Wondering what actually happens after your offer is accepted on a Scottsdale home? You’re not alone. Escrow can feel like a black box if you’re buying in Arizona for the first time or relocating. In this guide, you’ll learn what escrow is, how the timeline typically unfolds in Scottsdale, what to expect at each step, and how to keep everything on track. Let’s dive in.
What escrow means in Arizona
Escrow is a neutral process where a third-party title and escrow company holds funds and coordinates closing tasks until all contract conditions are met. In Arizona, the title and escrow company opens your file, holds your earnest money, orders a title search, prepares closing statements, and oversees recording and disbursement.
Your signed purchase contract sets the deadlines for earnest money, inspections, appraisal, loan approval, and closing. Local customs exist on who pays which fees, but those are negotiable and should be written into the contract.
Who is involved in escrow
- Buyer: completes inspections and loan steps, deposits funds, and signs closing documents.
- Seller: provides disclosures, addresses title issues, and signs closing documents.
- Escrow officer/title company: holds funds, orders title work, prepares statements, and records the deed.
- Lender: orders the appraisal, underwrites the loan, and funds once conditions are cleared.
- Real estate agents: coordinate timelines, review documents, and keep everyone informed.
Scottsdale escrow timeline at a glance
Every contract is unique, but here are common timelines in Scottsdale and greater Maricopa County:
- Financed purchase: about 30 to 45 days from acceptance to closing. Lender speed, appraisal timing, and repairs can affect this.
- Cash purchase: often 7 to 14 days if title is clear and documents move quickly.
Sample 30-day financed timeline
- Day 0: Contract accepted; earnest money deposited to escrow.
- Days 1–3: Escrow opened; title search begins; inspections scheduled.
- Days 4–10: Inspection period; repair requests and negotiation if needed.
- Days 7–14: Appraisal inspection and report; lender underwriting continues.
- Days 15–25: Underwriting conditions cleared; homeowner’s insurance finalized.
- Days 26–30: Final signing, funding, recording, and key handoff per contract.
Sample 14-day cash timeline
- Day 0: Acceptance; earnest money deposited.
- Days 1–3: Title search; inspections ordered.
- Days 4–7: HOA/resale documents uploaded and reviewed if applicable.
- Days 8–14: Final signing and recording; possession per contract.
Earnest money basics
Earnest money shows good faith and is deposited into escrow soon after acceptance, as your contract specifies. There is no fixed amount by law. The size often depends on price point and market conditions. In competitive situations, larger deposits can strengthen an offer. Whether earnest money is refundable depends on your contract contingencies and timelines. If you use your inspection or loan rights on time, you may have refund protections. If you default, the seller may have remedies under the contract and Arizona law.
Inspection period and repair talks
Arizona contracts include an inspection period, often 7 to 10 days, though yours could be shorter or longer. Schedule your general home inspection quickly, and consider pest, roof, HVAC, pool/spa, and sewer scope as appropriate.
Local to Scottsdale, it is smart to look closely at roof and drainage, especially around monsoon season. Many homes have irrigation systems and desert landscaping that benefit from a detailed check. Pools are common and worth a dedicated inspection. Submit any repair requests within your inspection window to preserve your options.
Appraisal steps and outcomes
If you are financing, your lender orders the appraisal. The appraiser typically visits within 1 to 2 weeks of order and returns the report about a week later, depending on volume. If the appraisal comes in at or above the purchase price, underwriting moves forward. If it comes in low, you may renegotiate with the seller, bring additional funds, or, if your contract allows, cancel.
Scottsdale has many custom and high-end homes, which can make comparable sales selection more complex. That can add a few days to the appraisal process in some cases.
Title search and title insurance
Early in escrow, the title company runs a title search and issues a preliminary report that lists recorded items like liens or easements. Any title issues must be resolved before closing. Mechanics liens, judgment liens, or unrecorded easements can slow things down and often require seller action or payoff coordination.
