How to buy a house in Arizona

Arizona’s housing market in 2025 is a combination of opportunity and challenge. Home prices are high in some major metro areas, but very affordable in others, especially rural areas. And if you’re moving to Arizona from states such as California, Hawaii, or New York, Arizona might feel downright cheap.

Arizona’s unique mix of urban vs. rural or desert vs. mountain areas; desirable weather; tourism; and a varied housing supply depending on region make buying a house in AZ attractive to many. If you’re a first-time home buyer or new to the Arizona real estate market, this step-by-step guide is for you.

Let’s dive into what you can expect and how to buy your dream home in the Copper State.

Arizona’s housing market: At a glance

Let’s first take a big picture look at Arizona’s real estate market. These are figures as of August 2025 through Redfin.com.¹

Understanding the housing market in Arizona

While a big picture of the Arizona housing market is interesting, there are some more specific insights you’ll want to explore.

The median home price is $457,800

While the median single-family home price is around $460,000, that doesn’t mean you can’t find homes for significantly less – or significantly more. There are many influences on home prices in a state as large and geographically diverse as Arizona. Here are a few big ones.

• Type of home: In general, single-family homes cost more than condominiums or townhomes. In addition, the type of community might make a difference in price. For instance, gated communities with amenities and private streets could increase value.
• Major cities: Popular metro areas such as Phoenix and Tempe are, on average, more expensive than more rural areas.
• Rural areas: More rural areas like Fort Mohave or Marana can be much more affordable.
• Market value and demand in the neighborhood: The fair market value of any specific home depends on many factors. Is it in a good school district? Does it have views or a quiet surrounding? What’s the climate like? And then there are the home’s size, amenities, age, and other unique factors.

To get a good picture of how much house you can afford, use the Rocket Mortgage home affordability calculator. It’ll save you time and headache in your home search.

Market trends and inventory

There are a few key facts impacting the Arizona real estate market. First, as of October, the inventory of homes for sale nationwide increased nearly 8% over the year before. So, while the atmosphere is still competitive, the trend is in the right direction for buyers to have a good supply of options. In Arizona, there has been a 16.4% increase in homes for sale, easing some of the pressure.

Arizona has a net inflow of people. That is, more people are relocating to Arizona than are leaving the state, with Phoenix leading the pack. Of course, that doesn’t mean all of Arizona is experiencing growth and housing pressure. That might explain the fact that 29.4% of homes for sale had their price drop, about the same as last year.

The best way to stay in the know on what’s happening in the communities and areas you’re interested in is to work with an experienced Arizona real estate agent. They can assess availability, prices, and local conditions best.

Spring and fall are peak shopping seasons

While you can find homes for sale all year round in Arizona, and inventory changes not only by season, but by location, in general the housing market heats up in spring and, to a slightly lesser extent, in fall.

During spring (March through May), in general, skies are clear and the temperature is more moderate. That means houses show better and buyers are more active. Fall (September through October) has similar traits and is considered the second most-active season.

For buyers, these two seasons generally offer more choice. But, of course, with more buyers comes more competition. So, learning the best time of year to buy a house to meet your needs takes some planning.

How to buy a house in Arizona

Let’s go through a seven-step process on how to buy a house in Arizona.

Step 1: Check your credit and set a budget

Make sure you understand all the costs involved in buying a home. If you’re a first-time home buyer, this is especially important – you might be surprised at how many out-of-pocket costs there are. From home appraisals and inspections to down payments and closing costs, they can add up fast. Use the Rocket Mortgage mortgage calculator to help set a budget.

You’ll also want to check your credit report and credit score. You want them to be in the best shape possible. For most loans, you’ll need a minimum credit score – often around 620. Additionally, a better credit score typically means a lower mortgage interest rate, lower monthly payments, and less interest you’ll pay over the life of your loan.

Step 2: Decide on the type of financing you want

There are many types of loans to choose from when buying a house. There are government-backed loans such as VA, FHA, and USDA loans, for which only certain groups qualify. And there are conventional loans, for which anyone can apply. Each has its own criteria and its own method for determining interest rates. Here’s a helpful roundup of loans offered in Arizona.

Step 3: Apply for preapproval

It’s a great idea to get preapproved for a mortgage before shopping for homes, especially in competitive Arizona markets. Preapproval tells you how much house you can afford and approximately what your monthly payments will be, making shopping for homes easier.

It can also make you a more competitive buyer and give you bargaining power. It shows sellers you are both serious and qualified to buy their home.

To get preapproved, you’ll share documentation, such as proof of employment and income, with a lender. They’ll check your credit and preapprove you for a certain loan amount. The entire process typically only takes a few days.

Step 4: Hire a REALTOR^® in Arizona

Understanding the local market where you want to buy a home is critical. This is where an experienced REALTOR^® can really shine. A good real estate agent knows the market well, has relationships with other local agents, and has experience with the nuances of buying and selling in the area.

