The Complete Home Buying Process in Phoenix: From House Hunting to Closing Day

How long does it take to buy a home in Phoenix? What happens after your offer is accepted? When does earnest money become non-refundable?
If you’re asking these questions, you’re already ahead of the game. Buying a home isn’t just about finding “the one”—it’s about understanding exactly how the process works so you can move confidently and avoid costly mistakes.

I’m Chelsey Hernandez, your local Phoenix Realtor with My Home Group Real Estate. And I’m walking you through the complete Phoenix home buying process, from your first showing to the moment you get the keys. Let’s make it smooth, strategic, and a little bit fun, too. 😉

✨Let’s Move In – Move Up. #MoveInMoveUp

🧭 Step 1: Let’s Talk – Your Free Home Buying Strategy Call

Before anything else, schedule a free buyer call with me.

On this call, we’ll map out your:

• Ideal timeline
• Budget and lending options
• Must-haves vs nice-to-haves
• Market conditions in your preferred area

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, relocating to Phoenix, or selling and buying simultaneously, this step gives you a clear, customized path forward.

💡 BONUS: I’ll connect you with trusted lenders, inspectors, and local experts when you're ready. You’re never navigating this alone.

👉 Book your free consultation at www.chelseyhernandez.com

💰 Step 2: Get Pre-Approved with a Trusted Local Lender

I can connect you with some great lending options depending on your situation as they all specialize in different things. Phoenix is competitive, and a strong pre-approval is key to getting your offer accepted.

Expect to provide:

• Proof of income (W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs)
• Bank statements
• Credit info
• Debt obligations

📍 Pro Tip: Lenders will pull your full financial profile, so it’s best to talk to someone local who understands Maricopa County timelines and deal flow.

➡️ Once we’re under contract, you’ll typically close in 30 days or less—so being ready upfront is 🔑.

🏠 Step 3: Let’s Meet + Start the Home Search

Once you’re pre-approved, we’ll meet up (in person or virtually) to go deeper into your game plan and strategize your home search.

What we’ll do together:

• Narrow down neighborhoods
• Review current listings and off-market opportunities
• Set expectations around timelines and market activity
• Identify red flags to watch for
• Discuss how to get your offer accepted and the homebuying process

🔎 You can also start browsing today—for free—at www.chelseyhernandez.com. I’ll help you separate hype from hidden gems and prioritize what truly matters.

💵 What if you're paying cash?

Cash buyers skip the loan approval timeline, so the process moves much faster:

• In theory, you could close in 2 days with a clean title and no inspections.
• Realistically, most cash deals close in 10–14 days, especially if you're doing inspections (which I still recommend!).

✍️ Step 4: Make an Offer + Submit Earnest Money

When you find the one, we’ll write a competitive offer based on:

• Recent comps
• Condition of the home
• Seller motivation
• Your comfort zone

What you’ll include:

• Earnest Money: Typically 1% of the purchase price, held in escrow.
• Closing Date: Usually 30 days from contract acceptance (or sooner for cash).
• Contingencies: For appraisal, loan, and inspections.

🔒 Your earnest money is protected by contingencies in the contract—for now. More on that below.

📆 Step 5: Due Diligence (The 10-Day Window That Matters Most)

Once your offer is accepted, the 10-calendar-day inspection period begins.

During this time, you can:

• Accept the home as-is
• Cancel the deal and get your earnest money back
• Ask the seller to make specific repairs

All of this is submitted using a BINSR (Buyer’s Inspection Notice and Seller’s Response) form.

🔧 Sellers have 5 days to respond. If they say no or only agree to partial fixes, you have 5 more days to walk away with your deposit or proceed.

I’ll connect you with trusted, local licensed inspectors to evaluate the home’s systems and structure, and I’ll help you weigh your options strategically.

🧾 Step 6: Appraisal + Finalizing the Loan

After the inspection period (and once we’re sure we’re moving forward), your lender will order the appraisal.

We usually wait to pay for the appraisal until the inspection and repair negotiations are done, unless we’re tight on time and need to stay on track for a 30-day close.

If the appraisal comes in at or above the purchase price, great!

If it comes in low, you’ll have 5 days to respond, and these are your options:

• Ask the seller to lower the price
• Increase your down payment
• Meet somewhere in the middle
• Or cancel with your earnest money refunded

⚠️ Appraisers can also require specific repairs (“conditions”) to fund the loan—these must be completed prior to close.

🛠 Step 7: Repairs Must Be Done 3 Days Before Closing

Any repairs the seller agreed to during BINSR negotiations? They’re required to be completed at least 3 days before closing.

I’ll do a final walkthrough with you to make sure everything’s:

• In the same condition as when you made the offer
• Fully repaired with receipts
• Clean and ready for move-in

If anything’s off—we address it before you close. Period.

🗝 Step 8: Closing Day! 🎉

Once your lender issues the clear to close, we:

• Schedule your signing appointment (in person or mobile notary)
• Fund the loan (your down payment + lender money goes to escrow)
• Record the deed with Maricopa County

🎉 Once it’s recorded—you get the keys, garage remotes, mailbox access, and official bragging rights. #MoveInMoveUp

🧠 Why Buy a Home in Phoenix Right Now?

Phoenix continues to be a great market for:

• First-time buyers with financing flexibility
• Move-up and downsizing buyers with sale contingencies
• Relocating buyers looking for affordability + lifestyle

✨ There’s more negotiation room and opportunity than we’ve seen in the past few years—and I’ll help you capitalize on it.

💬 Let’s Talk About Your Buying Journey

Every buyer’s situation is unique—but the one thing that always makes a difference? Having a Phoenix Realtor who knows the timelines, contracts, and market inside and out. Let’s talk about your goals and figure out if now is the right time to make your move.

🗓 Step One is easy:
Schedule your free buyer consultation at www.chelseyhernandez.com