Optima Camelview, Kierland, McDowell Mountain
July 12, 2026
4 Reasons to Live in a Fountain Hills Condo
July 12, 2026Moving to Scottsdale
Scottsdale draws relocating buyers from across the country — retirees, remote workers, and second-home buyers who’ve decided that trading winter weather for year-round sunshine is a very good deal. If this is your first real estate purchase in Arizona, it’s worth setting aside any assumptions about how escrow works in your home state. The process here has some meaningful differences, and knowing them upfront makes for a much smoother experience.
Arizona Doesn't Require Attorneys
About a third of U.S. states require attorneys to be involved in real estate closings. Arizona is not one of them. Licensed real estate agents are permitted to guide their clients through the escrow process, which helps keep closing costs down. Most agents use the Arizona Association of Realtors standard contract — a comprehensive fill-in-the-blank document that covers not just the purchase terms, but also how both parties navigate inspection, title, financing, and closing.
The escrow company acts as a neutral third party, handling tasks that attorneys perform in other states — title search, disbursement of funds, and recording the deed. That said, you are always welcome to have your own attorney review the contract and advise you through the process if you prefer that added layer of guidance.
Signing Closing Papers Doesn't Mean the Place Is Yours
In some states, closing day means you show up, sign the deed, hand over the funds, and walk out with the keys. Arizona works a bit differently. If you are financing the purchase, loan documents are generally expected to be signed a few days before the official Close of Escrow — your lender and escrow officer will walk you through the exact timing. Sellers often sign their paperwork well in advance of closing as well.
Close of Escrow (COE) happens when the deed is actually recorded with the county — and that only happens after the escrow company has confirmed that all funds are received and all paperwork has been correctly executed. Even cash buyers are advised to have funds wired and paperwork completed at least a day before COE. Expect to receive your keys in the afternoon on closing day, giving the escrow officer time to complete the final review and recordation.
Pay Attention to Your Contingencies
The Arizona Association of Realtors contract is notably buyer-friendly compared to contracts in some other states. The default inspection period gives buyers time to review the property and cancel the contract for any reason related to its condition — with their earnest money returned. This is more flexibility than buyers have in many other states, where canceling after signing can be very difficult.
Beyond the inspection period, there are several other contingencies to track — including review of the HOA document package, an appraisal contingency if the property is financed, and loan approval. Each has its own deadline specified in the contract. Missing these windows can have real consequences, so a good agent will keep you informed of every key date well in advance.
Contact Us for a link to our Scottsdale Condo Buyers Guide — we’re happy to walk you through the process.
Information in this article has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.
