Rio Rico, AZ · Santa Cruz County · NMLS# 667008
Your Rio Rico home loan specialist. Rio Rico is a great place to buy your first home. Many first-time buyers like how far their budget can go here, and assistance programs can help with the down payment. I know the area and the programs that work here, and I will help you get the most home for your money.
Not ready to apply yet? Get Prequalified · Call (520) 495-8989
Prequalification is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of approval. Terms subject to credit approval and underwriting.
First-time buyers
Many first-time buyers like what their budget can buy in Rio Rico. I will run payments on the homes you like so you can see exactly what fits.
USDA and VA loans can offer zero down for eligible buyers. FHA starts at 3.5% down. Conventional loans can start at 3% down for qualified first-time buyers.
HOME Plus covers Santa Cruz County, and my in-house down payment assistance is available in Arizona. Assistance can help with the down payment and closing costs.
Seller credits toward closing costs can work alongside assistance programs. Limits depend on the loan type. I will show you how to keep more cash in your pocket.
Local lender
My goal is simple: be the lender Rio Rico buyers call first. I focus on helping buyers here get into the right home with the right loan, and I know how the programs work in Santa Cruz County.
Programs
Up to 4% toward your down payment and closing costs, forgiven after 5 years. Available in every Arizona county, including Santa Cruz. 620 minimum credit score. First-time buyer not required.
See HOME Plus100% financing for eligible buyers in eligible rural areas, per USDA Rural Development. Many Rio Rico addresses may qualify. Income limits apply. Ask me to check the address on the USDA eligibility map.
3.5% minimum down payment and flexible credit guidelines. Can be paired with HOME Plus. Learn about FHA loans.
No income limits and a 600 minimum credit score. No program DTI overlay. Many down payment assistance programs cap debt-to-income at 45% to 50%. This one follows automated underwriting approval instead. Ask me for current terms.
See in-house DPACan start at 3% down for qualified first-time buyers. Can be paired with HOME Plus through its conventional options. First-time buyer guide.
Know the area
Also nearby: Sahuarita mortgage lender · Tucson mortgage lender · Down payment assistance hub · See the payment on a listing
Process
Rates
Rates change daily, so I send today's rate to you personally. Your rate depends on your credit, the loan type, and any assistance you use.
Not a commitment to lend or a rate lock. Your actual rate, APR, and costs are confirmed in your Loan Estimate.
Client reviews
Rated 4.98 out of 5 from 128 reviews on Experience.com.
“with Andy it was more like "this is how we are going to make it work."”
“Andy and his team were wonderfully! Communication was great and they were always willing to answer any questions or concerns I had. It can be stressful buying a new home but they made it as easy as possible! 10/10!”
“Andy and his team kept me fully informed through the loan process. When I had questions or concerns they were prompt to provide answers an additional information making the loan process much more simple. I highly recommend Andy and his team and Neighborhood Loans.”
FAQ
Many first-time buyers like how far their budget can go in Rio Rico, and the programs below can help with the down payment. I will help you compare homes and payments so you buy with confidence.
Many Rio Rico addresses may qualify. USDA eligibility depends on the exact address and on household income limits. Ask me to check the address on the official USDA eligibility map before you make an offer.
Yes. HOME Plus from the Arizona IDA is available in every Arizona county, including Santa Cruz County. My in-house down payment assistance is also available in Arizona. Program rules and eligibility apply.
No. HOME Plus does not require you to be a first-time buyer. It is open to first-time and repeat buyers who meet the program rules.
No. That program is for homes in Pima County. Rio Rico is in Santa Cruz County, so I look at HOME Plus, USDA, FHA, VA, and my in-house option instead.
Yes. VA loans can offer zero down for eligible veterans and service members, and they work in Rio Rico like anywhere else in Arizona.
Yes. I help buyers along the I-19 corridor, including Nogales and Tubac, as well as Green Valley, Sahuarita, and Tucson.
No. Everything can be done remotely by phone, email, text, and Zoom, and that is how most of my clients work with me. You are always welcome to meet at my office in Tucson, 5210 E Williams Circle, Suite 500, anytime. Just call ahead to set a time.
Tell me about your plans. I will check USDA eligibility, assistance programs, and your best loan options.
HOME Plus is a program of the Arizona Industrial Development Authority. USDA Guaranteed Loans are guaranteed by USDA Rural Development. These agencies do not endorse any lender. USDA property and income eligibility are determined by USDA for each address and household. Checked against official sources on October 17, 2026.
Program availability, terms, interest rates, income and purchase price limits, and assistance amounts are set by each program administrator and can change or end at any time without notice. Assistance funds may be limited. The information on this page was checked against the official program sources linked above on October 16, 2026. It is general education only. Always confirm current guidelines with me before you make decisions.
This is not a commitment to lend, a loan approval, or a rate lock. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, property eligibility, and program guidelines. Not all applicants will qualify. Rates shown on official program pages are not offered by this website and may not be available to you.
The Pima-Tucson Homebuyer's Solution is offered by the Industrial Development Authorities of the County of Pima and the City of Tucson and administered by eHousingPlus. Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas are programs of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC). These agencies do not endorse any lender. Andy Braun and Neighborhood Loans are not government agencies.
Andy Braun, Senior Loan Officer | Sales Manager, NMLS #667008, AZ LO-1006099. Neighborhood Loans, Inc. NMLS #222982, AZ BK 1004602. Licensed in Arizona, Texas, and California. Equal Housing Lender. Verify licensing at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Program rates change daily. I will send you today's rate for this program personally.
Not a commitment to lend or a rate lock. Rates depend on your credit, loan type, and program option.
