If you are renting a home or an apartment in the Atlanta area, real estate agents will always say you are better off buying a home. They’ll tell you that you are throwing your money away every month. They’ll talk about building equity. Buy buying a home takes money and you are struggling from month to month. There's no way you can buy a home - right?

You might be surprised. It is easier than ever to buy a home in the Atlanta area. Real estate agents can help you by educating you on some of the special programs available to people who think they can’t afford a new home.

FHA loans are a good start

According to Atlanta area real estate agents, one of most common reasons renters think they can’t buy a home is that they can’t manage a down payment. FHA loans were created exactly for these kinds of situations.

The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) was created in the 1930s to offer a loan guarantee service that would allow people in the struggling economy to afford homes they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.

Borrowers using an FHA secured loan don’t have to come up with the normal 10% down payment. Typical FHA loans have a 3% down payment and some lenders offer zero-down home loans.

The FHA offers other loan programs such as the Good Neighbor Next Door Program which offers a substantial discount on home purchases for police, teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.

Other programs to help the first-time Georgia homebuyer

The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program helps low to moderate income level families purchase a home. Georgia Dream's First Mortgage offers low-interest loans to first-time home buyers. Georgia Dream’s Second Mortgage provides 0% interest rate loans to help buyers with down payments and closing costs.

Some non-profits also offer help to homebuyers in the Atlanta area. Real estate agents may have more information on organizations such as Nehemiah, HART, and Consumer Debt Solutions. These programs help with down payments, closing costs, or even reductions in sale price.

Talk to Atlanta area real estate agents for more information

Atlanta area real estate agents are a great resource for programs in your area. They don’t only help you find a home, they can help you connect with the resources you need to realize your dream of home ownership.

First time homebuyers, particularly buyers who are struggling with down payments, often fall into the trap of using bargain agents. They need to save money so look for Atlanta area real estate agents who promise low commissions. This ends up being a false economy. Many low-commission agents are struggling part-timers who aren’t well educated in the subtleties of Atlanta area real estate. Agents who are skilled in negotiating for you can shave thousands of dollars of the purchase price, easily earning their commissions.

Realty1st has over 15 years of experience selling Atlanta area real estate. Agents from Realty1st are well educated in all aspects of the Atlanta area from schools to shopping to recreation. We can find your dream home in the perfect location, and we can help negotiate the price you want to pay. There is no obligation, so come to Realty1st and let us show you just how easy home buying can be.