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Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program

Avondale, Arizona

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Assistance

$30,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven once the program's conditions are met

What is Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program?

Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Avondale, Arizona.

  • City of Avondale-funded down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers purchasing within the city limits. The City contracts with Trellis (a local non-profit HUD-approved housing counseling and CDFI agency) to administer the program. The City may provide up to $30,000 in down payment, closing cost, and/or principal-reduction assistance in the form of a non-interest-bearing deferred, forgivable loan secured by a Deed of Trust, Promissory Note, or other approved lien instrument. The loan becomes payable in full if the buyer sells or moves from the property within the affordability period or fails to maintain it; if all requirements are met through the end of the period, the City forgives the loan in full. Total assistance is based on need. Buyers must be first-time homebuyers, meet HUD income limits (80% AMI for Maricopa County), obtain and maintain a first mortgage, and complete an 8-hour homebuyer class.
  • Up to $40,000 in down payment, closing costs, and/or principal reduction assistance structured as a shared equity loan. The City provides a lump-sum advance at closing in exchange for a share of the property's future appreciation when the home is sold or refinanced. Homebuyer counseling is provided through Trellis as part of the program.
  • Funding comes from HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program / CDBG (federal pass-through to the City of Avondale).

How much assistance does it provide?

Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program offers up to $30,000 in assistance.

  • Buyer contribution: Borrower must contribute reasonable funds toward the transaction; specific amount set during underwriting and counseling with Trellis.
  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program is a forgivable loan, so the balance is forgiven once the program's conditions are met.

  • Repayment is triggered by Loan becomes payable in full if the buyer sells or moves from the property within the affordability period or fails to maintain it; if all program requirements are met through the end of the period, the City forgives the loan in full and releases its lien.
  • The assistance is recorded in 2 position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Displaced homemakers and single parents who previously owned a home only with a former spouse are exempt from the three-year first-time-buyer rule; spouses out of the workforce caring for a household are also not bound by the three-year restriction.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Set by first-mortgage lender; no separate program-level minimum published.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Trellis (HUD-approved housing counseling agency)
  • Residency: Property must be located within the City of Avondale corporate limits.
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen with eligible immigration status (HUD HOME requirement).
  • Must purchase a home located within the City of Avondale corporate limits. Must complete homebuyer education/counseling through Trellis. Must be income-qualified at or below 80% AMI for Maricopa County (HUD HOME income limits — example: family of four cap was $63,200). Property must be the borrower's primary residence. The shared-equity loan requires the City to receive a proportional share of future appreciation; loan typically becomes due upon sale, transfer, refinance with cash-out, or loss of owner-occupancy. Funded with HUD HOME / CDBG funds passed through the City.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income at or below 80% Area Median Income (HUD HOME limits) for Maricopa County, adjusted for household size. Example reference: $63,200 maximum for a family of four.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program caps the purchase price as follows: Purchase price must comply with HUD HOME 95% maximum purchase price limit for Maricopa County (set annually by HUD).

  • Eligible property types include Single-family detached, townhome, condo (must be HUD HOME-eligible).
  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program serves buyers purchasing in Avondale, Arizona.

How do you apply?

Applications for Avondale First-Time Homebuyer Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Trellis (HUD-approved housing counseling agency).

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served while funds last; applications accepted through Trellis., and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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