Buying a home in Georgia, or any state at all, is an essential step in the life of an adult, especially one that plans to start a family soon. Though it sounds exciting, the process isn’t precisely so. Instead, it’s physically and mentally draining, and it depends on numerous factors such as your financial situation and the market conditions.
These factors significantly affect the general price of homes and their selling rate. Known as the Peach State, thanks to the massive cultivation of the fruit in the area, Georgia is a great place to start a family, and it’s renowned for its homely neighborhoods and lush vegetation. The state boasts a sound education system alongside a stable economy and a skilled workforce.
If you’re keen to purchase a house in Georgia, this article will be instrumental to your success since the chance to find a good deal increases with the more knowledge you have.
Georgia’s Housing Market
The price of a home isn’t the same across all towns. If you desire an inexpensive city with cheap housing, you may consider moving to places like Waynesboro, Grovetown, Blakely, and Thomson.
However, if the price isn’t a problem for you, cities like Atlanta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creeks, and Sandy Springs are your best bet. Knowledge of these factors helps you narrow your list, mainly if the relocation will be long-term or permanent. An essential factor to consider when picking cities to settle in is the availability and efficacy of property insurance in the area.
Market Conditions
Yes, Georgia has excellent scenery and good peaches, but is the housing market at par with others? That is a crucial question any person interested in buying property for sale in Georgia should ask. Remember that the market conditions vary; hence it’s best to consult a real estate agent to determine the best period to strike a good deal.
The three best places to buy real estate in Georgia country are Savannah, Atlanta, and Roswell. These three cities have enormous cultural and economic significance; little wonder their popularity among families. Atlanta is not only the state’s capital but a center for music and recreation, and the above may account for the city’s diverse population.
A typical home in Atlanta has a monetary value of $320,000, just $20,000 above the average home value in Georgia. In Roswell, a city known for its neutral market, home value is around $380,000.
On the other hand, Savannah has a homely southern vibe, with houses valued at $140,000. Thus, it’s the most affordable of the three. Lovers of country living and southern culture will find Savannah interesting.
Factors to Consider When Buying a House in Georgia
Georgia is a great state that offers good housing options for single people and families. Nevertheless, there are essential factors to consider before buying a house for sale in Georgia. Below are some of them:
- The property price
- Location
- Nearby facilities
- Education
Steps to Take When Buying a House in Georgia
The process of buying real estate in Georgia country has its thrills. Funny enough, the rush of adrenaline and the intense urge to find a property quickly often causes most buyers to rush the process, leaving them stuck with bad deals. To prevent you from making similar mistakes, we have compiled a list of steps to follow when searching for a house in Georgia.
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Save for a Down Payment
Most property owners require buyers to pay a fraction of the total property cost before closing a deal. This fee is called a down payment. Down payments are usually five to 20 percent of the original cost of the house, and your mortgage lender pays the remaining balance.
In Georgia, most down payments are 20 percent of the purchase price and if you can’t cover such costs, available options can work to your advantage. Government-backed loans such as FHA and VA loans allow home buyers to contribute 3.5 percent and zero percent of the property’s value. Also, conventional loans may enable down payments as low as three percent of the home’s value.
The downsides of a low down payment are the high monthly remunerations involved, the ever-increasing interest, and mortgage insurance.
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Seek Pre-approval for a Mortgage
Once you’ve saved enough for a down payment, your next agenda will be to seek pre-approval for a mortgage. With a pre-approval letter issued by an accredited lending institution, you present yourself as a serious buyer who has all the financial qualifications to offer a house.
A mortgage pre-approval letter certifies that a lending institution has agreed to lend you a particular amount of money to purchase a home. It’s a required document by most property sellers in Georgia. When choosing a lender, it’s essential to consider and compare numerous lenders’ interest rates and pre-approval amounts.
If you find a favorable one, you can fill out an application where you’ll state your financial situation and other necessary information. The lender will review your total income, debt profile, and cash reserves before approving the loan. A high credit score is needed to get approved for a loan.
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Pick a Good Location
A house is as good as its neighborhood – if the neighborhood is bad, so is the house, even if it has excellent features. Before buying any real estate in Georgia country, it’s necessary to consider the reason behind its purchase. Are you buying it to start a family or to sell? Will anyone want to live there? Your answers to these questions will determine if the location is good or not.
The price of houses in the neighborhood, the school district, crime rate, amenities etcetera, should also be considered before any deal falls in place.
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Find an Experienced Real Estate Agent
Your real estate agent is synonymous with a business ally whose mission is to get you the best possible deal. Their knowledge of the real estate market in Georgia makes them experts at spotting excellent offers. Your agent helps you make offers, negotiate, and close deals.
Don’t be in haste to choose an agent. Instead, take your time to conduct interviews and seek recommendations. Ensure that you pick an experienced agent with years of experience in the industry. They should also have good connections and a strong understanding of the market.
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Find a House, Inspect, and Close
You can begin house hunting with your real estate agent beside you and your down payment in your pocket. When you find the right one, apply for an inspection to carefully evaluate the property. If it meets your expectations and budget, you can now close the deal.
Final Words
Buying a house comes with a sense of accomplishment and pride, accompanied by accorded respect from peers. No wonder everyone wants to own a place perfect for them and their families.
If that sounds like you, what keeps you waiting? Contact a reputable real estate agency today to check out cheap houses for sale in Georgia. Who knows, you might find your dream home!
