Ready to close on a Glendale home but unsure what happens after your offer is accepted? You are not alone. Escrow, title, and recording can feel complex, especially if you are balancing inspections, lending, and HOA docs at the same time. In this guide, you will learn the Arizona steps from contract to keys, what to watch in your title commitment, and how to avoid common delays in Maricopa County. Let’s dive in.
Glendale closing timeline
Closing time varies by financing, property type, and how fast everyone responds.
- Financed purchases: about 30 to 45 days from contract acceptance.
- Cash purchases: often 7 to 21 days, depending on title clearance and document readiness.
- Key timing drivers: appraisal turn times, lender underwriting, HOA document delivery, title issues, and how quickly buyers and sellers provide documents.
Step-by-step escrow
Offer accepted and earnest money
Once both parties sign, the contract is ratified. The contract usually names the escrow and title company. You deliver earnest money per the contract, and escrow holds it in a neutral, insured account. The process and timelines often follow the standard practices outlined by the Arizona Association of REALTORS purchase contract.
Escrow opens and title search starts
Your escrow officer opens the file and orders a title search. The title company reviews Maricopa County public records and issues a title commitment that lists requirements and exceptions. You and your agent should review this commitment closely.
Inspections and repair talks
During the inspection or option period, you schedule inspections and review findings. You can request repairs or credits, or cancel if allowed by your contract. Schedule inspections early, since repair negotiations can affect loan timelines.
Loan, appraisal, and underwriting
If you are financing, you complete your loan application, then the lender orders an appraisal. Underwriting reviews your credit, appraisal, title exceptions, and property eligibility. You will receive conditions to satisfy and, later, a clear to close once everything is approved.
Title issues and cure
If the title commitment shows liens, unpaid taxes, or missing releases, escrow and the title company work to clear them. Sellers usually provide the payoffs and documents needed. Glendale buyers should also confirm whether there are any municipal liens or assessments by checking City of Glendale municipal resources when appropriate.
HOA and resale disclosures
If there is an HOA, escrow typically orders the resale package or estoppel that outlines dues, assessments, and rules. Delivery times vary and can delay closing. Ask to order HOA documents early to keep the file moving.
Final figures and clear to close
Escrow prepares the settlement statement with prorations, payoffs, and closing costs. When underwriting is complete, your lender issues final loan documents and the clear to close. You will wire your closing funds using confirmed instructions. Always verify wiring details by phone using a number you know belongs to your escrow office.
Signing, recording, and keys
You sign your loan and closing documents, and the seller signs the deed and seller paperwork. Escrow submits the deed and any deed of trust for recording at the Maricopa County Recorder. After the file funds and recording confirms, you receive keys and possession per the contract. Typical order: sign, fund, record, keys.
Title commitment basics
Title insurance protects you and your lender from covered defects that existed before closing, like errors in public records or undisclosed liens. The title commitment is the insurer’s promise to issue the policy once certain items are cleared. For a helpful overview, see ALTA’s consumer guide to title insurance.
What to review in your commitment
- Property and parties: Ensure the legal description and parties match your contract.
- Requirements: Items the title company must clear to issue the policy, like releasing a prior mortgage or paying property taxes.
- Exceptions: Items that remain on title after closing, such as easements or deed restrictions. These affect use and often stay with the property.
- Taxes and assessments: Confirm tax status and any special assessments. For tax records and parcel details, consult the Maricopa County Assessor.
Owner’s vs. lender’s policies
- Owner’s policy: Protects your ownership against covered pre-closing defects.
- Lender’s policy: Protects the lender’s interest in the property.
Policies are typically purchased at closing in Arizona. Ask your title officer for a quote and to walk you through any optional endorsements your lender may require.
Common delays and fixes
- Appraisal delays or a low value: Order early and prepare for potential renegotiation if value comes in low.
- Unreleased liens or title defects: Work with escrow to obtain releases or payoffs quickly.
- HOA package delays: Request early and confirm delivery dates.
- Seller obligations: Repairs or required documents can stall closing; align on deadlines and completion proofs.
- Buyer financing conditions: Respond to lender requests the same day when possible.
To stay on track, open escrow promptly, handle inspections fast, and keep all parties updated. If you have questions about Arizona escrow practices, check the Arizona Department of Real Estate and speak with your escrow officer.
Sample timeline
Below is a typical cadence for a financed Glendale home:
- Day 0: Contract accepted, earnest money delivered, escrow opened.
- Days 1 to 7: Title search in progress, inspections and option period, HOA package ordered.
- Days 7 to 21: Appraisal, underwriting, resolve title requirements, negotiate repairs.
- Days 21 to 35: Clear to close, final figures, wire funds, signing.
- Day 35 and after: Recording and keys. Recording can occur the same day or within 1 to 2 business days, depending on funding and county processing.
Quick closing checklist
- Confirm the named escrow and title company in your contract.
- Deliver earnest money on time and get receipt confirmation.
- Schedule inspections immediately and decide on repair requests within your window.
- Ask escrow to order HOA resale documents right away, if applicable.
- Provide all lender documents and respond to conditions quickly.
- Review the title commitment with your agent and title officer. Flag liens, taxes, easements, and restrictions.
- Verify wiring instructions by phone using a known number before sending funds.
- Review and confirm settlement statements ahead of signing.
Wire-safe funds
Wire fraud targets real estate closings. Use these simple steps:
- Call your escrow officer at a verified office number to confirm wiring instructions.
- Never trust changes by email alone. Confirm any change by phone.
- Send a small test wire if time allows, then confirm receipt before sending the balance.
- Keep your bank and escrow officer in the loop on timing.
Signing day in Maricopa County
Signing usually happens at the escrow office or with a mobile notary. Sellers sign the deed and final disclosures. Buyers sign loan documents and closing disclosures. Once funds are in and documents are correct, escrow submits the deed for recording at the Maricopa County Recorder. After recording confirms, escrow disburses funds and you receive keys per the contract terms.
Pro tips for Glendale closings
- Ask your title officer for the expected timing of the initial commitment and any known exceptions.
- Request a fee estimate early so you can plan for cash to close.
- If a survey or specific endorsement is required by your lender, start that process early.
- For questions on taxes, assessments, or parcel data, use the Maricopa County Assessor. For possible municipal items, consult City of Glendale municipal resources.
Your next step
A smooth Glendale closing comes down to fast communication, a clean title file, and steady coordination with your lender and escrow team. If you want a hands-on guide through each step, connect with a local expert who coordinates the details and shields you from surprises.
Have questions about your title commitment or closing timeline? Reach out to Afshin Sadeghi to talk through your plan and keep your closing on track.
FAQs
What is escrow in an Arizona home purchase?
- Escrow is a neutral third party that holds funds and documents, coordinates title clearance, and manages signing, funding, and recording until the sale is complete.
How long do Glendale closings usually take?
- Financed closings commonly take 30 to 45 days from contract acceptance, while cash purchases can close in 7 to 21 days when title is clear and documents are ready.
What does the Maricopa County Recorder do at closing?
- The Recorder officially records the deed and any deed of trust, which transfers ownership; after recording, escrow disburses funds and keys are released per the contract.
What should I look for in my title commitment?
- Review requirements to be cleared, exceptions that will remain, taxes or assessments due, and any liens or restrictions; ask your title officer to explain anything unclear.
Do I need an owner’s title insurance policy in Arizona?
- It is commonly purchased at closing to protect your ownership against covered pre-closing defects; the lender’s policy protects the lender and does not cover you.
