Buying a House in Georgia: Your 2025 Guide to Getting a Mortgage and Finding the Perfect Home
Thinking about buying a house in Georgia? You’re not alone. Thousands of people are moving to Georgia because of its affordable housing, strong job market, and welcoming communities. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, relocating from out of state, or looking to invest, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a house in Georgia in 2025.
Why People Are Buying a House in Georgia
Buying a house in Georgia is becoming more popular every year. The state has one of the lowest costs of living in the country, and home prices are still affordable compared to national averages. Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Athens are all attracting new homeowners thanks to strong job growth, excellent schools, and growing communities. Many people from Florida, New York, and California are moving to Georgia for a better lifestyle and more space for their money.
Bad Credit in Georgia? You Can Still Buy a Home!
We specialize in helping buyers with bad credit secure their dream home in Georgia.
Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in Georgia
If this is your first time buying a home, Georgia is a great place to start. The process begins with getting pre-approved for a mortgage. That means talking to a lender to see how much you can afford. At Gustan Cho Associates, we make this easy and fast, even if you have less-than-perfect credit or are self-employed.
Here are the first steps to buying a house in Georgia:
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage
- Find a local Realtor who knows the market
- Look at homes within your price range
- Make an offer and go under contract
- Complete inspections and appraisal
- Close on your home and get the keys!
Loan Options for Buying a House in Georgia
There are many ways to finance your new home. At Gustan Cho Associates, we offer flexible mortgage options, including:
- FHA Loans: Ideal for new homeowners with lower credit ratings (minimum 580 FICO).
- VA Loans: For eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel (no down payment necessary).
- USDA Loans: For rural and suburban homes in eligible areas (0% down)
- Conventional Loans: For buyers with good credit and steady income
- Bank Statement Loans: For self-employed borrowers who don’t show income on taxes
- Non-QM Loans: For buyers with recent credit events or unique situations
Even with bad credit, buying a house in Georgia is still possible with the right loan program. We work with borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 and help find solutions for those with past bankruptcies, foreclosures, or collections.
Best Cities and Hidden Gems for Buying a House in Georgia
While Atlanta is the most well-known city, Georgia has plenty of other great places to buy a home:
- Atlanta Metro: Includes suburbs like Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Decatur. These areas are booming with jobs, schools, and entertainment.
- Savannah: A charming coastal city with historic homes and great weather.
- Augusta: Affordable homes and a growing job market, especially in healthcare and education.
- Athens: Home to the University of Georgia, great for college town living.
- North Georgia Mountains: Areas like Blue Ridge and Ellijay offer scenic views and quiet living.
Up-and-coming neighborhoods in Atlanta include:
- Kirkwood: Gentrifying with lots of new development
- West End: Close to the BeltLine and seeing new growth
- East Atlanta Village: Hip and walkable with restaurants and shops
- Cascade Heights: Large lots, peaceful vibe, great for families
Buying a House in Georgia with Bad Credit
Don’t let bad credit stop you from buying a house in Georgia. At Gustan Cho Associates, we help people with low credit scores get home loans. With FHA loans, you can get approved even if you have a 580 credit score with a 10% down payment, or 580 with just 3.5% down.
We also offer a pre-approval process that gives you full credit approval before you start house hunting. This shows sellers you are serious about your offer, even if your credit isn’t perfect.
Dreaming of Owning a Home in Georgia with Bad Credit?
We’ll help you explore financing options, even with less-than-perfect credit
Down Payment Help and First-Time Buyer Programs in Georgia
The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program is available for first-time buyers and provides down payment assistance up to $7,500 (or even more in some cases). You must meet income and purchase price limits, and complete a homebuyer education class.
Other benefits include:
- Lower interest rates
- Reduced mortgage insurance
- Help with closing costs
Ask us at Gustan Cho Associates how to qualify for these programs when buying a house in Georgia.
What Are Home Prices Like in Georgia?
As of 2025, the average home price in Georgia is around $325,000. Here’s a quick look at median home prices:
- Atlanta Metro: $390,000
- Savannah: $325,000
- Augusta: $260,000
- Athens: $310,000
- Rural areas: $180,000 to $250,000
Compared to other states, buying a house in Georgia still gives you more home for your money. Depending on your budget, you can get a starter home, a luxury estate, or a rural property.
What Is the Cost of Living When Buying a House in Georgia?
Georgia has low property taxes and no city income tax in most areas. Utilities, groceries, and gas are cheaper than national averages. Home insurance is affordable too, and you may qualify for discounts by bundling with auto insurance.
If you’re moving from states like California, New York, or Florida, you’ll likely see a big drop in your monthly living costs.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House in Georgia?
The whole process of buying a house in Georgia usually takes about 30 to 45 days, from making your offer to closing the deal. If you’ve got a mortgage pre-approved and everything goes smoothly, you might even wrap things up faster. It all starts with house hunting, which can take a week or two, or sometimes even several months. As soon as your proposal is approved, you can proceed within a day or two.
