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

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. I walk my clients through every step of the process so they feel confident from the first showing to closing day. Here’s what the journey looks like:

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved with the Right Lender

Before we start looking at homes, it’s important to know what you can comfortably afford. A pre-approval gives us that clarity and also shows sellers you’re serious. If you don’t already have a lender, I can connect you with trusted professionals I’ve vetted — including those who are great at working with first-time buyers.

Step 2: Define Your Wants and Needs

Not sure what your dream home looks like? That’s okay! I’ll walk you through a detailed four-page questionnaire to help clarify your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and things you can live without. Sometimes, seeing a few homes in person is what helps you decide what’s really important.

Step 3: Understand the Market

Metro Atlanta is made up of many different markets, and each one moves at a different pace. Some neighborhoods are very competitive, while others are slower and easier to buy in. I’ll help you understand which areas fit your goals and budget — and I even have access to some off-market opportunities you won’t find online.

Step 4: Let Me Do the Home Search for You

Instead of scrolling Zillow for hours or visiting open houses on your own, I’ll pull accurate listings straight from the MLS and send them directly to you. When you’re ready, I’ll schedule private showings so you can experience homes in a more personal way.

Step 5: Inspection Time

Once your offer is accepted, we’ll order a home inspection to make sure everything is in good condition. I work with excellent inspectors I trust — including one who offers a “pay at closing” option, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. Together, we’ll review the results and decide what repairs (if any) to request from the seller.

Step 6: Appraisal

The appraisal is the lender’s way of making sure the home is worth what you’ve agreed to pay. With FHA or VA loans, the appraiser may require certain repairs before closing, while with conventional loans that usually isn’t the case. Appraisers are assigned independently (we don’t get to choose them), but I’ll walk you through what the results mean and how they affect your purchase.

Step 7: Under Contract to Closing

Once inspections and the appraisal are complete, we’re on the home stretch! I work with a dedicated transaction coordinator who helps keep everything on track. We’ll also:

• Provide you with a utility list so you can get everything set up.
• Confirm that any agreed-upon repairs are complete.
• Do a final walkthrough together before closing to make sure the home is move-in ready.

Step 8: Closing Day!

This is the big day! You’ll sign your paperwork, get your keys, and officially become a homeowner.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re thinking about buying your first home in metro Atlanta, I’d love to guide you through the process. From connecting you with lenders and inspectors, to finding the perfect home, to keeping everything smooth all the way to closing, I’m here to make it stress-free.

 Reach out today — even if you’re just curious or have questions, I’m happy to help.