State Buyer Guide

First-Time Home Buyer Guide
for Georgia

Down payment assistance, Georgia housing programs, closing cost estimates, and what to know before buying — including from FSBO sellers.

Step 1 — Do This First

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$335,000

Avg Home Price

0.92%

Property Tax Rate

~$8,375

Est. Closing Costs

0.1% ($1 per $1,000)

Transfer Tax

Georgia Housing Finance Agency Programs

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is your primary source for below-market mortgage rates and down payment assistance in Georgia. Programs are available through approved lenders — not directly through the HFA.

Georgia Dream Homeownership Program

$7,500–$10,000 as a 0% deferred second loan

30-year fixed-rate mortgage at below-market rates plus DPA.

Income limit: $74,500–$97,000 (varies by county and household size)

Learn more at Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) →

Georgia Dream PEN Loan

$10,000 in DPA (0% deferred) for qualifying public servants

Enhanced DPA for protectors, educators, and nurses (PEN).

Income limit: $74,500–$97,000 (varies by county)

Learn more at Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) →

HUD homeownership resources for Georgia →

High Value — $240/funded loan

Credible

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Closing Costs in Georgia

Typical Closing Cost Range

2.5% of purchase price

On a $335,000 home: approximately $8,375

Transfer Tax

0.1% ($1 per $1,000)

Georgia's transfer tax is just $1 per $1,000 of value (0.1%) — one of the lowest in the country, paid by the buyer.

Attorney at Closing?

Yes — Georgia is an attorney-closing state

Georgia is an attorney-closing state — a licensed Georgia real estate attorney must conduct the closing. Budget $600–$1,000 for attorney fees.

Key Tips for Buying in Georgia

✓Atlanta metro is competitive; get financing airtight and use escalation clauses carefully.
✓Termites are active year-round in Georgia — always get a WDO (wood-destroying organism) inspection.
✓The Atlanta suburbs and cities like Savannah offer great value relative to national prices.
✓Georgia's Homestead Exemption can reduce your property tax bill — apply with your county assessor.

Home Inspection

HomeAdvisor

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Legal Help for Georgia Buyers

As an attorney-closing state, Georgia requires a licensed real estate attorney to conduct your closing. You'll also want one to review your purchase agreement.

Legal Help for FSBO Buyers

Nolo

Nolo has been the go-to legal resource for DIY buyers since 1971. Their real estate guides explain purchase agreements, contingencies, and closing in language anyone can understand.

Browse Legal Guides →

LegalZoom

Get a real estate attorney to review your purchase agreement or help you draft an offer letter — often for a fraction of traditional legal fees.

Get Legal Help →

US Legal Forms

Download state-specific purchase agreements, addenda, and disclosure forms — written by attorneys, ready to use in your state.

Browse Real Estate Forms →

Frequently Asked Questions

What first-time buyer programs are available in Georgia?

Georgia first-time buyers can access programs through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) (https://www.dca.ga.gov/safe-affordable-housing/homeownership), including the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program ($7,500–$10,000 as a 0% deferred second loan) and the Georgia Dream PEN Loan ($10,000 in DPA (0% deferred) for qualifying public servants). Federal programs like FHA loans (3.5% down) and USDA loans (0% down in eligible areas) are also available.

What are typical closing costs in Georgia?

Closing costs in Georgia typically run 2.5% of the purchase price. Transfer tax: 0.1% ($1 per $1,000). Georgia's transfer tax is just $1 per $1,000 of value (0.1%) — one of the lowest in the country, paid by the buyer.

Do I need an attorney to buy a home in Georgia?