Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home in Metro Atlanta

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make — and in Metro Atlanta's fast-moving market, the process can feel overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. I've worked with hundreds of buyers across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and surrounding counties, and I put this guide together to walk you through every step, from your first consultation to the closing table.

Bookmark this page. Whether you're a first-time buyer or it's been a while since you last purchased, this is your starting point.

Before You Start: Understand the Agreement

One of the most important — and often misunderstood — documents in Georgia's buying process is the buyer-broker agreement. Before we start touring homes together, we'll sign this agreement so you understand exactly how I'm compensated and what I'm committed to doing for you. Learn what the buyer-broker agreement means and why it protects you.

How Long Will This Take?

One of the first questions buyers ask me is how long the process takes. The honest answer: it depends. Some buyers find their home in two weeks; others take three months. Find out what affects your timeline and how to set realistic expectations.

Know Your Costs Before You Fall in Love with a House

The purchase price isn't the only number that matters. Closing costs are real, and they can catch buyers off guard if you're not prepared. In Georgia, buyers typically pay between 2% and 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. Get the full breakdown of closing costs for buyers in Metro Atlanta.

Your Earnest Money Deposit

Once your offer is accepted, you'll put down an earnest money deposit to show you're serious. This is not the same as your down payment — and what happens to it matters. Understand how earnest money works in Georgia and how to protect it.

What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted?

Getting under contract is exciting — but the work doesn't stop there. Inspections, appraisals, financing contingencies, and a lot of coordination happen between contract and closing. Here's a clear breakdown of what happens after your offer is accepted.

Georgia's Due Diligence Period

Georgia gives buyers a negotiated due diligence period — a window of time to inspect the property and back out for any reason with your earnest money returned. This is one of the most important protections you have as a buyer, and it's critical to use it wisely. Learn everything you need to know about Georgia's due diligence period.

Can a Buyer Back Out?

It happens — life changes, inspections reveal serious problems, or financing falls through. Whether you can walk away and keep your earnest money depends on the timing and your contract terms. Find out when a buyer can legally back out of a purchase contract in Georgia.

Negotiating Repairs After the Inspection

The inspection report will almost always find something. The key is knowing what to ask for — and what to let go. Read my guide on how to negotiate repairs after a home inspection in Georgia.

Who Chooses the Closing Attorney?

In Georgia, real estate closings are handled by attorneys — not title companies. Knowing who picks the attorney and what they do matters more than most buyers realize. Find out who chooses the closing attorney in a Georgia real estate transaction.

Georgia Intangibles Tax

Georgia has a unique tax that surprises many buyers: the intangibles tax on mortgage loans. It's a small but real cost that applies at closing. Get the details on Georgia's intangibles tax and how it affects your closing costs.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're thinking about buying a home in Metro Atlanta, I'd love to connect. I work with buyers across the metro area — from Edgewood and Decatur to East Cobb, Alpharetta, and beyond. Let's make sure you have the right information and the right agent in your corner before you take the first step.