Buying a Home in Georgia Without an Agent
Skip the buyer's agent and save $9,900 on a median Georgia home ($330,000).
A step-by-step guide for Georgia buyers who want to keep the commission.
Georgia Closing Requirements
Attorney Required at Closing
Yes — Attorney Required
Buyer Agent Required by Law
No — Agent Is Optional
Standard Inspection Period
10 Days
Potential Savings
$9,900 at median price
Georgia requires a licensed attorney to supervise all closings and issue title insurance.
Transfer Tax
Buyer pays Georgia intangible recording tax on the mortgage ($1.50 per $500). Seller pays the $0.10 per $100 deed transfer tax. Both are modest.
8 Steps to Buy Without an Agent in Georgia
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before searching for homes, get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This tells sellers how much you can borrow and shows you're a serious buyer. Compare rates from multiple lenders — even a 0.25% rate difference on a $330,000 Georgia home saves thousands over the loan term.
Search for Homes
Use Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and local MLS portals to find listings in Georgia. Set up alerts for your target criteria. You can also drive neighborhoods and look for FSBO signs — those sellers have no listing agent and may be open to direct offers.
Research Comparable Sales
Before making an offer, research what similar homes have sold for in the last 90 days. Zillow, Redfin, and Georgia county tax records provide recent sale prices to help you make a fair offer.
Schedule a Showing
Contact the seller's listing agent directly to schedule a showing. The listing agent represents the seller but is legally obligated to treat you fairly. You don't need your own agent to tour homes in Georgia.
Write and Submit Your Offer
Prepare a written offer including purchase price, contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), closing date, and earnest money. In Georgia, the inspection contingency window is typically 10 days — make sure it's in your offer.
Complete Inspections
You have 10 days to complete inspections in Georgia. Hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property. Your closing attorney in Georgia represents the lender — not you personally. For independent advice on the contract or title, hire your own real estate attorney for a one-time review.
Secure Final Mortgage Approval
Work with your lender to complete underwriting, appraisal, and final approval. Respond quickly to any document requests and avoid major purchases or new credit during this period.
Close on Your Home (Attorney Required)
Georgia requires a licensed real estate attorney at closing. The attorney prepares or reviews the deed, handles title examination, and manages the closing process. Budget $600–$1,200 for attorney fees at closing.
Resources for Georgia Buyers
Partner services to help you buy without a buyer's agent.