Title insurance is standard. There is typically an owner’s policy and a lender’s policy for financed deals. Who pays for which policy can follow local custom but is negotiable and should be spelled out in your contract.
HOA documents and what to review
Many Scottsdale homes and condos are in HOA communities. During escrow, the seller or the association provides a resale or HOA packet that includes CC&Rs, budgets, meeting minutes, rules, and assessments. You usually have a defined period to review and can cancel under that contingency if the documents are not acceptable to you. HOA documents sometimes take about a week to procure and review, so early ordering helps the schedule.
Closing day and recording in Maricopa County
Before closing, escrow prepares your settlement statement and, for financed purchases, the Closing Disclosure that must be delivered at least three business days before you sign. You will schedule a signing appointment, either at the title office, with a mobile notary, or with remote options if permitted.
You will need a valid ID, homeowner’s insurance in place, and final funds by wire or cashier’s check according to escrow instructions. Always verify wire instructions by phone using a known number to prevent fraud. On closing day, documents are recorded with the Maricopa County Recorder. After recording, escrow disburses funds and keys are released per your possession terms.
What can delay escrow in Scottsdale
- HOA packet delays or questions about governance and assessments.
- Title defects or liens that need to be cleared.
- Low appraisal values in areas with fast-moving comparables.
- Loan underwriting items like income verification or down payment documentation.
- Repair negotiations and contractor availability, especially during busy seasons.
- Weather and seasonality, such as monsoon-related delays for exterior work.
How to keep your purchase on track
- Lock in dates. Add all contract deadlines to a shared calendar on day one.
- Fund on time. Deposit earnest money by the contract deadline and confirm receipt.
- Schedule fast. Book inspections within 48 to 72 hours of opening escrow.
- Stay ahead on appraisal. Confirm appraisal order status with your lender by day 7 to 10.
- Read early. Review the preliminary title report within three business days of receipt.
- Request HOA docs immediately. Start the HOA/resale packet process right away for HOA homes.
- Prep for closing. Secure your homeowner’s insurance, confirm final figures, and verify wiring instructions at least three business days before closing.
Relocating to Scottsdale? Plan for remote steps
If you are out of state, coordinate signing options early. Many title companies can arrange mobile signings or remote online notarization where permitted. Align timelines with any home-sale contingency in your current state and consider time zone differences for key calls and document signings. Local vendors and quick scheduling by your agent can save days.
How a local agent helps you win escrow
A hands-on Scottsdale agent keeps your escrow moving by tracking deadlines, confirming deposits, pushing lender and appraisal timelines, ordering HOA documents early, and reviewing title items as soon as they arrive. You also get clear advice on which inspection issues are contract-critical and which are routine, so you can negotiate confidently and avoid unnecessary delays.
If you want a boutique, responsive experience with deep Scottsdale know-how, connect with Bryce Hull for a smooth, well-communicated escrow from offer to keys.
FAQs
What is escrow in an Arizona home purchase?
- Escrow is a neutral process run by a title and escrow company that holds funds, coordinates title work, and manages closing until all contract conditions are met.
How long does escrow take in Scottsdale?
- Financed purchases commonly close in 30 to 45 days, while cash deals can close in 7 to 14 days if title is clear and documents move quickly.
How much earnest money will I need?
- There is no fixed amount. The deposit depends on price point and market conditions, and your contract sets the amount and timing.
What if my appraisal comes in low?
- You can renegotiate price, bring additional funds, or in some cases cancel under your appraisal or loan contingency if your contract allows.
What should I inspect in Scottsdale homes?
- In addition to a general inspection, consider pest, roof, HVAC, pool/spa, irrigation, and a sewer scope for older homes. Monsoon-season roof and drainage issues deserve close attention.
Who pays closing costs in Scottsdale?
- Cost allocation is negotiable. Local customs may guide expectations, but the purchase contract controls who pays which fees.
Can I close remotely if I’m relocating?
- Often yes. Many title companies offer mobile notaries or remote online options where permitted. Confirm availability and logistics with escrow early.
