Arizona Escrow Timeline for Phoenix Buyers

Buying in Phoenix and wondering how long escrow really takes? You’re not alone. When you have a move on the horizon or you’re purchasing from out of state, the timing between “offer accepted” and “keys in hand” matters. In this guide, you’ll see the typical Arizona escrow timeline for Phoenix buyers, the key milestones, what can slow things down, and how to keep your closing on track even if you are not in town. Let’s dive in.

Phoenix escrow at a glance

Most financed purchases in the Phoenix area close in about 30 days. Some close faster with cash or streamlined terms. Others take longer if financing is complex or if third parties are slow. Your contract controls your exact dates, so always confirm those deadlines.

Here is the usual sequence after offer acceptance:

• Escrow opens and earnest money is deposited.
• Seller delivers disclosures and HOA documents if applicable.
• You complete inspections and request repairs or credits.
• You apply for your loan and the lender orders the appraisal and title work.
• Title issues are reviewed and cleared.
• You receive final loan approval, your Closing Disclosure, and schedule signing.
• Funds are sent, documents record, and you receive keys.

Typical Phoenix timing ranges to expect:

• Overall escrow: about 30 days; 10 to 14 days with cash; 45 to 60 days or more with complex financing or delays.
• Earnest money: due in 1 to 3 business days after acceptance.
• Inspection period: commonly 7 to 15 calendar days, as set in the contract.
• Appraisal: often 3 to 14 business days after ordering, depending on availability.
• Title commitment: a few business days to 2 weeks after opening escrow.
• Underwriting to clear to close: often 7 to 21 days after application for many conventional loans.
• Closing Disclosure: must be delivered to you at least 3 business days before signing.
• Signing to funding and recording: same day or within 1 business day in many cases.

A typical 30-day flow

Use this as a planning guide. Your dates may differ based on your contract and loan program.

• Days 0 to 1: Offer accepted and escrow opens.
• Days 1 to 3: Earnest money due to escrow.
• Days 1 to 15: Inspection period runs; specialized inspections may extend scheduling.
• Days 3 to 14: Appraisal ordered and completed; underwriting review continues.
• Week 1 to 2: Title commitment issued; exceptions reviewed and cleared.
• Week 2 to 3: Underwriting conditions satisfied; expect clear to close when final items are done.
• At least 3 business days before signing: Closing Disclosure delivered to you.
• Days 28 to 30: Signing, funding, recording, and key delivery.

Key milestones explained

Open escrow and earnest money

Escrow opens the moment you and the seller sign the contract. You then send your earnest money to the title and escrow company. This deposit is typically due within 1 to 3 business days, as stated in your contract. The escrow company acts as a neutral third party, holding funds and following written instructions from both sides.

What to watch: Verify wire instructions by phone with your known escrow contact before sending funds. Do not rely on email-only instructions to avoid wire fraud.

Seller disclosures and HOA documents

Arizona sellers complete a statutory property disclosure. If the home is part of an HOA, the HOA or management company prepares a resale packet. You review these during your inspection period.

What to watch: HOA resale packets can take 5 to 15 business days to prepare. Ask for these early so they do not become a bottleneck.

Inspections and repair requests

You schedule your inspections right away. Common inspections in the Phoenix area include general home, roof, HVAC, pool, and pest or wood-destroying organisms. Once reports arrive, you may request repairs or seek a credit.

What to watch: Your inspection period is commonly 7 to 15 days, but the contract controls. Out-of-state buyers should book key inspectors early to allow time for any follow-up checks.

Financing, appraisal, and underwriting

If you are financing, you submit your full loan application immediately. The lender orders the appraisal and title work and asks you for documents. Underwriters review your file and may request additional items.

What to watch: Appraisals in Phoenix often return in 3 to 14 business days. If the value comes in lower than the contract price, you may face renegotiation or need to adjust your loan or down payment.

Title commitment and clearing exceptions

The title company issues a title commitment that lists requirements to close and any exceptions, such as liens, easements, or judgments. The escrow and title teams work to satisfy requirements and obtain any necessary payoffs or releases.

What to watch: Most commitments arrive within a few business days, but clearing title items can add time. In Maricopa County, title and escrow teams often handle payoff demands and HOA reconciliations in parallel with your lender review.

Clear to close, Closing Disclosure, and signing

Once underwriting is satisfied, your lender issues clear to close. You then receive your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before you can sign. Signing typically takes place at the title company office. If you are not in Arizona, mobile notaries and remote signing options are widely available.

What to watch: Plan your signing around the Closing Disclosure clock. If you make a late change to your loan terms, your 3-business-day window may reset.

