After your offer is accepted in Arizona, you deposit earnest money with escrow within a few days, then use the inspection period, usually 10 days on the standard contract, to inspect and send any repair requests on the BINSR. Your lender processes the loan and orders the appraisal while title confirms clear ownership. You do a final walkthrough shortly before closing, often sign a few days early, and the home is yours once the deed records with the county. Many financed purchases close in about 30-45 days.
Getting your offer accepted in Chandler is the start of the real process, not the finish line, there are several key milestones between acceptance and the day you get your keys, and knowing those milestones removes most of the anxiety.
Here they are in order, with the Arizona specifics that matter.
Earnest money deposit
Within a few days of acceptance, you'll typically submit an earnest money deposit into escrow (held by the title company), which demonstrates your commitment to the purchase and gets credited toward your down payment or closing costs at closing.
Wire fraud targets this exact moment. Before you send a dime, call the title company at a phone number you looked up yourself, not one in an email, and confirm the wiring instructions out loud.
Inspection period
You'll typically have a window to complete inspections and negotiate any findings with the seller. This is one of the most important stages, and I stay closely involved to help you separate real issues from normal wear and tear. The standard inspection period is 10 days.
In those 10 days you'll usually schedule a general home inspection, often a separate termite inspection, and anything else the home calls for, like a pool, roof or sewer line inspection. Your repair requests go to the seller on the BINSR, the Buyer's Inspection Notice and Seller's Response, and the seller has five days to answer. See What to expect during an Arizona home inspection.
HOA documents and disclosures
If the home is in an association, you'll receive the HOA disclosure package during escrow. Read it. It shows the dues, the rules, the budget and any special assessments. You'll also receive the seller's disclosure statement, the SPDS. Both are part of what you're agreeing to buy.
Get homeowners insurance lined up early
Your lender needs proof of homeowners insurance before closing, and in Arizona the price can vary a lot from one company to the next. Start shopping as soon as your offer is accepted, not the week before closing. Ask the seller for a CLUE report, which shows past insurance claims on the home, so a claim history doesn't surprise you or your insurance company. If the home has a pool, an older roof or older wiring, mention it up front so your quote is accurate.
Loan processing and appraisal
Your lender orders the appraisal and continues processing your loan, which includes underwriting review of your financial documentation. This period requires responsiveness from you, providing documents promptly keeps your timeline on track.
If the appraisal comes in low, there are a few paths: renegotiate the price, bring more cash, meet in the middle, or use the contract's appraisal terms. I'll help you understand which ones you have.
Early in escrow your lender also sends an update called the Loan Status Update, which tells the seller where your loan stands. Keep answering document requests the same day, and your loan stays on track.
Title work and escrow
Title company work happens in the background, confirming clear title to the property and preparing the closing documents. If any title issues surface, I'll help coordinate resolving them before they threaten your timeline.
What not to do during escrow
The weeks between acceptance and closing are not the time for big financial moves. Don't open new credit cards, finance furniture or a car, change jobs, or move large amounts of money around without talking to your lender first. Lenders often check your credit and employment again right before closing, and a change can delay or even undo your approval. Keep your financial life boring until you have the keys.
Your deadlines protect you
Every protection in your contract comes with a deadline. If you cancel during your inspection period for any reason, your earnest money is usually returned. After that period ends, cancelling for reasons the contract doesn't allow can put your earnest money at risk. That's why I keep a calendar of every date in your contract and remind you before each one, so you're never surprised by a deadline you didn't know was coming. For the full contract in plain words, read Understanding Arizona purchase contracts.
Plan the move while you wait
Escrow is a good time to line up movers, schedule internet installation and change your address. In summer, book the movers early and ask for a morning start. And plan to change the locks or garage codes on day one, since you don't know how many keys are out there.
Final walkthrough
Shortly before closing, you'll do a final walkthrough to confirm the home's condition matches what was agreed upon and that any negotiated repairs were completed. Bring the BINSR and the receipts for any repairs, and run the water, the AC and the appliances.
Closing day
You'll sign your final loan and closing documents, funds transfer, and once recorded, you officially own the home and get your keys. In Arizona you can sign your documents a few days early to alleviate some stress.
Set up SRP or APS electric service in your name for the day of closing, and line up water and trash with the city.
The timeline at a glance
| Milestone | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Earnest money to escrow | Within a few days of acceptance |
| Inspections and BINSR | Within the 10 day inspection period |
| Seller response to BINSR | Within 5 days |
| Appraisal | Ordered by the lender during escrow |
| Loan approval | Before closing, once underwriting is satisfied |
| Final walkthrough | Shortly before closing |
| Signing | Often a few days before the close date |
| Recording and keys | On the close of escrow date |
The bottom line
The period between acceptance and closing is where deals can quietly go sideways without someone actively managing it. I stay closely involved the entire way through.
Take the first step toward clarity and protection, schedule a consultation with me today.
Questions, answered.
How long does it typically take to close after an offer is accepted?
It varies by financing type and specific circumstances, but many transactions close within roughly 30-45 days of acceptance.
What could delay my closing?
Appraisal issues, lender documentation delays, or title issues are the most common causes, I stay on top of the timeline to catch potential delays early.
What should I avoid doing during this period?
Avoid making large purchases, opening new credit, or changing jobs because any of these can affect your final loan approval.
How long is the inspection period in Arizona?
On the standard Arizona purchase contract, it's 10 days unless a different number is negotiated. The seller then has five days to respond to your repair requests.
Can I sign my closing documents early in Arizona?
Often yes. Many buyers sign a few days before the close of escrow date. The home becomes yours when the deed records with the county.
Want to talk it through?
Bring me the specifics of your situation and I will tell you straight what I would do. No pitch, nothing to sign, and no obligation to work with me afterward.
Walk through your timeline with me