Buying a home in Georgia is different. Sure, you’ll likely get more home for the money vs most places, but the real difference is in the buying process altogether. If you are like most people reading this article you are either out of state (outside of Georgia) or came from another state. In fact, the reason Georgia is consistently on the top growth states is the influx of "transplants" to the city.
Most people relocating will notice the differences immediately. Whether it’s odd combination of zoning laws in different counties or the unnerving truth that most homes don’t have swimming pools and newer ones have no land, people from out of state usually still miss the boat.
So what am I talking about?
- Realtors – In Georgia we have a legal responsibility to look out for our client’s best interest. This supersedes representing the seller. So although the seller pays for the buyer’s agents in most cases, the real estate agent must represent the buyer’s best interest to the fullest. (New York & New Jersey are not this way)
- Foreclosure – Georgia is a non-judicial state. So foreclosures can take as little time as 30 to 60 days. You don’t pay, you don’t stay… for long at all. (compare CA at 6 to 12 months for a foreclosure hearing)
- Mortgages – Did you know there are certain zip codes that lenders don’t like? Well, chances are if you have a mortgage broker not in Georgia, they don’t know that either. It’s important to have someone local because…
- Closing Times – In Georgia, it’s common for offer to closing to only take 30-45 days. Compare other states that have "dry closings" that could take up to 6 months.
- Due Diligence – Here’s one where Georgia joins most of the other states. Due Diligence is called a "free look" in some states. Once it’s over, your earnest money is non-refundable.
Those are just some of the ways that Georgia is different. Sure, we can spot you (you being an out of towner) a mile away, but eventually you’ll get used to the laid back atmosphere and hey, I’m actually in the minority here, as a native Georgian.
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