Buying your first home is a big milestone—and it shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Our goal at Down Home Properties is to make the process simple, transparent, and tailored to you. Use this step-by-step guide for areas like Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Marietta, Woodstock, Cumming, and beyond.
Step 1: Define Budget & Lifestyle
Start with a comfortable monthly payment range and a realistic down payment target. Then list your must-haves (beds, baths, yard), nice-to-haves (flex room, fenced yard), and lifestyle factors (commute, parks, trails, dining, schools).
Pro tip: Drive your likely commute at your real commute time. That “20 minutes” on Sunday can be very different on weekdays.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved
A strong pre-approval clarifies your price range and strengthens your offer. It also helps you focus showings on homes you can confidently pursue. If you need introductions, we can connect you with responsive local lenders who explain options clearly and move fast.
Step 3: Choose Your Micro-Areas
- ITP (Inside the Perimeter): Urban pockets, condos/townhomes, walkable corridors, typically shorter city commutes.
- OTP (Outside the Perimeter): Larger lots, newer construction, amenity communities (swim/tennis), more parking and storage.
Within OTP, compare Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Marietta, Woodstock, and Cumming—each offers a distinct vibe, housing mix, and weekend rhythm.
Step 4: Tour Intentionally
We’ll craft a curated tour that matches your budget, lifestyle, and timing—not just whatever is newest online. Expect straightforward feedback on condition, layout, light, storage, and resale considerations so you can compare homes confidently.
Step 5: Make a Competitive Offer
We help you weigh price, timelines, and contingencies to fit the property and the market moment. If multiple offers are likely, we’ll discuss ways to be compelling without stretching beyond your comfort zone—clean terms, strategic timelines, and clarity around what matters most to you.
Step 6: Inspections & Appraisal
Inspections protect your purchase. If issues arise, we’ll help you prioritize repair requests or credits based on impact and cost. We’ll also walk you through appraisal outcomes and the options if the value doesn’t land where expected.
Step 7: Closing & Move-In
From final documentation to scheduling with the closing attorney, we keep every task and timeline organized so move-in day is a celebration—not a scramble. You’ll know who’s doing what and by when.
What First-Timers Often Ask
How much should I budget for closing costs?
This varies by loan type and price point. Your lender will provide a loan estimate; we’ll review the line items with you so there are no surprises.
Do I need 20% down?
Not always. There are programs with lower down payments. Your lender will outline what fits your goals and monthly comfort.
How fast can we close?
Timing depends on financing, appraisal scheduling, and property specifics. We’ll pick a target that fits your situation and keep everyone aligned.
Should I waive contingencies to win?
Sometimes “clean” terms help—but waiving protections can add risk. We’ll discuss balanced strategies that protect you while staying competitive.
Your Support Team
- Your Agent (Down Home Properties): Strategy, neighborhood insight, tours, offer structure, negotiations, and project-managing the process.
- Lender: Pre-approval, underwriting milestones, and clear estimates so you understand every dollar.
- Inspector: A thorough home health check so you buy with eyes open.
- Closing Attorney (Georgia): Title, documents, funds, and a smooth close.
Practical Prep Checklist
- Get pre-approved and set a monthly comfort range.
- Make a short list of micro-areas (ITP vs. OTP; Roswell/Alpharetta/Milton/Marietta/Woodstock/Cumming).
- Define your top 3 must-haves and top 3 nice-to-haves.
- Test commute routes during actual rush hour.
- Schedule focused tours (we’ll group comparable homes so differences are crystal clear).
- Review offer terms you’re comfortable with before the right home appears—speed matters.
- Line up inspection availability early so you can move quickly once you’re under contract.
Ready to Start?
Phone Number
(770) 209-3919
Email Address
[email protected]