What closing costs do buyers pay in Arizona? Under the standard Arizona REALTORS resale contract, buyers typically pay their loan costs, the lender's title insurance policy, half of the escrow fee, the inspections they order, and prepaid items like homeowners insurance and prorated property taxes. Sellers typically pay for the buyer's owner's title policy.
How much will that be? It depends on your loan, price, lender and title company, so I won't quote a made-up average. Your real number arrives in writing: the lender must send a Loan Estimate within three business days of your application, and a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing.
Data note: Contract defaults come from the Arizona REALTORS Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract (sample, November 2025). Disclosure timing comes from the CFPB. FHA and VA fee rates come from HUD and VA.gov. Recording fees come from the Maricopa County Recorder. No market statistics or average-cost figures are included.
Buyer Closing Costs in Arizona at a Glance
- Loan costs: paid by the buyer
- Lender's title policy: buyer
- Owner's title policy: seller, by default
- Escrow fee: split equally
- Extended title coverage: buyer, if requested
- Inspections the buyer orders: buyer, including the wood-destroying insect inspection
- Property taxes and HOA dues: prorated at closing
- Seller concessions: negotiable
What Buyers Typically Pay
Loan-Related Costs
The CFPB lists common closing costs, including:
- Appraisal fees, though the Arizona contract lets the parties choose who pays
- Tax service and other lender fees
- Title insurance for the lender
- Government taxes and recording charges
- Prepaids: property taxes, homeowners insurance, and interest until your first payment
Loan-Program Fees
- FHA: an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% of the base loan amount, per HUD
- VA: a funding fee on purchase loans of 2.15% for first use with less than 5% down, 1.5% with 5% or more, and 1.25% with 10% or more, per VA.gov. Some veterans are exempt
Both are often financed into the loan rather than paid in cash.
Title and Escrow
- Lender's policy and any extended coverage: buyer
- Escrow fee: half
- Recording: Maricopa County charges $30 per document
More on title: who pays title insurance in Arizona.
Prorations and HOA Items
- Property taxes are prorated between buyer and seller
- HOA dues are prorated; transfer and capital fees depend on the HOA and contract terms
- Assessment liens, including community facilities districts, are handled per the contract
What Sellers Typically Pay
- The buyer's owner's title policy
- Half of the escrow fee
- Their own payoff, commissions as agreed and prorations
Selling too? See the cost to sell a house in Arizona.
Earnest Money Isn't a Closing Cost
Your earnest money is credited toward your down payment or closing costs at closing. See how much earnest money in Arizona.
How to Lower Your Closing Costs
Negotiate Seller Concessions
The Arizona contract has a line for seller concessions, as a percentage or dollar amount. The CFPB cautions that sellers usually want a higher price in exchange, so you may pay for it through the loan.
Compare Lender Credits Carefully
The CFPB says lender credits aren't free: lenders typically raise the rate or the loan amount in exchange.
Shop Your Loan Estimates
Compare Loan Estimates from more than one lender side by side. The Arizona contract asks buyers to deliver a notice of intent to proceed within 10 days after receiving the Loan Estimate, so start early.
Look at Assistance Programs
See first-time home buyer programs in Arizona.
Protect Your Closing Funds
The Arizona contract includes a wire fraud warning. Always confirm wiring instructions by phone with your escrow officer at a number you already know, never one from an email.
“The Closing Disclosure is where I sit down with buyers line by line. Most surprises come from prepaids, like insurance and tax impounds, not fees. When we review the Loan Estimate early, the final number at closing feels familiar instead of stressful.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
FAQ: Buyer Closing Costs in Arizona
What closing costs does the buyer pay in Arizona?
Loan costs, the lender's title policy, half of escrow and prepaids.
Who pays closing costs in Arizona, the buyer or seller?
Both, with the split set by the purchase contract.
How much are closing costs for buyers in Arizona?
It varies. Your Loan Estimate shows your number.
Can the seller pay my closing costs in Arizona?
Yes, through negotiated seller concessions.
Buying in Scottsdale or Phoenix?
I'll walk you through your Loan Estimate and negotiate terms that keep more cash in your pocket at closing.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Scottsdale & Phoenix Real Estate
Let's Talk · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: Arizona REALTORS: Residential Resale Purchase Contract (sample) · CFPB: What is a Loan Estimate? · CFPB: What is a Closing Disclosure? · CFPB: Closing fees and who pays them · HUD: Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 · VA.gov: Funding fee and closing costs · Maricopa County Recorder: Recording fees
Disclaimer: General information, not lending or legal advice. Fees vary by lender, loan program and title company, and contract terms are negotiable. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Tackett Team, eXp Realty · Get in touch