🏡 Atlanta Real Estate FAQ
For Home Buyers & Home Sellers
Welcome to our Atlanta Real Estate FAQ—your go‑to resource for understanding today’s housing market trends, pricing, and what to expect when buying or selling a home in Metro Atlanta.
🏠FAQs for Home Buyers in Atlanta, GA
1. How competitive is the Atlanta housing market right now?
Atlanta has shifted toward a buyer‑leaning market with 2.62 months of supply and homes averaging 80 days on the market as of early 2026. This gives buyers more time and negotiation power. [houzeo.com]
2. What are current home prices in Atlanta?
Metro Atlanta’s median home price remains stable at $384,900–$411,000, depending on the data source and sub‑market. Prices are largely flat year‑over‑year, showing a balanced and sustainable market. [noradarealestate.com], [bhhsgeorgia.com]
3. How much should I expect for a down payment?
Down payments range from 3%–20%, depending on your loan program. With homes selling at 96.76% of list price, some buyers negotiate seller assistance or rate buydowns. [houzeo.com]
4. How long does the buying process take?
A typical Georgia closing takes 30–45 days, but because homes are staying on the market longer (80 days), buyers often have greater flexibility in contract and inspection timelines. [houzeo.com]
5. What inspections are recommended in Atlanta?
Common inspections include:
- General home inspection
- Termite/WDO inspection
- Radon testing (common in many GA counties)
- Sewer scope for older intown homes
With inventory expanding 36.76% year‑over‑year, buyers are increasingly using inspection findings to negotiate repairs. [houzeo.com]
6. Are buyers responsible for real estate agent fees?
Typically, the seller pays the agent commissions, meaning buyers usually do not pay for representation. As the market balances, expert negotiation and pricing guidance have become more valuable. [atlantaage…gazine.com]
7. How much are closing costs for buyers?
Closing costs average 2%–5% of the purchase price. With rising inventory (up 14.9% YoY), buyers increasingly negotiate for seller‑paid closing costs. [bhhsgeorgia.com]
8. What should I know about property taxes in Atlanta?
Property taxes vary by county (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb). Because prices are stabilizing—median price flat year‑over‑year—assessments are also leveling off in many neighborhoods. [bhhsgeorgia.com]
9. Is Atlanta a flood‑prone area?
Some neighborhoods near the Chattahoochee River and intown creeks require flood zone checks. With longer market times, buyers have more time for due diligence before submitting offers. [houzeo.com]
10. What are typical HOA fees in Atlanta?
Condo HOA fees in Midtown and Buckhead often range from $300–$700+ monthly. With more balanced market conditions, some associations and sellers are offering incentives to attract buyers. [atlantaage…gazine.com]
11. Are there programs for first‑time homebuyers?
Programs such as Georgia Dream and local down payment assistance are still available. With mortgage rates projected to remain around 6.0%–6.8%, many buyers use seller‑funded rate buydowns to improve affordability. [houzeo.com]
🏡 FAQs for Home Sellers in Atlanta, GA
1. What is my home worth in today’s market?
Atlanta home prices are stable—not surging or declining sharply. The metro’s median price sits around $411,000 with steady demand and balanced supply, reflecting a healthy long‑term market. [noradarealestate.com]
2. How long will it take to sell my home?
Homes currently average 80 days on the market, longer than the peak seller’s market years. Accurate pricing and strong marketing are now essential. [houzeo.com]
3. What should I do to prepare my home for sale?
With inventory up 14.6% year‑over‑year, buyers have more options. Homes that sell fastest typically include:
- Fresh paint
- Updated landscaping
- Minor repairs
- Professional staging & photography
[bhhsgeorgia.com]
4. What renovations offer the best ROI?
Sellers get the highest returns from kitchen refreshes, exterior paint, and landscaping. With units sold down 6.8% YoY, buyers are more selective and favor move‑in‑ready homes. [bhhsgeorgia.com]
5. What are typical seller closing costs?
Sellers usually pay 1%–3% in closing costs plus commissions. Because homes sold for 96.76% of list price, sellers may need to offer concessions to close deals. [houzeo.com]
6. Should I expect buyers to ask for concessions or repairs?
Yes. With pending contracts down 26.7% YoY, buyers feel more confident negotiating repairs or credits during inspections. [bhhsgeorgia.com]
7. Should I sell my home as‑is?
Selling as‑is is possible, but pricing must reflect condition. Inventory is projected to grow 5–10% in 2026, giving buyers more alternatives and reducing the appeal of “as‑is” listings. [houzeo.com]
8. Do I need to be present for showings or closing?
No. Virtual showings and remote closings are widely used. As inventory expanded 36.76% YoY, high-quality online presentation has become crucial for attracting buyers. [houzeo.com]
9. When is the best time to sell in Atlanta?
Spring remains strong, but market timing matters less today than pricing strategy. 2026 is expected to be a balanced market with modest appreciation. [atlantaage…gazine.com]
10. How do you market homes in a shifting market?
Today’s sellers expect full-service marketing, including:
- MLS + syndication
- Professional photography & video
- Social media campaigns
- Data‑driven pricing strategy
This is essential now that buyers are more deliberate and inventory is rising. [atlantaage…gazine.com]
11. What if my home doesn’t appraise at contract price?
With prices flat year‑over‑year, appraisal gaps are less common than during the boom, but still possible. Most situations require negotiation—either price adjustments or seller concessions. [bhhsgeorgia.com]
