Buying your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. But let’s be honest—navigating the mortgage process, understanding your financing options, and finding the right lender can feel overwhelming. If you’re a first-time homebuyer in North Georgia or the Atlanta metro area, you deserve more than just a loan—you deserve a seamless, white-glove mortgage experience tailored to your needs.
At Baril Home Lending, we specialize in providing a boutique, client-first mortgage experience that removes stress from the homebuying journey. Whether you’re looking for a charming home in Alpharetta, a modern condo in Buckhead, or a luxury estate in Milton, our goal is to make financing your first home effortless and enjoyable.
Before you start house hunting, it’s essential to understand the real estate landscape in Atlanta and North Georgia:
- Home Prices: The median home price in Atlanta is higher than the national average, especially in sought-after areas like Roswell, Alpharetta, and Cumming. However, prices vary significantly based on location and property type.
- Competitive Market: The Atlanta housing market remains highly competitive, with many homes receiving multiple offers. Being pre-approved for a mortgage can give you an edge over other buyers.
- Property Taxes & Cost of Living: Georgia offers relatively low property taxes compared to other states, but some counties—like Fulton and Forsyth—have higher rates than others. Understanding these costs helps you budget effectively.
All of this can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but want to know what helps? Working with an excellent and professional Real Estate Agent.
A mortgage pre-approval is your golden ticket in today’s real estate market. Sellers prefer buyers who have proof of financing because it shows you’re serious and financially qualified. At Baril Home Lending, our personalized pre-approval process helps you:
- Determine how much home you can afford
- Strengthen your offer in a competitive market
- Speed up the closing process
Pre-approval includes filling in a application (which can be completed over the phone or online) and uploading some basic documents like pay stubs and bank statements. We'll then review the application within 24 hours or less and get back to you with either some questions or your pre-approval letter! The process is much easier than most believe, and we're here to make it effortless.
Not all mortgages are created equal. Here are some of the top loan programs available for first-time homebuyers in Georgia:
1. Conventional Loans: Best for buyers with strong credit (620+ FICO) and a stable income. Contrary to popular belief, a large down payment is not required, only 3%as a first-time home buyer.
2. FHA Loans: Ideal for those with lower credit scores or minimal down payment savings (only 3.5% down required).
3. VA Loans: Exclusive to veterans and active-duty military, offering 0% down and no PMI.
4. USDA Loans: Available in certain rural and suburban areas of North Georgia, providing 100% financing.
5. Jumbo Loans: If you're looking at high-end properties in luxury markets like Buckhead or Milton, a jumbo loan is often necessary.
At Baril Home Lending, we take a consultative approach to finding the right loan for your unique financial situation and future goals. Book an initial consultation below to chat about your options:
Beyond your mortgage payment, here are key costs to consider:
- Down Payment: Typically 3–20% of the home’s price, depending on the loan type and your credit and income profile.
- Closing Costs: Expect to pay 2-5% of the loan amount in fees for things like title insurance, underwriting, and appraisal. We keep our overhead low here at Baril Home Lending, which helps us help you to save on these costs.
- Property Taxes & Insurance: These vary by county and by property. We're always happy to produce an initial fee worksheet as you are shopping for properties, to understand your payment and cash to close.
- HOA Fees: If buying in a community with amenities, factor in monthly or annual fees.
- Maintenance & Utilities: A larger home may mean higher costs, so budget wisely!
Once you’re pre-approved, the fun begins—house hunting! Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent (we can connect you with one) who understands North Georgia’s market trends. When you find the right home:
- Submit a competitive offer: Your agent will guide you in making a strong bid.
- Work with the best: A luxury mortgage broker like Baril Home Lending will help get your offer accepted by calling the listing agent and helping them feel confident in your qualification.
- Schedule an inspection: Always verify the home’s condition before proceeding to closing.
Once you've cleared inspection, we take over from there! Your process will generally look like this:
-Initial Underwriting Submission: We'll submit your documents to our underwriters and they will review them, generally in about 48 hours, and come back to us with a conditional approval, which tells us the remaining documents needed to approve your loan.
-Appraisal: We'll order your appraisal (when needed) to verify the value of the home.
-Satisfying Conditions: We'll help you satisfy the underwriting conditions by collecting the needed documentation
-Clear to Close! Once the loan approval is complete, we'll issue the Clear to Close and begin scheduling your closing!
The final step in your homebuying journey is closing day! Here’s what to expect:
- Final Walkthrough: Ensure the home is in the agreed-upon condition.
- Sign Documents: This includes your mortgage agreement, title paperwork, and more.
- Receive Your Keys! Congratulations, you’re officially a homeowner!
Unlike big banks or online lenders, we offer a personalized, high-touch mortgage experience tailored to first-time buyers who value a boutique approach. When you work with us, you get:
✅ Luxury Service: A seamless, stress-free process with VIP treatment.
✅ Expert Guidance: We don’t just approve loans—we educate and empower you.
✅ Fast Closings: We streamline the mortgage process to get you into your dream home quickly.
If you’re thinking about buying your first home in North Georgia or Atlanta, don’t navigate the mortgage process alone. Schedule a free consultation with Baril Home Lending today, and let’s turn your homeownership dream into reality!
📞 Call or Text: 770-209-2773
📧 Email: ryan@barilhomelending.com
Or simply Apply Now