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Fixed vs ARM Mortgages Arizona 2026

Todd Uzzell / August 3, 2026

Arizona Mortgage Guide 2026 · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgage Arizona 2026 Everything Arizona buyers and homeowners need to know — with current 2026 numbers and expert guidance from a licensed Arizona mortgage lender with 20+ years of experience. At a Glance Factor Fixed Rate Adjustable Rate (ARM) Interest rate Locked for full term Fixed initially, then adjusts annually Payment certainty Never changes Can increase or decrease Initial rate Typically higher Typically 0.5-1% lower Best when rates Low — lock them in High — expecting future drops Risk None — predictable Payment risk if rates rise […]

Mortgage Basics

30-Year vs 15-Year Mortgage

Todd Uzzell / July 30, 2026

Arizona Mortgage Guide 2026 · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 30-Year vs. 15-Year Mortgage Arizona 2026 Everything Arizona buyers and homeowners need to know — with current 2026 numbers and expert guidance from a licensed Arizona mortgage lender with 20+ years of experience. At a Glance Factor 30-Year Fixed 15-Year Fixed Interest Rate (est.) 6.75% 6.25% Monthly P&I (380K loan) $2,465 $3,258 Monthly difference — +$793/mo Total interest paid ~$507,000 ~$206,000 Interest savings — ~$301,000 Payoff (if age 30 now) Age 60 Age 45 Equity at year 10 ~$97,000 ~$208,000 Frequently Asked Questions Is a 15-year mortgage better than a 30-year […]

Conventional Loans

Conventional Loan Requirements Arizona 2026 | Credit, Down Payment & More

Todd Uzzell / July 28, 2026

Arizona Mortgage Guide 2026 · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 Conventional Loan Requirements Arizona 2026 Everything Arizona buyers and homeowners need to know — with current 2026 numbers and expert guidance from a licensed Arizona mortgage lender with 20+ years of experience. At a Glance Factor Value Details Credit Score 620 minimum 680+ for best rates; 740+ for lowest PMI Down Payment 3% (first-time buyer) 5% standard; 20% eliminates PMI DTI Ratio Up to 45% Up to 50% with compensating factors Loan Limit (AZ 2026) Up to $832,750 Above this = jumbo loan PMI Required under 20% down Cancels at 80% […]

Calculators & Tools

How Much House Can I Afford in Arizona 2026? | Calculator

Todd Uzzell / July 23, 2026

Arizona Affordability Calculator 2026 · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 How Much House Can I Afford in Arizona? Your affordability is based on income, debts, down payment, and Arizona’s specific property tax and insurance rates. Run your numbers below for a personalized estimate. Arizona Affordability Calculator Uses Arizona’s average property tax rate (0.7%) and estimates based on your actual inputs. Gross Annual Income ($) Monthly Debt Payments ($) Down Payment ($) Interest Rate (%) Loan TypeConventionalFHAVA (No PMI) Loan Term30 Year15 Year Calculate My Affordability → Max Purchase Price Est. Monthly Payment Back-End DTI Arizona Income to Home Price Guide Based […]

Credit & Qualifying

Self-Employed Mortgage Arizona 2026 | Bank Statement Loans

Todd Uzzell / July 21, 2026

Self-Employed Mortgage Guide · Arizona 2026 · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 Self-Employed Mortgage Arizona 2026 Being self-employed does not disqualify you from buying a home in Arizona. It means you need the right program — and a lender who knows how to work with non-traditional income. Here is what you need to know. Self-Employed Mortgage Options in Arizona 📋 Conventional / FHA — 2 Year Tax Returns The standard path. Lender averages your net income from Schedules C, E, or K-1 over 2 years. Works well if your net income after deductions is sufficient to support the loan. Income usedNet […]

USDA Loans Arizona

USDA Loans in Arizona 2026 | Zero Down Home Loans | Todd Uzzell

Todd Uzzell / July 16, 2026

Arizona USDA Loan Guide 2026 · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 USDA Loans Arizona 2026 Zero Down Home Loans USDA loans offer zero down payment for eligible rural and suburban Arizona properties — and many Phoenix metro communities qualify. Here is everything you need to know. 0%Down Payment 0.35%Annual Fee (monthly) 640+Credit Score USDA Loan Benefits Feature USDA Loan FHA (comparison) Down payment 0% 3.5% Upfront fee 1% (in loan) 1.75% (in loan) Annual fee 0.35%/yr 0.55%/yr Fee duration Life of loan Life of loan Geographic restriction Rural/suburban eligible areas only No restriction Income limit Yes — household income No income […]

First-Time Buyers

Mortgage Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification Arizona 2026

Todd Uzzell / July 14, 2026

Arizona Mortgage Process · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 Mortgage Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification in Arizona These two terms sound similar but they are not the same — and in Arizona’s market, one will win you a home and the other will get your offer ignored. Here is what you need to know. The Key Difference Pre-Qualification Based on self-reported information only No credit pull — score not verified No income documents reviewed No asset verification Takes minutes — online form Arizona sellers generally do not accept Does not protect you from surprises Pre-Approval ✓ What You Need Based on verified financial […]

First-Time Buyers

First-Time Home Buyer Arizona 2026 | Programs, Grants & Guide

Todd Uzzell / July 9, 2026

Arizona First-Time Buyer Guide 2026 · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 First-Time Home Buyer Arizona 2026 Buying your first home in Arizona is more achievable than you think — especially with programs that cover your down payment. Here is everything you need to know, from programs to process to closing day. Programs Built for Arizona First-Time Buyers 🏠 Arizona Home Plus DPA 3–5% of loan amount as a soft second mortgage — covers your entire down payment. Forgiven after 60 months. No monthly payments. Statewide, both FHA and conventional. Learn about DPA → 🏙️ Home in Five (Maricopa County) Up to […]

Down Payment Assistance Loans Arizona

Arizona Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026

Todd Uzzell / July 7, 2026

Arizona DPA Guide 2026 · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 Arizona Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026 You do not need 20% — or even 3.5% — saved to buy a home in Arizona. State and county programs can cover your entire down payment. Here is how they work and whether you qualify. $0Down Payment Possible 5%Max DPA Available 60 moUntil Forgiven Arizona’s Two Main DPA Programs 🏠 Arizona Home Plus AvailableStatewide — all AZ counties DPA amount3–5% of loan amount StructureSoft second mortgage Forgiven after60 months Monthly paymentsNone on DPA Income limit~$155,386 Price limit$500,000 Credit score min.640 Loan typesFHA, Conventional, USDA, […]

Credit & Qualifying

How to Improve Your Credit Score for a Mortgage in Arizona 2026

Todd Uzzell / July 2, 2026

Arizona Mortgage Guide 2026 · Todd Uzzell NMLS #1525192 How to Improve Your Credit Score for a Mortgage in Arizona Your credit score determines your rate, your program options, and whether you get approved at all. Here is exactly what moves the needle — and how fast. Arizona Mortgage Score Thresholds — Know Your Target Different programs require different minimum scores. Before improving, know exactly what score you need for your target loan type: Below 500 500–579 580–619 620–679 680–739 740+ <500No standard programs 500–579FHA with 10% down only 580–619FHA 3.5% down · VA 620–679Conventional · FHA · USDA 680–739Good […]

Author name: Todd Uzzell