Chase StewartREALTOR® · eXp Realty

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Buyer's Guide · Phoenix metro and Scottsdale

Your complete guide to buying a home in the Valley

Buying in Arizona usually takes 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to keys. Escrow companies handle closing instead of attorneys, and you get a 10-day inspection period to back out for any reason. This guide walks through every step, written for Scottsdale and the Valley.

Written by Chase Stewart, REALTOR® with eXp Realty · Last reviewed October 2026

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Pick the section you need, or read them in order. Each one answers the questions buyers ask me most, with Arizona-specific details you won't find in a national guide.

1. The buying processThe 8 steps from pre-approval to keys, and what's different in Arizona.2. Pre-approval and loansCredit scores, DTI, and conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans.3. Working with a buyer's agentHow agents get paid since the 2024 rule changes.4. Making an offerEarnest money, timelines, and how to write an offer that gets accepted.5. InspectionsThe 10-day inspection period, what to inspect, and the BINSR.6. Closing costsWhat buyers pay at closing in Arizona, line by line.7. Choosing an areaScottsdale, Phoenix, and the East and West Valley compared.8. After closingProperty taxes, homestead protection, monsoon prep, and more.

What the market looks like right now

The market shifts month to month, so it helps to know how to read it. Months of supply is the number of months it would take to sell every listed home at the current pace: fewer months favors sellers, more favors buyers, and around 5 to 6 is often treated as balanced. The share of listings with a price cut shows how often sellers are misjudging the market. New listings show how much fresh competition is coming. Sale price as a percent of list price shows how close homes are selling to their final asking price.

Conditions vary a lot by neighborhood and price point. In a market with more supply and frequent price cuts, buyers can often negotiate on price, repairs, and credits like help with closing costs or a rate buydown. I look at the specific area before advising on an offer.

Why people buy in the Valley

  • Weather and lifestyle. Roughly 300 days of sun, hundreds of golf courses, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and South Mountain Park for hiking.
  • Jobs. Major employers include TSMC, Intel, Banner Health, Amazon, and Mayo Clinic.
  • Taxes. Arizona has a flat 2.5% state income tax and no estate tax.
  • Value. Home prices are well below Los Angeles, San Diego, and Seattle.

Common questions

How long does it take to buy a house in Arizona?

Most buyers close 30 to 45 days after their offer is accepted. From pre-approval to keys, plan on 45 to 60 days, plus however long the home search takes.

Do I need a real estate attorney in Arizona?

No. Arizona is an escrow state. A title and escrow company handles the closing, and your agent, lender, and escrow officer handle the rest.

Is it a buyer's or seller's market in Phoenix right now?

It changes month to month and varies by city and price range. Months of supply and the share of listings with price cuts are the best quick signals. I post both on my market snapshot page every month, and I can pull numbers for any neighborhood.

How much do I need for a down payment?

It depends on the loan. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% down, FHA requires 3.5%, and VA loans allow zero down for eligible veterans. Budget another 2% to 4% of the price for closing costs.

Rules, rates, and limits change, so confirm current numbers with your lender and escrow officer before you rely on them.