To find a good agent, start by asking for referrals and checking recent sales in the neighborhood you're considering. Next, it’s a good idea to interview a few agents to make sure they’re knowledgeable and seem aligned with your goals.

You might also run into something called “dual agency.” In Arizona, it’s acceptable for an agent to represent both the seller and the buyer in a transaction. The agent must disclose this to both sides, however. If this comes up, make sure you’re comfortable with it.

Step 5: Start house hunting

House hunting is the exciting part, so enjoy it. Start your search through online sites like Redfin. It’s a great way to get an initial feel for the market. Drive around neighborhoods you’re interested in to get a feel for them.

Another great resource is having access to an MLS portal created by your REALTOR^®. This is a system your REALTOR^® shares with you where you can search properties for sale. It lists all the specifics of the home, including the asking price, size, and other key metrics.

When shopping properties consider factors such as:

• School districts (even if you don’t have kids, they affect resale value)
• Local amenities like shopping, medical services, recreation, roads
• HOA fees and rules
• Commute times
• Property taxes, which vary by municipality

Step 6: Make an offer and negotiate

When it’s time to make an offer, your REALTOR^® will walk you through the process. In Arizona, data shows that the sale-to-list price is 97.8%. Simply put, that means that typically, homes sell for very near the asking price. In fact, 13.4% sold above the asking price. So lowball offers are rarely successful.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for negotiation, however. First, you’ll need to make an offer that is accepted and put up earnest money. This is a deposit showing that you’re serious about buying the property. And don’t worry, if you do buy the home, this money goes toward your down payment. Just make sure you have an inspection and appraisal contingency in the contract, so if there are any major problems and you’re forced to back out of the deal, you’ll get your deposit back.

Step 7: Continue with the mortgage closing process

Once your offer is accepted, there is much to do. You’ll set up home appraisals and inspections to ensure that the house is worth what you’re paying and to ascertain the state of everything from the foundation to the faucets. You’ll also formally qualify for your mortgage, secure homeowners insurance, get title searches done, and more.

Finally, it’ll be time to close – and pay closing costs. In Arizona, these can range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price of the home. These can vary based on your loan terms and any negotiations you made with the seller to cover some of them.

Closing costs typically include loan origination fees, points, title insurance, escrow fees, recording fees, possibly property taxes, insurance, and some inspections.

FAQ about the home search in Arizona

Answers to common questions about buying a house in Arizona.

How much do I need to make to buy a house in Arizona?

This depends heavily on where you want to live in Arizona. A 2024 Rocket Mortgage study detailing how much you need to live in America’s most popular cities found that, on average, a salary of $99,417 was needed to buy the average-priced home in Phoenix, Arizona. However, there are both more expensive and less expensive areas.

What credit score do I need to buy a house in Arizona?

Minimums vary by loan type. But often a credit score of approximately 580 is enough for FHA loans, while a minimum score of 620 is typically needed for conventional loans. VA and USDA loans can have more flexibility. However, the higher your credit score, the better your chance at qualification and lower interest rates and monthly payments.

Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home in Arizona?

No, there is no law that demands you use one. However, a qualified local REALTOR^® with market knowledge, negotiating skills, and experience can save you time and money in your search and purchase of a home.

How long does it take to close on a house in AZ?

Once your offer is accepted, the entire process to closing typically takes between 30 and 60 days. This is because there is a lot to do, including home appraisals and inspections, checking titles, and qualifying for a loan, which can take the majority of that time.

The bottom line: There’s a home in the Copper State waiting for you

When it comes to buying a home in Arizona, the state offers a wide variety of choices and price points. There are metropolitan areas, quiet suburbs, and rural escapes. There is also a range of climates. Of course, because of this, its popularity can create competitive markets in certain areas.

To maximize success in finding and financing the Arizona home of your dreams, a strong first move is to speak to a Rocket Mortgage^® Home Loan Expert, who can help clarify your financing options and shape a plan based on your budget and where in Arizona you want to buy.

¹Rocket Mortgage, LLC, Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC, Rocket Card, LLC, RockLoans Marketplace LLC (doing business as Rocket Loans), and Rocket Money, Inc., are separate operating subsidiaries of Rocket Limited Partnership. Redfin Corporation is an affiliated business of Rocket Limited Partnership. Each company is a separate legal entity operated and managed through its own management and governance structure. Rocket Limited Partnership is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RKT).

² The 3% down payment option is only available on certain conventional loan products and is not available in all states. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

³To qualify for this offer, you must meet all standard FHA eligibility requirements. In addition, your total mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, cannot exceed 38% of your income, your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio cannot exceed 45%, and you must have 12 months of verifiable housing history immediately prior to your application, no late payments 30 days or greater in the last 12-months, and no derogatory marks on your credit report. Not available on jumbo loans. Asset statements may be needed, no more than 1 day of non-sufficient fund fees are allowed in the most recent 2 months prior to application. Additional restrictions/conditions may apply.