Free 2026 First-Time Homebuyer Guide · Phoenix, AZ

Stop renting. Start owning in Phoenix.

Get the free guide that shows first-time buyers what they can afford, the down payment help available in Maricopa County, and every step from pre-approval to keys.

3 local programs that offer up to 4%, 6%, or 10% in down payment help
Real 2026 payment tables at today's rates
FHA vs. 3% conventional vs. VA vs. USDA, in plain English
The 10 steps to buying, plus 9 costly mistakes to avoid

By Vernon D. Werts · REALTOR® with eXp Realty · Phoenix local agent & investor

Get the Free First-Time Buyer Guide

Instant download. No cost, no obligation.

The problem

Most first-time buyers think they need more than they do.

Many renters think they need 20% down. A lot of loans start at 3% or 3.5%, and some at 0%.

Down payment assistance programs exist right here in Maricopa County, and many buyers never hear about them.

Without a plan, first-time buyers pick the wrong lender, skip the inspection, or lose their deposit on a technicality.

Rent keeps going up. A fixed-rate principal and interest payment doesn't.

This guide walks you through the whole process in plain English, with the local programs and real numbers you need to take the first step.

What's inside

10 pages to take you from renter to homeowner

Rent vs. buy in Phoenix

What the 2026 market means for first-time buyers, and when renting a little longer makes sense.

What you can afford

Payment tables at current rates, how lenders qualify you, and the cash you'll need to close.

Loan options

FHA, 3% conventional, VA, and USDA compared side by side, plus how to choose a lender.

Down payment assistance

Home in Five Advantage, Arizona Home Plus, and City of Phoenix Open Doors: amounts, limits, and requirements.

The 10 steps

From checking your credit to getting the keys, with a typical 30–45 day timeline once you're under contract.

Offers & mistakes

How Arizona contracts work (inspection period, BINSR, earnest money) and 9 mistakes that cost first-time buyers money.

Get the Free Guide

Take a peek

A real guide, not a sales flyer.

Here are four of the ten pages. Every program and number is sourced and dated, and it's written for people who have never bought a home.

Who's behind this guide

Hi, I'm Vernon.

REALTOR® · eXp Realty · AZ License SA720802000 · Phoenix, Arizona

I'm a Phoenix agent with eXp Realty and a local real estate investor. Before real estate I worked in logistics, as a notary, and ran my own barbershop brand, so I care about clear communication, a plan with dates on it, and not wasting your time. Buying your first home is a big step, and you should understand every part of it.

Because I also invest in Phoenix real estate, I look at every home the way an investor would: resale value, repair costs, and what the numbers really are, not just how it looks in the photos.

What working with me looks like

My promise to you

No judgment

Whatever your credit or savings look like today, we'll build a realistic plan, whether you buy now or in 6 months.

Straight answers

If a house is a bad deal, I'll tell you. I'd rather you walk away than overpay.

You keep more cash

I'll push for seller credits and repairs, and help you and your lender check which assistance programs fit.

What happens next

After you download

Download instantly
Your guide opens on the next page. Save it to your phone or computer.

Read the assistance page first
Page 6 covers the Maricopa County programs. Note the ones that might fit your income.

Optional: a 15-minute buyer plan call
We'll go over your target payment, timeline, and lender options. No pressure, no obligation.

Questions

Frequently asked

Is the guide really free?

Yes. You'll get the full PDF right away, with no obligation.

My credit isn't perfect. Is this still for me?

Yes. FHA loans can go as low as 3.5% down with a 580+ score, and a good lender can give you a plan to improve your score. The guide explains your options.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer for down payment help?

Not always. Some Maricopa County programs don't require it, and some do. Page 6 breaks down each program's requirements.

How much do I need saved?

It depends on the loan, the price, and whether you use assistance or seller credits. The guide shows what the cash to close includes and how buyers reduce it.

What does it cost to work with you?

The consultation is free. Before we tour homes, we'll sign a written buyer agreement that spells out my services and compensation. That's often paid by the seller or builder and is always negotiable.

Will you spam me?

No. You'll get the guide and maybe a short follow-up. Reply STOP to any text or unsubscribe anytime.