The complete Arizona escrow and closing process.
Arizona at a glance
30-45 days
10-14 days
1-3%
Seller pays
Buyer pays
At recording
How an Arizona closing works
1. Contract acceptance
The moment buyer and seller sign the Arizona Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract (the AAR contract), the clock starts. Your agent sends the executed contract to escrow, and the file opens the same day.
2. Earnest money & opening escrow
The buyer wires the earnest deposit (typically 1-3% of price) directly to the escrow company. Escrow orders theTITLE searchand issues a Preliminary TITLE Report.
3. Inspection period (10 days standard)
The buyer inspects the home and either accepts, requests repairs, or cancels. This is the most common moment a deal renegotiates - and one of the most common moments it falls apart if communication breaks down.
4. Appraisal & loan underwriting
For financed deals, the lender orders the appraisal and finalizes underwriting. Low appraisals and last-minute loan conditions are the two biggest reasons Arizona closings slip.
5. HOA disclosure & clear-to-close
The HOA disclosure package is ordered (5-10 business days in most communities). The lender issues clear-to-close, the settlement statement is finalized, and the signing is scheduled.
6. Signing, funding, recording
Buyer and seller sign. The lender funds. Escrow records the deed with the county recorder. In Arizona, ownership transfers at recording - not at signing - and that is the moment keys are released.