Arizona home loans
Arizona home loan programs, explained in plain English
Which home loans can you use in Arizona, from San Tan Valley to Phoenix? Most Arizona buyers use one of five loan types: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, or jumbo. The right one depends on your credit, savings, income, service history, and the home's price and location. In Pinal and Maricopa County, the 2026 FHA limit for a one-unit home is $557,750 and the conforming (conventional) limit is $832,750.
Andria Townsend, NMLS #2154631 · NEXA Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1660690 · San Tan Valley, AZ · Updated October 2026
2026 loan limits in Maricopa and Pinal County
| FHA limit, one-unit home | $557,750 (Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Conforming (conventional) limit | $832,750 for a one-unit home (FHFA, 2026) |
| Jumbo loans | Loan amounts above $832,750 |
| VA loans | No VA loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement |
| USDA income limit (Phoenix metro) | $129,250 for 1 to 4 people; $170,650 for 5 to 8 people |
| Down payment help | Home Plus statewide; Arizona Is Home in Pinal County; Home in Five in Maricopa County |
Which Arizona home loan is right for me?
There isn't one "best" loan. There's the loan that fits you. Here's the short version of how I think about it when I sit down with a buyer in San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Gilbert, or Phoenix:
| Conventional | Steady credit and some savings. Mortgage insurance can come off later. Works for primary homes, second homes, and rentals. |
|---|---|
| FHA | More flexible on credit. Popular with first-time buyers. Has mortgage insurance and must be your main home. |
| VA | Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. No monthly mortgage insurance. |
| USDA | Homes in USDA-eligible areas for households under the income limit. Large parts of Pinal County qualify. |
| Jumbo | Loan amounts above $832,750, for higher-priced homes. |
| Down payment help | Programs that pair with a first mortgage to cut the cash you bring to closing. |
| Refinance | Lower your payment, change your term, drop mortgage insurance, or tap equity. |
| Renovation | Buy or refinance a home and roll repair costs into one loan. |
Does it matter if the home is in Pinal County or Maricopa County?
Yes, more than most people expect. The loan limits are the same, because both counties sit in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro. But down payment programs, USDA eligibility, and property taxes change at the county line. Arizona Is Home, for example, is offered in Pinal County but not in Maricopa County. Queen Creek and Apache Junction even sit in both counties, so I check the county on every address.
See my pages on Pinal County home loans and Maricopa County home loans for the local details.
How does working with a loan officer at NEXA Mortgage help?
I'm a loan officer with NEXA Mortgage, LLC, a mortgage company that works with many wholesale lenders. That means I can compare options from more than one lender for your situation instead of fitting you into a single bank's menu. You still get one point of contact: me.
What do I need to get pre-approved?
- Recent pay stubs and W-2s, or two years of tax returns if you're self-employed
- Two months of bank statements
- A photo ID
- For VA loans, your Certificate of Eligibility (I can usually request it for you)
A pre-approval tells you your real budget and which programs fit before you write an offer. It's free to start, and there's no pressure.
Subject to eligibility, credit approval, and program guidelines. Programs can change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest home loan to qualify for in Arizona?
It depends on your profile. FHA loans are often more flexible on credit, VA loans are strong for eligible veterans, and USDA loans can work for income-qualified buyers in eligible areas. A quick review of your credit, income, and savings shows which one fits.
What are the 2026 loan limits in Maricopa and Pinal County?
For a one-unit home, the 2026 FHA limit is $557,750 and the conforming (conventional) limit is $832,750. Loans above $832,750 are jumbo loans. VA has no loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement.
Can I get down payment assistance in Arizona?
Often, yes. Home Plus is offered statewide, Arizona Is Home is offered in Pinal County (not Maricopa or Pima), and Home in Five serves Maricopa County. Income, credit, and other rules apply, and funding can change.
Do you only lend in San Tan Valley?
No. I live in San Tan Valley, but I help buyers and homeowners across Arizona, including Pinal County, Maricopa County, and the rest of the state.
How long does it take to close a home loan in Arizona?
Most purchases close in about 30 to 45 days. It can move faster or slower based on the loan type, the appraisal, and how quickly paperwork comes in.
Does it cost anything to talk with you?
No. A call or a pre-approval review is free. You'll get clear answers and honest numbers, then you decide what's next.
Related reading from my blog
Arizona loan programs
Areas I serve in Pinal and Maricopa County
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