Buyer's Guide

Thoughtful Guidance for Buying
Across Greater Phoenix

A relentlessly local, elevated approach to helping buyers navigate the Valley with clarity, confidence, and personalized support.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Amy Koch brings white-glove service and deep local knowledge to every step of your home search.

Your Buying Journey

How Buying a Home in Greater Phoenix Actually Works

Greater Phoenix stretches across 500+ square miles of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own personality, price points, and lifestyle. Finding the right home starts with understanding where you want to be and what matters most to you.

Amy's approach is personal, not transactional. She focuses on the right neighborhoods, realistic pricing, and offers that win, all guided by the kind of local insight that only comes from 15+ years in the Valley.

Modern Greater Phoenix home exterior
Step by Step

Amy's Buyer Process

1
Step 01

Initial Consultation

We start with a conversation about your goals, budget, timeline, and what matters most. This is where Amy learns what you're actually looking for, not just bedrooms and bathrooms, but lifestyle, commute, schools, and long-term plans.

2
Step 02

Pre-Approval & Budget

Before touring homes, you'll connect with a trusted lender to establish your buying power. Knowing your numbers upfront means you're shopping with purpose, not guessing. Amy connects you with lenders who specialize in the Greater Phoenix market.

3
Step 03

Neighborhood Selection

Amy narrows the search to neighborhoods that match your criteria. She'll walk you through the differences between Desert Ridge and North Scottsdale, or explain why Fountain Hills might be the better fit than Paradise Valley for your situation. Explore all communities

4
Step 04

Home Search & Tours

Curated showings based on your criteria, not a firehose of listings. Amy previews properties before your tours so you're only walking through homes worth your time.

5
Step 05

Offer Strategy

Crafting a competitive offer in Greater Phoenix requires local knowledge. Amy structures offers based on market conditions, seller motivation, and comparable sales to give you the strongest position.

6
Step 06

Inspection & Due Diligence

Once under contract, Amy coordinates inspections, reviews disclosures, and identifies anything that needs attention before closing. No surprises.

7
Step 07

Appraisal & Financing

Your lender orders the appraisal and works toward final approval. Amy stays in close contact with all parties to keep the timeline on track.

8
Step 08

Closing Day

Sign the paperwork, get your keys, and move in. Amy coordinates with the title company, your lender, and the seller's agent to make sure closing day goes smoothly.

After Your Offer Is Accepted

What Happens Between Contract and Keys

Once your offer is accepted, the real work begins. Amy coordinates every milestone so nothing falls through the cracks. Here's what to expect in the weeks ahead.

1

Earnest Money & Escrow

Your Earnest Money must be delivered to the Title Company no later than the next business day after the Purchase Contract is accepted, via personal check or wire. Within the first week, the Title Company issues a Preliminary Title Commitment revealing any liens, easements, or issues that need to be resolved before closing. Amy reviews everything and flags what needs your attention.

Due: Next business day
2

Disclosures & Inspections

The seller has 3 calendar days to provide the Seller Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) and 5 days for Insurance Claims History. You'll also have a 10-day inspection window. A home inspection ($350-600) is highly recommended. Amy meets the inspector at the home with you and reviews every finding. If issues arise, she guides you through the BINSR process to request repairs.

3-10 day window
3

Appraisal & Financing

Your lender orders the appraisal to confirm the home's value supports the loan amount. If the home doesn't appraise at the offered value, you have options: renegotiate the price, cover the gap, compromise, or cancel the contract and receive your Earnest Money back. Amy's pricing expertise helps avoid this situation in the first place.

$500-600, required by lender
4

Final Walkthrough & Closing

Your lender issues the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before signing. Amy coordinates a final walkthrough to confirm the property's condition matches the contract. The Title Company schedules your signing, and closing costs (2-6% of purchase price) are due via wire or cashier's check. Then the keys are yours.

Final 1-2 weeks

Wire fraud alert: Always verify wire instructions directly with your Escrow Officer by phone before sending any funds. Amy and her team will never send wire instructions via email.

Greater Phoenix neighborhood street view
Free Resource

Amy's Complete Buyer Guide

A step-by-step companion for your entire buying journey. Covers every milestone from purchase contract through closing day, plus important contacts, a utility setup checklist, and Arizona-specific guidance.

Download Buyer Guide (PDF)
What to Expect

Understanding Buyer Closing Costs in Arizona

Arizona buyers typically pay between 2% and 4% of the purchase price in closing costs. Here's a breakdown so there are no surprises at the closing table.

Loan Origination Fee 0.5% - 1% of loan
Appraisal $400 - $600
Home Inspection $350 - $500
Title Insurance $1,000 - $2,500
Escrow & Title Fees $500 - $1,500
Property Tax (prorated) Varies
HOA Transfer Fees $200 - $500
Prepaid Insurance 6-12 months

On a $500,000 home, expect to bring approximately $10,000 to $20,000 in closing costs in addition to your down payment. Amy will provide a detailed estimate specific to your purchase early in the process.

Greater Phoenix luxury home interior
Common Questions

Buyer FAQs

It depends on the loan type. Conventional loans typically require 5% to 20% down. FHA loans start at 3.5%. VA and USDA loans may require zero down for qualifying buyers. Amy connects you with lenders who specialize in each program to find the best fit.
From accepted offer to closing, most transactions take 30 to 45 days. The full process from initial search to closing can range from a few weeks to several months depending on your timeline and how competitive the market is in your target neighborhoods.
Yes, and in most cases the seller covers your agent's commission. Having Amy represent you means you have a local expert negotiating on your behalf, reviewing contracts, and coordinating the entire transaction at no direct cost to you.
Most conventional loans require a minimum 620 score, while FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580. A higher score typically means better rates and more loan options. Amy can connect you with lenders who offer credit guidance if you're not quite ready.
Absolutely. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer. In competitive Greater Phoenix neighborhoods, submitting an offer without pre-approval puts you at a significant disadvantage.
If the appraisal comes in below the agreed purchase price, you have options: negotiate a price reduction, cover the gap, or walk away. Amy's pricing expertise helps avoid this situation in the first place by ensuring your offer reflects real market value.
ALSO SELLING?

Need to Sell Your Current Home First?

Many buyers are also sellers. Amy coordinates both sides of the transaction to keep your timelines aligned and your move seamless.

View Seller's Guide

Ready to Start Your Home Search?

Schedule a buyer consultation with Amy Koch to discuss your goals, timeline, and what the Greater Phoenix market looks like right now.