How to Buy a House in Atlanta
Select a real estate agent in Atlanta., Find a lender., Search for a house., Make an offer on a house you want to buy., Negotiate the price., Plan for closing., Close on your house.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Select a real estate agent in Atlanta.
If you are interested in buying a house in Atlanta, work with a real estate agent who will protect your interests.
Ask for referrals from friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Atlanta is full of people buying and selling homes, and someone you know should be able to make a recommendation.
Do an Internet search, or review advertisements in print and online.
Many Atlanta realtors advertise.
You can also check with the National Association of Realtors for a referral. -
Step 2: Find a lender.
Talk to your local Atlanta bank branch or credit union about a home loan.
While credit standards are tighter, lenders are still willing to give mortgage to qualified individuals.
Determine what you can afford.
Your lender will help evaluate your income and debts to determine how much of a mortgage you can reasonably afford.
Apply for a mortgage.
Fill out the necessary paperwork to obtain a mortgage.
Include all the information required, and indicate what you have saved for a down payment.
Calculate your Atlanta property tax rate.
In Georgia, your property tax rate will be based on your millage rate, which depends on the jurisdiction you live in, and the current city and county tax rates.
Your lender and realtor can help you determine how much to budget for property taxes. , Talk to your agent about what you want, such as whether you want a single family home, a condominium, city living or suburban, number of bedrooms, and other details.
Decide between new construction in Atlanta or an older home.
Many new developments in and around Atlanta are available, and there are also older neighborhoods with homes for sale.
Tell your agent what you prefer, or take a look at homes in both categories.
Choose a preferred Atlanta neighborhood.
The city of Atlanta has 242 established neighborhoods, including traditional neighborhoods, downtown and midtown areas, suburban subdivisions and housing projects. , Once you find a home, your real estate agent will help you make an offer on the property.
Submit a contract.
Your agent will help you write up a contract, including the purchase price you are offering, and any other stipulations you have, such as closing time frames and the understanding that purchase is contingent upon a successful inspection.
Provide a deposit, or earnest money.
You place a deposit, also called earnest money, in trust with your real estate agent when you make an offer to demonstrate to the seller that you are serious.
This deposit is usually around 1 percent of the price of the house. , Either the seller will accept your offer or come back with a counter offer.
Listen to the recommendations of your real estate agent as you go back and forth with the seller on price. , Once a price is agreed upon by both the buyer and the seller, you will set a closing date.
Schedule an inspection.
Hire an inspector to look at the inside and outside of the house.
Any issues found will need to be resolved by the seller before closing.
Sometimes, the seller will offer you a credit on the final price rather than make the repairs that are needed.
Do a final walk-through.
Right before you close on your house, do a final check with your real estate agent to make sure the house is ready for you to move in.
Prepare paperwork and closing costs.
In Atlanta, the closing attorney present will represent your lender.
He or she will manage the paperwork, transfer the title and collect and distribute payments. , All you need to do is sign the paperwork, make the down payment and pay for the closing costs charged by your lender.
The seller will turn over the keys, and you now have a new Atlanta home. -
Step 3: Search for a house.
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Step 4: Make an offer on a house you want to buy.
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Step 5: Negotiate the price.
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Step 6: Plan for closing.
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Step 7: Close on your house.
Detailed Guide
If you are interested in buying a house in Atlanta, work with a real estate agent who will protect your interests.
Ask for referrals from friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Atlanta is full of people buying and selling homes, and someone you know should be able to make a recommendation.
Do an Internet search, or review advertisements in print and online.
Many Atlanta realtors advertise.
You can also check with the National Association of Realtors for a referral.
Talk to your local Atlanta bank branch or credit union about a home loan.
While credit standards are tighter, lenders are still willing to give mortgage to qualified individuals.
Determine what you can afford.
Your lender will help evaluate your income and debts to determine how much of a mortgage you can reasonably afford.
Apply for a mortgage.
Fill out the necessary paperwork to obtain a mortgage.
Include all the information required, and indicate what you have saved for a down payment.
Calculate your Atlanta property tax rate.
In Georgia, your property tax rate will be based on your millage rate, which depends on the jurisdiction you live in, and the current city and county tax rates.
Your lender and realtor can help you determine how much to budget for property taxes. , Talk to your agent about what you want, such as whether you want a single family home, a condominium, city living or suburban, number of bedrooms, and other details.
Decide between new construction in Atlanta or an older home.
Many new developments in and around Atlanta are available, and there are also older neighborhoods with homes for sale.
Tell your agent what you prefer, or take a look at homes in both categories.
Choose a preferred Atlanta neighborhood.
The city of Atlanta has 242 established neighborhoods, including traditional neighborhoods, downtown and midtown areas, suburban subdivisions and housing projects. , Once you find a home, your real estate agent will help you make an offer on the property.
Submit a contract.
Your agent will help you write up a contract, including the purchase price you are offering, and any other stipulations you have, such as closing time frames and the understanding that purchase is contingent upon a successful inspection.
Provide a deposit, or earnest money.
You place a deposit, also called earnest money, in trust with your real estate agent when you make an offer to demonstrate to the seller that you are serious.
This deposit is usually around 1 percent of the price of the house. , Either the seller will accept your offer or come back with a counter offer.
Listen to the recommendations of your real estate agent as you go back and forth with the seller on price. , Once a price is agreed upon by both the buyer and the seller, you will set a closing date.
Schedule an inspection.
Hire an inspector to look at the inside and outside of the house.
Any issues found will need to be resolved by the seller before closing.
Sometimes, the seller will offer you a credit on the final price rather than make the repairs that are needed.
Do a final walk-through.
Right before you close on your house, do a final check with your real estate agent to make sure the house is ready for you to move in.
Prepare paperwork and closing costs.
In Atlanta, the closing attorney present will represent your lender.
He or she will manage the paperwork, transfer the title and collect and distribute payments. , All you need to do is sign the paperwork, make the down payment and pay for the closing costs charged by your lender.
The seller will turn over the keys, and you now have a new Atlanta home.
About the Author
Karen Mitchell
Experienced content creator specializing in creative arts guides and tutorials.
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