Buying your first home is one of the biggest moments of your life — and I want it to feel exciting, not overwhelming. If you're thinking about buying your first home in Henry County, McDonough, Locust Grove, or anywhere in the south Atlanta area, this one is for you.

I've helped a lot of first-time buyers through this process and the questions are almost always the same. So let me just answer them upfront.

1. Get Pre-Approved Before You Fall in Love With a House

I know, I know. You want to start looking at houses first. I get it — it's the fun part! But here's the truth: in Henry County right now, the good homes are going under contract within days of hitting the market, even in a softer market. If you're not pre-approved, you can't make an offer. And if you can't make an offer, you're going to lose the house.A pre-approval is not the same as pre-qualification. Pre-approval means a lender has actually looked at your income, your credit, and your financial documents and said — yes, we'll lend you this amount. That's what sellers want to see. The good news is it usually only takes a day or two and doesn't cost anything. Do this first.

2. Your Credit Score Matters More Than You Think

Your credit score directly affects your mortgage interest rate and your monthly payment. Even a small difference in your rate can mean hundreds of dollars per month and tens of thousands over the life of your loan.

In Georgia, most loan programs want to see a credit score of at least 620 — but to get the best rates you really want to be at 700 or higher. Before you start the homebuying process, pull your credit report, look for any errors, and talk to your lender about the fastest ways to improve your score if needed. Sometimes it's as simple as paying down one credit card.

3. Down Payment Assistance Is Real — and It's Available in Georgia

A lot of first-time buyers in Georgia don't realize that down payment assistance programs exist — and many of them are genuinely accessible. The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program offers down payment assistance to qualified buyers, and there are additional programs through specific lenders and counties too.

You don't always need 20% down. FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% for first-time buyers. Talk to a local lender — not just an app or a national bank. A local lender who works in Henry County will know every program available to you.

4. Don't Skip the Home Inspection

In the frenzied market of 2021 and 2022, buyers were waiving inspections left and right just to win offers. Please do not do this. The market has shifted — you have time now, and you should use it.

A home inspection typically costs $300 to $500 and it could save you from buying a house with a bad roof, foundation issues, or HVAC problems that would cost thousands down the road. If serious issues come up, you can negotiate repairs, ask for a price reduction, or walk away — you'll have an inspection contingency in your contract that protects you. This step is not optional.

5. Understand What "Closing Costs" Actually Means

First-time buyers are often surprised by closing costs. Your down payment is not the only money you need at closing. Closing costs typically run between 2% and 5% of the loan amount and include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, attorney fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance.

On a $350,000 home in Henry County, you could be looking at $7,000 to $17,000 in closing costs on top of your down payment. Your lender is required to give you a Loan Estimate early in the process — read it carefully and ask questions. The good news: in today's market, many sellers in Henry County are willing to contribute toward your closing costs. It's worth asking.

You've got this. Buying your first home in Henry County is completely doable — you just need the right team and the right information going in. I would love to be that for you.

Megan Cox — The Legacy Real Estate Group

678-990-6133 📱 or
470-781-1244 ☎️
movewithmegancox.com