Getting your loan approved typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks, then you’ll need about another week for the appraisal and inspection. Closing usually happens 1 to 2 weeks after you get that final approval. At Gustan Cho Associates, we aim to finish everything in 30 days or less, even when things get a bit tricky with the loan!
Real Estate Investing in Georgia
Georgia is a great place to buy investment properties. Whether you’re looking for long-term rentals, fix-and-flip opportunities, or short-term vacation rentals, you’ll find strong demand in:
- Atlanta
- Augusta
- Savannah
- College towns like Athens and Statesboro
We offer DSCR loans (Debt-Service Coverage Ratio), for which you qualify based on rental income rather than personal income. No tax returns are needed!
How to Find the Right Realtor and Lender in Georgia
Buying a house in Georgia becomes much easier when you have the right team by your side. The first step is to get pre-approved with a lender who understands the local market, and Gustan Cho Associates is equipped to help. They work with buyers in all 50 states, including Georgia, connecting you with local real estate agents, title companies, and attorneys to streamline the process.
They offer completely online mortgage applications, manual underwriting for more complex cases, quick closings, and personalized assistance throughout the process to guarantee a hassle-free home-buying experience.
2025 Housing Market Outlook for Georgia
Experts expect the Georgia housing market to stay strong in 2025, with modest price increases and steady demand. Interest rates are lower than in 2023, making it a great time to buy before prices rise further.
Remote work allows more people to move to affordable states like Georgia, so competition for homes may grow again later this year. Getting pre-approved now gives you an edge.
Final Thoughts: Why Buying a House in Georgia Makes Sense
Buying a house in Georgia offers the chance to own a home in a state with strong economic growth, friendly communities, and affordable housing. Whether buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, there’s something here for everyone.
At Gustan Cho Associates, we help people from all backgrounds buy homes, even with credit issues, self-employment, or non-traditional income. Let us help you make buying a house in Georgia smooth and stress-free.
Buying a Home in Georgia with Bad Credit? We Can Help
You don’t have to wait to fix your credit—let’s find the right loan for your situation.
Ready to Get Started?
Call or text Ronda Butts at 407-460-7999 or email ronda@gustancho.com to get pre-approved today. We’ll connect you with a trusted Realtor, show you loan options, and help you close fast. Don’t wait—buying a house in Georgia could be your best move this year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a House in Georgia:
Q: How do I Start Buying a House in Georgia?
A: Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage so you know your budget. Then find a local Realtor, shop for homes, make an offer, and go through inspections and closing. Gustan Cho Associates can help with each step of buying a house in Georgia.
Q: Can I Still Buy a House in Georgia if I have Bad Credit?
A: Yes, buying a house in Georgia with bad credit is possible. Gustan Cho Associates works with credit scores as low as 500 using FHA and other loan programs that help people with past credit problems.
Q: What are the Best Cities in Georgia for Buying a House?
A: The best areas include Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Athens. Try North Georgia towns like Ellijay or Blue Ridge if you want quiet living. Each spot offers something unique when buying a house in Georgia.
Q: Is Buying a House in Georgia Affordable in 2025?
A: Yes! As of 2025, average home prices in Georgia are around $325,000, lower than in many other states. The cost of living is also lower, making buying a house in Georgia a smart financial move.
Q: What Loans are Available for Buying a House in Georgia?
A: You can choose from FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, bank statement, and non-QM loans. Gustan Cho Associates offers all these to help you qualify for a house in Georgia, even if you’re self-employed or have unique circumstances.
Q: How Much Money do I Need for a Down Payment in Georgia?
A: FHA loans require just 3.5% down if you have a 580+ credit score. USDA and VA loans offer 0% down. Georgia also has down payment assistance programs that help you buy a house in Georgia if you’re a first-time buyer.
Q: How Long Does it Take to Buy a House in Georgia?
A: It usually takes 30 to 45 days from offer to closing. Gustan Cho Associates can close faster, especially if you’re already pre-approved to buy a house in Georgia.
Q: What’s the Georgia Dream Program, and How Can it Help Me?
A: The Georgia Dream Program helps first-time homebuyers by offering up to $7,500 in down payment help. It’s a great option if you’re buying a house in Georgia and need help with upfront costs.
Q: Can I Buy an Investment Property in Georgia?
A: Yes! Georgia is great for rental homes, flips, and Airbnb. Gustan Cho Associates offers DSCR loans based on rental income—not your personal income—for buying a house in Georgia as an investment.
Q: Why Work with Gustan Cho Associates When Buying a House in Georgia?
A: Because we make the mortgage process easy, even with credit challenges or unique income. We offer flexible loan options, fast closings, and expert help to guide you through buying a house in Georgia from start to finish.
This blog about “Buying a House in Georgia With Bad Credit? No Problem! was updated on July 18th, 2025.
Bad Credit Doesn’t Have to Stop You from Buying in Georgia
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