Funding, recording, and keys

After you sign, the lender wires funds to escrow. The deed and mortgage are then submitted for recording. Maricopa County supports e-recording, which often means same-day or next-day recording. Once recording confirms and funds disburse, you receive your keys.

What to watch: High-volume recording days or complex documentation can push recording to the next business day.

Phoenix and Maricopa specifics to know

HOA resale packets

If your property is in an HOA, build in 5 to 15 business days for the resale packet. Fees, rules, financials, and contact details come through this packet. Request it early and verify any outstanding HOA fees so they do not delay closing.

Recording and key release

Maricopa County’s e-recording allows many closings to record the same day funding arrives. Keys are released after confirmation of recording and disbursement. Plan move-in logistics for the day after signing to give a buffer.

Taxes, fees, and prorations

Arizona counties do not impose a general state transfer tax. Your final settlement statement will show prorations for property taxes, HOA dues, and prepaid items. Confirm prorations and payoff procedures with your escrow officer so there are no surprises.

Pest and WDO considerations

Pest and wood-destroying organism inspections are common. Lenders sometimes require documentation of treatment. If treatment is needed, add time to schedule work and obtain the paperwork.

Common delays and how to avoid them

Delays you can anticipate:

• Slow lender documentation or borrower responses.
• Appraisal value below the contract price.
• Title issues such as unreleased liens or name discrepancies.
• HOA resale packet delays or unpaid HOA fees.
• Repair negotiations or contractor scheduling.
• Wire errors or last-minute wiring changes.

How to stay ahead:

• Get pre-approved early and send your lender all documents as soon as your contract is signed.
• Select a local, experienced escrow and title company that can support remote signings if needed.
• Ask for seller disclosures and HOA documents promptly.
• Book inspections on day one of the inspection window.
• Confirm earnest money timing and wire instructions by phone using a trusted number.
• Ask your lender about appraisal timing and what happens if value comes in low.
• Coordinate with your agent on the final walkthrough and possession plan, especially if you are relocating from out of state.

Remote buyer playbook

If you are buying from out of state, tighten your process so distance is not a factor.

• Documents to collect early:

  • Executed purchase contract and addenda.
  • Earnest money receipt from escrow.
  • Seller’s property disclosure and, if applicable, the HOA resale packet.
  • Initial title commitment.
  • Inspection reports, including pest or WDO if relevant.
  • Loan estimate from your lender.
  • Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before signing.
  • Final settlement statement showing fees and prorations.

• Questions to ask your team:

  • What is our agreed escrow length and what contingencies affect it?
  • When is earnest money due and how should I deliver it?
  • How long is the inspection period and when can inspectors get on site?
  • Who orders the appraisal and title search, and what is the expected turnaround?
  • Does the title company offer mobile or remote signing?
  • How long will the HOA packet take and who requests it?
  • What conditions are left for clear to close and how long to satisfy them?
  • What steps protect me from wire fraud during closing?

• Practical steps that make a difference:

  • Confirm your notary plan and address if you will not be in Phoenix for signing.
  • Keep your lender, agent, and escrow on a single email thread for key approvals.
  • Review your Closing Disclosure the day it arrives to avoid last-minute corrections.
  • Plan your travel or movers for the day after recording, not the day of signing.

Final week checklist

Use this punch list to finish strong:

• Confirm clear to close and your scheduled signing time.
• Verify closing funds and wire instructions by phone with escrow.
• Review and confirm your settlement statement and prorations.
• Make sure any agreed repairs are completed and documented before the final walkthrough.
• Coordinate key exchange and possession timing with your agent.

Buying in Phoenix moves fast when everyone is aligned. The right plan, a responsive team, and early document readiness help you close on time. If you want a hands-on guide through each step, including remote signing and secure closing procedures, the team at Cavanaugh Luxury Group is here to help. Request a private consultation.

FAQs

How long does escrow usually take in Phoenix?

• Many Phoenix-area financed purchases close in about 30 days, with cash closings as quick as 10 to 14 days and longer timelines for complex financing.

When is earnest money due in Arizona purchases?

• Earnest money is commonly due within 1 to 3 business days after mutual acceptance, as specified in your contract.

How long is the inspection period in Arizona contracts?

• Inspection periods are negotiated in the contract and are commonly 7 to 15 calendar days in many Arizona transactions.

How fast are appraisals returned in Phoenix?

• Appraisals are often completed in 3 to 14 business days after ordering, depending on appraiser availability and loan type.

When will I receive the Closing Disclosure for my loan?

• Federal rules require your lender to deliver the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before you sign your loan documents.

How quickly does Maricopa County record deeds after closing?

• Maricopa County supports e-recording, so many closings record the same day or the next business day, though high-volume days can add time.