The Arizona Escrow Process, Step by Step — What Happens After Your Offer Accepts

The Time Between Acceptance and Closing

In Arizona, the period between accepted offer and closing typically runs 30-45 days for financed purchases. It feels long from the outside and then suddenly very short as deadlines stack up. Here's exactly what happens during those weeks.

Day 1-3: Opening Escrow and Earnest Money

Once the contract is accepted, the listing agent opens escrow with a title company. In Arizona, the seller typically chooses the title/escrow company. Your earnest money deposit — typically 1-2% of the purchase price — is due within 24-72 hours of acceptance, wired to the escrow company. Keep the wire confirmation; wire fraud is real and you'll want documentation.

Days 1-10: Inspection Period

The standard inspection period is 10 days from contract acceptance. Schedule your home inspection, specialty inspections (roof, pool, sewer scope), and review all disclosures. At the end of the inspection period, you have three choices: proceed as-is, submit a BINSR requesting repairs or credits, or cancel with full earnest money return. If you submit a BINSR, the seller has 5 days to respond.

Days 5-10: HOA Document Review

If the property is in an HOA, the seller delivers HOA documents — CC&Rs, financial statements, meeting minutes. You have 5 days to review. This is a separate cancellation right from the inspection contingency. Use it.

Week 2-3: Appraisal

Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home's market value supports the purchase price. If it comes in below the purchase price, you and the seller need to renegotiate or one party walks.

Week 2-4: Loan Underwriting

The lender's underwriting team reviews your full file — income, tax returns, assets, and the appraisal. They may come back with conditions (additional documentation requests). Respond quickly; delays here are the most common cause of timeline extensions.

Final Days: Clear to Close and Signing

When underwriting approves your loan, you receive a "clear to close." Wire your funds to escrow 1-2 days before closing. Final walkthrough happens 24-48 hours prior: confirm condition is unchanged, agreed repairs are complete, sellers have cleared their belongings. Signing appointment at the title company: 60-90 minutes. When the deed records with Maricopa County, keys transfer.