The Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Home Buying Process in Arizona

June 02, 2025•3 min read

Thinking about buying a home in Arizona? Maybe it's the sunsets, the desert vibes, or the dream of finally owning your own space. Whatever your reason, this guide is your GPS from “I want a house” to “here are your keys!”

Let’s break it down like you’re in third grade—no fancy talk, just the real stuff you need to know.

🏁 Step 1: Get Your Money Right

Before you look at homes, you gotta look at your wallet.

Save that down payment! Most people aim for 3% to 20% of the home price.
Add in closing costs (extra fees to officially buy the house). That’s another 2–5%.
Got help? Arizona offers down payment help programs like Home Plus or Home in Five.

👉 Pro Tip: Don't forget your credit score! A better score = lower interest rates = more house for your money.

✅ Step 2: Get Pre-Approved Like a Boss

Don’t just shop. Shop with power.

Getting pre-approved means a lender has looked at your finances and said, “Yep, we’ll loan you this much.”

It shows sellers you’re serious.
It helps you know your real budget.
It makes your offer way stronger.

📄 In Arizona, you’ll need something called a PQF (Pre-Qualification Form). Make sure the lender checks the right boxes (credit, income, assets)—that’s what sellers really care about.

🤝 Step 3: Team Up with an Arizona Real Estate Agent

You need someone who knows the desert from the dirt.

A buyer’s agent:

Knows the best spots (hello Chandler, Gilbert, and Scottsdale!)
Helps you avoid red flags
Fights for your best deal

💡 Ask questions. Pick someone who listens to you. You’re gonna be working closely!

🔍 Step 4: Let the House Hunt Begin!

This is the fun part!

Know your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
Use apps like Zillow, Redfin, AND your agent’s private list (MLS)
Be ready to move fast in hot markets

🏡 Tip: Arizona homes come with extras like pools, HOA rules, and crazy summer heat. Your agent will help you pick what fits your life.

📝 Step 5: Make an Offer That Wins

Found “the one”? Time to go all in!

Your agent will help you:

Choose the right price
Submit your PQF
Add an earnest money deposit (this proves you're serious)
Include any requests (like seller covering closing costs or including the fridge)

🔥 Want an edge? A clean offer with fewer complications (and solid pre-approval) can beat higher offers!

🔎 Step 6: Inspect. Appraise. Finalize the Loan.

Now you double-check everything.

Inspection: A pro checks the house. If stuff’s broken, you can ask for fixes or money back.
Appraisal: Your lender wants to make sure the house is worth what you’re paying.
Loan Finalization: The lender gives you a final thumbs-up and sets up the money.

⚠️ Don’t buy a car or open new credit cards during this time. It could ruin your loan!