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Best time to buy a house in Georgia | Best Georgia cities to buy a house | How to get a great deal on a Georgia home
Is there a best time to buy a house in Georgia? It depends on many factors, including where you want to live and what kind of home you're looking for.
In recent years, listing prices for homes in Georgia have been lowest in Georgia. On average, homes were $32,358 less expensive than the yearly average. In November, prices were at a yearly high, spiking to $30,384 more than the annual average.
Mortgage rates, on the other hand, were lowest in December. But with interest rates currently on the rise, it pays to explore your options with a trusted mortgage provider to make sure you’re getting the best rate possible.
Read on to find out which time of year will give you the most options and the biggest savings when buying a home in Georgia.
Getting started
If you're interested in buying a home in Georgia, the first step is to connect with a realtor who's an expert in your local market. The real estate market can shift quickly, and a knowledgeable realtor will guide you on the best areas and times to buy.
To find the best real estate agent for your needs, we recommend using a free service like Clever Real Estate. Clever matches you with top agents from trusted brokerages like Keller Williams and Century 21.
Interview as many agents as you'd like until you find the perfect fit, or walk away at any time with no obligation. Add your zip code below to request hand-picked agent matches today!
If you're ready to buy a home, Clever can connect you with an agent who knows the market!
✅ Get expert help to negotiate your purchase price
✅ Work with a full-service realtor from a top broker
✅ Clever is 100% free, with zero obligation
The best time of year to buy a home in Georgia
If you want plenty of options to choose from, consider starting your Georgia home search in the early spring. Many homes are on the market in March, April, and May.
For a better deal on pricing, wait until later in the summer for slightly lower prices. Avoid the busy months of April, May, and June, when homes tend to sell quickly and for a higher price.
To find the absolute best deal, buy in the winter. Far fewer homes will be on the market, but sellers will likely be more motivated to sell quickly and more open to negotiation.
These are general rules of thumb, but real estate trends can vary greatly depending on your specific market. The best way to find a home that fits your budget and needs is to connect with a local realtor. They'll help you navigate the ins and outs of your market and find the best time to buy a house in Georgia.
💰 Find a top buyer's agent near me today!
The best cities to buy a home in Georgia
Depending on your circumstance, you may be limited in where you can live in Georgia. However, if you have options, it pays to choose an area that has strong marks for housing, diversity, nightlife, and more.
Here are five of the best places to buy a home in Georgia.
Decatur
This suburb of Atlanta is highly rated for public schooling, families, nightlife, and diversity. Decatur also has many bars, coffee shops, parks, and activities available. Homes can be expensive, but the area offers great employment opportunities.
John’s Creek
John’s Creek is another suburb of Atlanta that gets high ratings for low crime, high quality of life, and excellent schools. You’ll find a variety of entertainment, dining, shopping, and recreation options. Located 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, John’s Creek also offers easy access to work downtown.
Athens
If you love the feel of a college community, you'll love Athens. It’s bikeable and walkable, with excellent public transportation. This community of 120,000 residents is also affordable, with a median home price of $150,000.
Suwanee
Suwanee is a great spot for small city living. With a population of just 17,000, it’s been listed as a top place to live in a variety of publications. Whether you have a family, are a young professional, or are looking to retire, Suwanee offers what you need, with a great cost of living, low crime rate, and access to excellent education.
Peachtree City
Peachtree City has also been noted as a top place to live in leading publications, including CNN and TIME Magazine. One of the biggest differentiators in the area is the abundance of golf carts, which residents use to travel through their neighborhoods.
Four ways to get a great deal on a home in Georgia
Once you’ve decided where to move, see if you can get a deal on a home in that area. Here are four strategies to help you find a home for a good price.
1. Find a great Georgia real estate agent
Home buying is a complicated process, and the best way to navigate it is by partnering with a local real estate agent. A knowledgeable Georgia realtor understands your local market and can provide valuable insight during the buying process. They can even make specific recommendations on the best neighborhoods and the best time to buy a house in Georgia.
2. Determine what you need and want in a house
What are your non-negotiables when buying a home? What would be nice to have? How does that line up with your available budget? Let your agent know what you’re looking for in a house. They can help you find the right balance between cost and desired features.
3. Find a lender and secure financing
Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in Georgia, interest rate is one of the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing some upfront research and comparing options to find the best rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
For example, in Georgia a typical house is worth $216,000. Assuming a 20% down payment, if you took out a 30-year mortgage for 3.5%, your monthly payment would be $771. But if you shopped around and found a 3% mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to about $729.
4. Negotiate for the best possible price
Once you find the property you want, act quickly. Your agent can help you prepare and submit your offer. And after the home inspection, they can help you negotiate to get the best deal possible. The skills of your professional agent are extremely valuable at this stage!
If you're looking for a realtor, Clever can connect you with the top buyer's agents in your area for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Add your zip code below, and a Clever representative will reach out to get the process started and answer any questions.
Finding a great local realtor is the first step in making your home buying dreams a reality. Our free service matches you with top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
Enter your zip code to request hand-picked agent matches in minutes. Compare your options until you find the perfect fit, or walk away with no obligation. Try Clever's free service today!
