applicants to work with approved lenders to ensure qualification and compliance with program guidelines. Visit their website, or better yet, talk to an approved lender to see if you qualify.

Community Impact: Strengthening the Housing Market

By facilitating homeownership, the Lighthouse Program aims to enhance the economic and social fabric of the community. It supports the creation of stable neighborhoods and contributes to the long-term development of the region.

Reflecting on the Lighthouse Program’s Role

The Lighthouse Program’s swift uptake, with funds often fully reserved shortly after availability, highlights the acute need for such initiatives. It reflects the community’s desire for support in overcoming the barriers to homeownership and underscores the program’s effectiveness in meeting these needs.

How to Get Started

If you are ready to buy a house in Tucson but aren't sure you can afford it and are looking for financial assistance, you have to check out the Lighthouse program. Talk to an approved lender today and once you're approved for the program, reach out to me and I can help you find a house that you can afford and can provide you housing stability for years to come.

A photo of Jonathan Neuser, Tucson Arizona Real Estate Agent at OMNI Homes International
Jonathan Neuser
Jonathan lives in Tucson with his wife, dog, and cat. He's a full-time real estate agent at OMNI Homes International where he enjoys showing people why Tucson is such a great place to call home.

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