Buyer guide
Buying your first home in Arizona.
Buying your first home is a big step, and it is very doable with a clear plan. Here are the steps in order, the programs worth asking about, and what to watch for in the Phoenix Valley.
The steps, in order
1. Check your credit and budget
Pull your credit reports, fix errors, and decide on a monthly payment you are comfortable with, not just the most a lender will approve.
2. Talk to a lender and get preapproved
A preapproval tells you your price range and makes your offers stronger.
3. Sign a written buyer agreement
Since the 2024 NAR settlement changes, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring. It states how the agent is paid, and that compensation is negotiable.
4. Tour and write offers
We tour homes that fit, then write offers built on recent sales nearby.
5. Inspection period
Once under contract, you have an inspection period to inspect the home and ask for repairs or credits.
6. Appraisal
Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the value supports the loan.
7. Closing
You sign with the title and escrow company, the loan funds, and you get the keys.
Down payment assistance in Arizona
State and county programs exist to help with the down payment and closing costs. Examples include the Arizona Industrial Development Authority's HOME Plus program and the Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority's Home in Five program. Some Valley cities run their own programs too.
Program terms, limits and availability change. Confirm current details with a participating lender or the program's official site.
Loan types, in plain terms
- Conventional. Not backed by the government. Often a fit for buyers with steady income and good credit.
- FHA. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, with more flexible credit and down payment rules.
- VA. For eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses.
- USDA. For eligible homes in rural areas, which can include parts of Pinal County and beyond.
Costs beyond the down payment
- Earnest money, deposited with escrow after your offer is accepted
- Home inspection
- Appraisal
- Lender and title fees
- Prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance
- HOA fees, if the home is in an HOA
Your lender gives you a Loan Estimate that lists these for your loan.
Valley specific tips
- HOA rules and fees vary by community. Read them before you offer.
- Check your commute in summer heat, at the times you would actually drive it.
- Ask about the age of the roof and the AC. Both matter a lot here.
- A pool means ongoing maintenance and chemicals. Budget the time or a service.
- If the home has solar, find out whether it is owned, financed or leased. Our solar guide explains the ownership types.
- New construction and resale each have tradeoffs. Our new construction vs resale guide compares them.
How we help
- A buyer consult to set your plan and price range
- Lender introductions. We receive no referral fees from lenders, and you are always free to choose any lender you like.
- Coming soon alerts for homes that fit
- Offer strategy and negotiation
- Inspection guidance and repair requests
Learn more on our buyers page or explore the communities we serve.
Our track record
We have helped buyers close 29 purchases over the past 5 years.
Source: Homes.com agent profile, MLS data, as of October 16, 2026. Past results do not predict yours.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Talk to a lender, and an attorney where needed, about your situation.
First time buyer questions
Yes. State and county programs exist, such as HOME Plus from the Arizona Industrial Development Authority and Home in Five from the Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority, plus some city programs. Terms and availability change, so confirm current details with a participating lender.
It depends on the loan type, the program and your situation. Some loans and assistance programs lower what you need up front. A lender can show you the options you qualify for today.
Yes. Since the 2024 NAR settlement changes, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. It states how the agent is paid, and that compensation is negotiable.
Compensation is negotiable and stated in your written buyer agreement. A seller may or may not offer a concession toward it, and you can ask for one in your offer.
Yes. Many first time buyers buy new builds. Bring your own agent from your first visit or registration, and compare the builder's lender incentives with an outside lender before you commit.
Ready to talk?
Call (480) 978-6974 or send the form below. Response within one business day.
Equal Housing Opportunity · Milan "Mike" Skokic (SA693972000) · Orchard Brokerage, LLC (LC699746000)