From Mortgage to Move-In: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Homebuyers in Georgia

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can feel overwhelming, too. If you’re feeling nervous, you’re not alone. In 2024, 32% of Georgia home sales were to first-time buyers, matching the national average (National Association of Realtors).

Georgia offers a unique mix of affordability, strong job growth, and desirable neighborhoods. In June 2025, the median home price in Georgia was $376,200—up 6.9% over the previous year, but still more affordable than the national median of $413,000.

Before you start scrolling through listings, it’s smart to understand every step of the process—from getting your finances in shape to finally unlocking your front door.

This guide breaks it all down in clear, simple steps, and includes Georgia-specific data you won’t find elsewhere.

Get Your Finances Ready

A strong financial foundation is the first step to making your dream home a reality.

Know Your Credit Score

Your credit score directly affects the mortgage rate you’ll receive.

• Georgia buyers have an average credit score of 695, which is slightly below the U.S. average of 714.
  
• A higher score could save you thousands in interest over the life of your loan.
  
• Pro tip: If your score needs improvement, start paying down debts and avoid opening new credit accounts before applying.
  

How Much House Can You Afford?

Start by understanding what fits your budget:

• Median household income in Georgia: $68,000 (U.S. Census, 2024).
  
• With a 3% down payment, you’d need roughly $11,300 upfront for a median-priced home.
  
• Most first-time buyers put down 6% (~$22,500).
  

Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments—including property taxes and insurance.

Down Payment & Closing Costs

Georgia buyers have access to helpful assistance programs:

• Georgia Dream Homeownership Program: Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance.
  
• Peach Plus Program: 3.5% of the purchase price, up to $10,000 for FHA loans.
  

Don’t forget closing costs. These average 2–5% of the home’s price, or $7,500–$18,800 for a median-priced home.

Get Pre-Approved—Not Just Pre-Qualified

In Georgia’s competitive market—where homes in metro Atlanta average just 32 days on market—you’ll need a pre-approval letter to be taken seriously.

Your pre-approval shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and gives you a clear price range.

Shop Around for Lenders

Compare quotes from:

• Banks
  
• Credit unions
  
• Independent mortgage brokers
  

Georgia’s average 30-year fixed mortgage rate: 6.79% (June 2025).

Even a fraction of a percentage point difference can mean thousands saved over time.

Documents You’ll Need

Gather these in advance:

• Recent pay stubs
  
• W-2s and tax returns
  
• Bank statements
  
• Photo ID
  

Know Your Loan Limits

Depending on where you buy:

• Conventional loan limit: $806,500 statewide
  
• FHA loan limits: $524,225–$688,850
  

Ask your lender which programs you qualify for.

Find a Real Estate Agent Who Gets You

The right agent will save you time, stress, and money.

87% of Georgia buyers used a real estate agent in 2024.

Questions to Ask

• Do you specialize in first-time buyers?
  
• Are you familiar with down payment assistance programs?
  
• What’s your negotiation strategy in this market?
  

Choose someone you trust to guide you through inspections, paperwork, and negotiations.

Start Your Home Search

Here’s where it gets exciting.

Make Your Wish List

Top priorities for Georgia buyers:

• School quality
  
• Commute time
  
• Neighborhood safety
  

Decide what’s non-negotiable—and where you can compromise.

Tour Homes

Over 70% of listings in Georgia offer virtual tours—perfect if you’re relocating or just short on time.

Explore Neighborhoods

Homes in top-rated school districts (Cobb, Gwinnett) often sell for up to 15% more than similar homes nearby.

Stay Organized

On average, Georgia buyers tour 8 homes before making an offer.
Keep notes and photos to avoid mix-ups.

Make an Offer and Negotiate

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s what to expect.

Make a Competitive Offer

• In 2025, 20% of Georgia homes sold above list price.
  
• Expect to provide an earnest money deposit of 1–3% of the purchase price.
  

Understand the Purchase Agreement

Your contract will include:

• Inspection contingency
  
• Appraisal contingency
  
• Financing contingency
  

Negotiation Tactics

It’s common to:

• Request seller concessions (help covering closing costs)
  
• Negotiate move-in dates
  

Your agent will help you craft an offer that stands out.

Get Through Inspections and Appraisal

This step protects you from costly surprises.

Inspection Must-Knows

Georgia homes often have issues like:

• Roof wear (heat and humidity)
  
• Foundation cracks (red clay soil)
  
• HVAC inefficiencies
  

Average inspection cost: $350–$600.

Appraisal

If the appraisal comes in low, you may:

• Renegotiate the price
  
• Increase your down payment
  

Secure Your Mortgage and Clear Underwriting

Once you’re under contract, the finish line is in sight.

Final Steps

• Respond quickly to lender requests.
  
• Provide any updated pay stubs or bank statements.
  

Median time from contract to closing in Georgia: 30–45 days.

Close on Your New Home

Congratulations—you’re almost a homeowner!

What to Expect on Closing Day

• Review and sign your Closing Disclosure.
  
• Pay your down payment and closing costs.
  
• Receive your keys.
  
• Record your deed with the county.
  

Prepare to Move In

You did it! A few final details:

Set Up Utilities

• Get the list of utilities from the seller so you can have them connected under your name by the closing date.
  

Final Walk-Through

Verify:

• All agreed repairs are complete.
  
• No new issues have cropped up.
  

Moving Tips

Summer is peak moving season in Georgia—book movers as early as possible.

Conclusion

Buying your first home is a major milestone—but you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

With the right preparation and support, you can confidently purchase your Georgia home and start this exciting new chapter.

Have questions? Ready to get started?
Reach out for a personalized consultation—we’re here to help.

Bonus Resources

• Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
  
• HUD-Approved Georgia Lenders
  
• Moving Services in Georgia

Sources:

• Georgia Association of REALTORS® Market Reports, 2025
  
• National Association of Realtors, 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
  
• U.S. Census Bureau, 2024
  
• Redfin, Zillow, Realtor.com (2025 Georgia market data)
  
• Georgia Department of Community Affairs