Buying basics
Do I need 20% down to buy a house in Arizona?
No. Most buyers put down far less than 20%. FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down, some conventional loans start at 3%, and VA and USDA loans can offer 0% down for buyers who qualify. Arizona also has down payment assistance programs. Our team walks you through the options that fit your situation, even if you are starting with nothing saved.
How much money do I need to buy a house in Arizona?
It depends on your loan, the price of the home, and whether you qualify for assistance. Beyond the down payment, buyers plan for closing costs, earnest money, the home inspection, and the appraisal. Many of those costs can be reduced through seller concessions, builder incentives, or assistance programs. We sit down with you and your lender to map out your real number before you start looking.
Is there down payment assistance in Arizona?
Yes. The statewide HOME Plus program offers up to 4% toward your down payment and closing costs, forgiven after five years, with income limits and a required homebuyer education course. In the Phoenix area, the Home in Five program is another option, and some cities run their own programs. Amounts and funding change during the year, so we confirm what is available for you with a lender who offers these programs.
What credit score do I need to buy a house in Arizona?
FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 for the minimum down payment, and many conventional loans and assistance programs look for 620 to 640 or higher. Lenders also look at your income, debts, and payment history, not just the score. If your score is not there yet, we connect you with a lender who can give you a clear plan to get there.
Should I get preapproved before looking at homes?
Yes. A preapproval tells you what you can comfortably afford and shows sellers your offer is real. Many sellers will not consider an offer without one. We connect you with trusted lenders who explain your options in English or Spanish, and we coordinate with them through your entire purchase.
Can I buy a house if I am self employed or paid in cash?
Often, yes. Self employed buyers usually qualify with tax returns, and some lenders offer bank statement loans that use your deposits to show income. Income that is reported and deposited in the bank is much easier to qualify with. We introduce you to lenders who work with self employed buyers every day.
ITIN and bilingual service
Can I buy a house in Arizona with an ITIN number?
Yes. Some lenders still offer ITIN home loans for buyers who file taxes with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. These loans usually ask for a larger down payment and two years of tax returns or bank statements, and in 2026 some lenders added documentation requirements. We work with lenders who know these loans well and guide you through each step.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to buy a house in Arizona?
No. You do not need to be a citizen to own property in the United States. Financing is where requirements differ, since each lender reviews your documents, income, and credit history. We help you understand your options and introduce you to lenders who fit your situation.
Where can I find a Spanish speaking real estate agent in Phoenix?
Jackie Oceguera & Co is a bilingual real estate team serving the Phoenix metro, Pinal County, and Tucson. Every agent on our team speaks English and Spanish, and so does our transaction coordinator, so you can go through the whole process in the language you are most comfortable with. Call (602) 755-6972 to talk with our team.
Is there a free first time homebuyer class in Phoenix?
Yes. Our team hosts a free, in person homebuyer class every month, taught in English and in Spanish. We cover getting preapproved, finding the right home, making an offer, inspections, closing day, and building wealth after you buy. There is no commitment and no sales pressure. RSVP on our website or call (602) 755-6972 for the next date.
Offers, costs and closing
Do I have to pay a buyer's agent in Arizona?
Since August 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes, and that agreement spells out how the agent is paid. Compensation is always negotiable. In many sales the seller or the builder covers part or all of it, and we ask for that in your offer. We go over every detail with you before you sign anything.
What are closing costs in Arizona and who pays them?
Closing costs are the fees to finalize your loan and transfer the home, like lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees, prepaid taxes, and homeowners insurance. Buyers and sellers each pay certain costs, and many buyers negotiate for the seller or builder to cover part of theirs. Arizona does not have a state transfer tax. We review your estimate with you line by line.
What is earnest money in Arizona?
Earnest money is a deposit made after your offer is accepted to show the seller you are serious. It is held by the title company and goes toward your down payment or closing costs at closing. The amount is negotiable, and the Arizona contract includes protections, such as the inspection period, that we explain before your offer goes in.
What happens after my offer is accepted in Arizona?
Your earnest money goes to the title company, your inspection period begins (usually 10 days on the standard Arizona contract), your lender orders the appraisal, and your loan moves through underwriting. Then comes the final walkthrough and closing. In Arizona, closings are handled by a title and escrow company, not an attorney. We coordinate every step and are with you at each appointment.
How long does it take to buy a house in Arizona?
Once your offer is accepted, closing usually takes about 30 to 45 days with a loan, and can be faster with cash. Before that, preapproval can take a few days and finding the right home can take a few weeks or a few months. New construction can take several months to build. We give you a timeline at the start so nothing surprises you.
New construction
Do I need a realtor to buy a new construction home in Arizona?
It is not required, but it works strongly in your favor, and timing matters. Most Arizona builders require your agent to be with you on your very first visit to the community. If you visit alone first, the builder may consider you unrepresented and we will not be able to represent you on that home. Builders usually cover the agent's compensation, so in most cases our help costs you nothing extra. Call us before you visit and we go together, handle the registration, and negotiate the incentives.
What is a quick move in home?
A quick move in home is a new construction home the builder has already started or finished, so you can close in weeks instead of waiting months for a build. Builders often offer bigger incentives on these homes, like help with closing costs or a lower interest rate. We track quick move in homes across the Valley and go with you to see them.
Selling and investing
How much is my home worth in Phoenix?
The best estimate comes from a comparative market analysis that compares your home to recent nearby sales and adjusts for size, condition, upgrades, and lot. Online estimates can miss by tens of thousands of dollars. Our team prepares a free, no obligation market analysis and walks you through it personally. Request yours on our website or call (602) 755-6972.
How much does it cost to sell a house in Arizona?
Sellers usually pay for their agent's services, title and escrow fees, the owner's title insurance policy, and any repairs or credits negotiated with the buyer. Arizona has no state transfer tax. Every sale is different, so before you list we give you a net sheet that shows what you can expect to walk away with.
Should I sell my house before I buy a new one?
It depends on your equity, your loan options, and the market. Some homeowners sell first, some buy first, and some use a contingency or a bridge loan to do both at once. We run the numbers on each path with you and your lender so you can choose the one that feels right.
Do you work with real estate investors in Arizona?
Yes. Our team works with new and experienced investors, from long term rentals to properties that need work. Jackie is an investor herself, so we look at every property through the numbers: rent potential, repairs, financing, and resale. We help you find, analyze, and close on your next investment in Phoenix or Tucson.
What areas of Arizona does your team serve?
We serve the greater Phoenix metro, including Tolleson, Goodyear, and Surprise in the West Valley and Mesa in the East Valley, plus Pinal County, including the city of Maricopa, and the Tucson metro. Our team is part of PAK Home Realty and licensed by the Arizona Department of Real Estate.
Last updated November 2026. Program details change, so our team confirms current terms with you.