How to Buy a Home in Arizona: Step-by-Step (2026)

Buying a home in Arizona follows the same basic path as anywhere else, with a few local twists that can save (or cost) you thousands. Here’s the whole process, start to finish.

Updated October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm with the official source linked in each section.

1. Get your money ready

• Get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) by a lender who closes loans in Arizona. Sellers here expect a pre-approval letter with your offer.
• Know your down payment options: conventional (as little as 3%), FHA (3.5%), VA (0% for eligible veterans), USDA (0% in eligible rural areas), plus Arizona down payment assistance.
• Budget for closing costs (typically a few percent of the price) and earnest money (often 1–2%, but it varies).
• Remember HOA dues and transfer or capital-improvement fees, which are common here.

2. Hire a buyer’s agent

Buyers now sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. It spells out services and compensation, which is negotiable and is often paid partly or entirely by the seller as part of the deal. A good local agent earns their keep by knowing which subdivisions have restrictive HOAs, which areas have water or flood concerns, and how to structure a competitive offer.

3. Search & tour

Search the same listings agents see with the I Want A New Home! app. Out of state? Video tours are standard practice here; read How to Buy Before You Move.

Look past the staging: backyard orientation (north- and south-facing yards stay cooler), roof and A/C age, pool condition, and distance to freeways, flight paths and future development.

4. Make an offer

Most Arizona resale purchases use the Arizona REALTORS® Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract. Key terms you’ll decide with your agent:

• Price, earnest money and close-of-escrow date
• Seller concessions toward closing costs or a rate buydown
• Loan type and appraisal terms
• Home warranty, and which items convey (fridge, washer/dryer, pool equipment, solar)

5. The inspection period (usually 10 days)

Once your offer is accepted, the standard contract gives you an inspection period, typically 10 days. Inspect anything, review HOA documents, check the CLUE insurance-claims report, read the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS), and get insurance quotes. If you’re not satisfied, you can cancel or ask for repairs or credits, generally with your earnest money protected if you act within the deadline. Don’t miss it.

What to inspect in Arizona homes

• A/C units: age, size and refrigerant type. Replacements are expensive.
• Roof: tile underlayment usually wears out before the tiles; foam roofs need recoating.
• Pool & equipment: get a separate pool inspection; check barrier fencing.
• Termites: order a wood-destroying insect inspection; subterranean termites are common.
• Scorpions: ask about pest history.
• Water heater, plumbing and hard-water damage. Consider a softener.
• Grading and drainage for monsoon rain.
• Solar: owned vs. leased; get the agreement.
• Water source if outside city service (well, hauled water, private utility).
• Sewer vs. septic in rural areas.

6. Appraisal & loan approval

Your lender orders the appraisal. If it comes in low, your agent negotiates based on your contract’s appraisal terms. Keep your finances steady: no new credit cards or car loans until you close.

7. Closing with title & escrow

Arizona is an escrow state. A neutral title/escrow company handles the money, title insurance and signing. You’ll sign at the title office or with a mobile notary, wire funds (always verify wiring instructions by phone with a number you already know; wire fraud is common), and the deed records with the county. Keys come when it records, often the same day.

8. After you close

• Rekey the locks and change garage codes
• Confirm your primary-residence property tax classification
• Put utilities in your name (guide)
• Service the A/C before summer
• Register with your HOA portal

Related: Arizona HOAs · Rent vs. buy · VA buyers.