The Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home in Metro Atlanta

This time of year, a lot of people start asking the same question:
“How does the home buying process actually work?”

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, someone who has owned before, or you’re relocating to Metro Atlanta, our goal is simple—to make buying a home clear, smooth, and stress-free.

There are a lot of moving parts, but our job is to help you move into the home you truly want without confusion or surprises. Below is a full breakdown of the current home buying process, step by step. Stick with it until the end, because I’ll also show you how to schedule a free consultation to get started.

My name is Cas Thompson, and my team and I help hundreds of families buy, sell, and invest in real estate across Metro Atlanta every year.

Let’s jump in.

Step 1: Connect With a Realtor

The first step is simple—connect with a real estate professional.

You’ll work with me or someone on our team to talk through:

  • The current market

  • Different home types

  • Areas that fit your lifestyle

  • Your overall plan and timeline

This step sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved (Before Looking at Homes)

This is one of the most important steps in the entire process.

Before you start shopping, we’ll connect you with a trusted lender to:

  • Check your credit score

  • Review your income and debt

  • Explore loan options

Common documents you’ll need:

  • Pay stubs

  • Tax returns

  • Bank statements

  • Proof of income

Tip: Don’t skip this step. Looking at homes before getting pre-approved can lead to frustration and wasted time.

Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget

This is my favorite step.

Your pre-approval amount and your comfort budget are not always the same thing. Just because a lender says you can buy at a certain price doesn’t mean you should.

As my mom always said:
“Just because you can fit into it doesn’t mean you should wear it.”

We’ll set a budget that allows you to enjoy your home and your life.

Step 4: Start Home Shopping

Once your budget, location, and must-haves are clear, the fun begins.

We’ll look at:

  • Neighborhoods

  • Home size and layout

  • Bedrooms and bathrooms

  • Community features

When you find the right home, we’ll write and submit your offer.

Step 5: Offer Accepted & Earnest Money

Once the seller accepts your offer and terms, you’ll submit earnest money.

This shows the seller you’re serious.

  • It’s typically about 1% of the purchase price

  • It is not extra money

  • It goes toward the cost of your home at closing

Step 6: Home Inspection

Next, you’ll hire a licensed home inspector (this cost is paid by the buyer).

The inspection covers:

  • Roof

  • Plumbing

  • Electrical

  • Foundation

  • Heating and cooling systems

After the inspection, you can:

  • Ask for repairs

  • Renegotiate price or terms

  • Walk away if major issues are found

This step is designed to protect you.

Step 7: Home Appraisal

The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.

This ensures:

  • The home is worth the price

  • The loan program still qualifies

If the value comes in low, we address it together.

Step 8: Underwriting (Very Important)

The lender reviews your file one final time.

During this phase:

  • Do not open new credit

  • Do not buy a car

  • Do not take on new debt

Even small changes can delay or cancel your loan approval.

Step 9: Final Walk-Through

We’re almost there.

Before closing, you’ll walk through the home one last time to:

  • Confirm repairs are complete

  • Make sure nothing is damaged

  • Ensure systems and appliances still work

Step 10: Closing Day 🎉

Closing day is the best part.

You’ll:

  • Sign the paperwork

  • The loan will be funded

  • Get the keys

  • Take photos

  • Celebrate—you officially own your home

Homebuyer Assistance Programs in Georgia

Many buyers qualify for state-run assistance programs.

One of the most popular is the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program.

You may qualify if you have:

  • A 620+ credit score

  • $1,000 minimum contribution

  • Two years of stable employment

We determine eligibility early in the process so there are no surprises.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re planning to buy in:

  • 2 days

  • 2 months

  • or even 2 years

We can start working for you right away.

Schedule a free one-on-one consultation to build your plan, answer questions, and move forward with confidence.

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