Home Buyer Guide: 10 Steps to Buying a Home in Georgia

There is no set length. In the standard Georgia purchase contract, the buyer and seller negotiate the number of days. During the period the buyer can end the contract for any reason by giving written notice before it expires.

Yes, in most cases. Since August 17, 2024, agents who belong to an MLS must have a written agreement with a buyer before touring a home. The agreement must state how the agent is paid, and commissions are fully negotiable.

A licensed Georgia attorney. The Supreme Court of Georgia has held that only a Georgia attorney may close a real estate sale, so every closing is handled by a closing attorney.

If you end the contract during your due diligence period and your notice goes out on time, the standard Georgia contract returns your earnest money. After that, your contract's other terms decide what happens to it.

Yes, if you're still in your due diligence period. In the standard Georgia contract, you can end the contract for any reason before that period expires and recover your earnest money, as long as your written notice goes out on time.

The buyer typically pays for the home inspection, usually when the inspection is done. The report is for the buyer's protection, so it's ordered and paid for by the buyer.

No. Many loan programs allow less than 20% down. Your lender can explain which programs fit your situation and what each one requires.

Georgia charges an intangible recording tax on a new mortgage of $1.50 per $500 of the loan amount, capped at $25,000, and buyers typically pay it. Property taxes for the year are typically prorated between buyer and seller at closing.

You must own the home as of January 1, and the application is due to your county by April 1 for that tax year. Once approved, it usually renews automatically as long as you keep living in the home.