Resources for Homebuyers
Along the path to homeownership there may be many twists and turns, but the rewards are numerous. Before you buy a home take time to learn more about the process. If you have never owned a home, then it is a good idea to take a homebuyer education class, and it may be required by the lender. Classes are available ONLINE, or in-person from Clayton County Extension and Chatham County Extension. The online Homebuyer Education Course costs $99. An in-person class may be free of charge, and usually lasts six to eight hours. Both types of classes provide valuable information. Below are some additional resources to help you learn more before you buy.
- Housing and down payment programs in Georgia - Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
- Housing options for those in rural areas - USDA Rural Development
- Home loans for Veterans
- Homebuying resources from HUD
- Test your home for radon before you buy. Learn more about radon at radon.uga.edu.
Resources for Homeowners
- Facing financial problems? Remember, Housing is Your Top Priority
- Resources from HUD on avoiding foreclosure
Resources for Renters
If you are a renter in Georgia, you should know your rights and responsibilities. You will find this information in the Landlord Tenant Handbook developed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Other housing resources:
- UGA Extension Leasing Smart in Georgia
- Searching for housing in Georgia - Georgia Housing Search
- General rental assistance resources - HUD
- Eviction Resource Guide
UGA Extension is a HUD approved housing counseling agency. Visit the HUD website to find a housing counselor.
FAQ
Buying A Home
- How do I find a homebuyer education workshop or pre-purchase counseling?
- Can I take a homebuyer class online?
- How much home can I afford?
- Where can I find a house that was foreclosed on?
- Why is a mortgage APY higher than the interest rate?
- How do I select a mortgage?
- Where can I find a low-interest rate mortgage and down payment or closing costs assistance?
- Are there any special loan programs for Firefighters, EMTs, Police Officers, Teachers, Military or Health Care workers?
- Ae there down payment assistance programs for persons with disabilities?
- Are there loans available to person living in rural communities?
- Are there loans that encourage the purchase of energy efficient homes?
- What should I ask my Home Inspector?
- Where can I learn more about closing costs?
- Can I use my housing choice voucher to buy a home?
Life As A Homeowner
- How can I lower my home insurance costs?
- Can I cancel the private mortgage insurance (PMI) on my home loan?
- Where can I learn more about reverse mortgages?
- Where can I learn more about home improvements?
Life As A Renter
- What are my rights and responsibilities as a renter in Georgia?
- What type of rental assistance is available to low-income Georgians?
- How can I find a place to rent?
Understanding Your Rights
- What are my housing rights in Georgia?
- What laws protect my access to fair housing?
- How am I protected when buying a home?
- What are my rights when I borrow money to purchase a home?
Protecting Yourself From Predatory Lending
- How do I find a homebuyer education workshop or pre-purchase counseling?
- Can I take a homebuyer class online?
UGA Extension provides a class online for $99. Click to check it out
- How much home can I afford?
- Where can I find a house that was foreclosed on?
- Why is a mortgage APY higher than the interest rate?
- How do I select a mortgage?
- Where can I find a low-interest rate mortgage and down payment or closing costs assistance?
- Are there any special loan programs for Firefighters, EMTs, Police Officers, Teachers, Military or Health Care workers?
- Ae there down payment assistance programs for persons with disabilities?
- Are there loans available to person living in rural communities?
- Are there loans that encourage the purchase of energy efficient homes?
- What should I ask my Home Inspector?
- Where can I learn more about closing costs?
- Can I use my housing choice voucher to buy a home?
- How can I lower my home insurance costs?
- Can I cancel the private mortgage insurance (PMI) on my home loan?
- Where can I learn more about reverse mortgages?
- Where can I learn more about home improvements?
- What are my rights and responsibilities as a renter in Georgia?
- What type of rental assistance is available to low-income Georgians?
- How can I find a place to rent?
- What are my housing rights in Georgia?
- What laws protect my access to fair housing?
- How am I protected when buying a home?
- What are my rights when I borrow money to purchase a home?
- How can I protect myself from loan fraud and predatory lenders?