If you think owning a home in Arizona is only possible with a high income, it’s time to rethink that. You don’t need a six-figure salary to get the keys to your first home—you just need the right strategy, the right support, and someone willing to look at the full picture of your situation.
At Ramon Espinoza Home Loans, we’ve worked with buyers in all kinds of financial situations. The truth is, qualifying for a mortgage isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about how we balance your credit, income, and savings to make homeownership possible. And yes, it is possible.
Affordability Is Out There If You Know Where to Look
Home prices have shifted in the last year, and we’re now seeing more homes under $425,000 than we have in a long time. Areas like Maricopa, Glendale, and even parts of Apache Junction are offering real opportunities with homes in the low $300s.
That means we’re working in a new price segment—one that’s more accessible. If your income isn’t where you want it to be, we help you explore options in areas that match your budget, while still setting you up for long-term value.
It’s Not Just About Income
When we look at your ability to buy a home, there are three key ingredients: credit, income, and savings. If one is lacking, we look at how to strengthen the other two. That’s where our team steps in.
Here’s what we consider when qualifying a buyer:
- Credit Score: Don’t worry if yours isn’t perfect, we offer free credit repair to help get you ready.
- Income: If it’s tight, we look at creative solutions like using a co-signer or reducing other monthly debts.
- Cash on Hand: Down payment assistance programs can help cover what you don’t have saved.
In many cases, instead of needing a huge down payment, you could get into a home with as little as 1% out of pocket. And with many sellers currently offering closing cost assistance, that dream may be closer than you think.
Buying Smart Means Playing the Numbers Right
We always tell clients: let’s look at the numbers together. For example, putting 20% down might seem like the smart move, but what if using some of that money to pay off a car loan could increase what you qualify for?
Every buyer’s financial picture is different. That’s why we don’t rely on cookie-cutter solutions. We’ll help you “play Monopoly,” as we like to say, and make the math work for you.
Timing Matters and Now’s a Smart Time
We’re currently in a buyer’s market in Arizona, something we haven’t seen in over a decade. About 65% of transactions right now include some sort of seller assistance. That includes things like:
- Closing costs paid by the seller
- Brand-new roofs or AC units offered as incentives
- Less competition, meaning no bidding wars
Once rates drop, competition will spike again. That means bidding wars, no more seller-paid costs, and higher prices. Buying now allows you to lock in a home at today’s price and refinance later when rates come down. You’ll get the best of both worlds: less upfront cost now, and a lower payment down the road.
Let’s Make It Happen, Together
Our job isn’t to tell you “no.” It’s to figure out how we can help you buy a home. Whether that means walking you through a budget, building a plan to raise your credit, or finding a home in the right area, we’re here for all of it.
You don’t have to be rich to own a home in Arizona. You just need someone in your corner who knows how to navigate the process and won’t give up on finding the right loan for you.
Let’s start with a conversation. Contact the REHL Team Clemente at: clemente@ramonespinozahomeloans.com or Ramon at ramon@ramonespinozahomeloans.com.
Se habla Español.
