Lee County Realty (229) 894-8280

Buying a home

Buy with a budget you can trust.

Start with pre-qualification, so you know what you can spend before you fall for a house. Then we'll help you find one that fits, and see it through to the closing table.

Get pre-qualifiedCall (229) 894-8280

Your path to the keys

Five steps, in order. We'll be with you for every one of them.

  1. Talk it through

    Your budget, timing, must-haves and the areas you're considering. No commitment.

  2. Get pre-qualified

    With an independent lender you choose. You'll know your price range and your monthly payment.

  3. Agree how we'll work

    Before we tour homes, we sign a short written buyer agreement that states our compensation. It's negotiable.

  4. Find it and offer

    Tours, comparable sales, an offer with the right protections, then inspection and appraisal.

  5. Close

    Georgia closings are handled by a closing attorney. We coordinate the timeline so nothing slips.

Pre-qualification, done properly

We're a brokerage, not a lender. We don't take loan applications or collect your financial information. A licensed lender does that, and you choose which one.

Quick estimate

Pre-qualification

A lender's estimate of what you could borrow, based on what you tell them about your income, debts and savings. Fast, usually free, and a good first step.

Stronger

Pre-approval

The lender checks your credit and verifies your documents, then commits in writing, subject to conditions. Sellers treat an offer backed by a pre-approval letter far more seriously.

How our lender introductions work

  1. Ask for an introduction on the form below, or when we talk.
  2. We give you options. Independent local and regional lenders, so you can compare rates and fees. You're free to use any lender you like, including your own bank or credit union.
  3. With your permission only, we pass your name, phone and email to the lender you pick. Nothing else.
  4. The lender takes it from there through their own secure application, and gives you a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter.

No referral fees. Lee County Realty does not accept fees, kickbacks or anything of value from lenders for referring you. Federal law (RESPA) prohibits it, and it would compromise the advice we give you.

What a lender will usually ask for

  • Photo IDDriver's license or passport.
  • Proof of incomeRecent pay stubs, the last two years of W-2s or tax returns. Self-employed: two years of business returns.
  • AssetsRecent bank and retirement statements, for your down payment and reserves.
  • DebtsCar loans, student loans, cards. The lender will also pull your credit.
  • VeteransYour Certificate of Eligibility (the lender can often get it for you).

Every lender has its own list. They'll tell you exactly what they need.

Loan programs worth asking about

Your lender decides what you qualify for. These are the ones buyers in southwest Georgia most often ask us about.

Conventional

The most common loan. Down payments can start low for well-qualified buyers; mortgage insurance usually applies below 20% down.

FHA

Government-insured, with more flexible credit requirements and a low minimum down payment.

VA

For eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses. Often no down payment.

USDA

For eligible homes in rural areas, which covers much of southwest Georgia. Check an address on the USDA eligibility map.

Georgia Dream

The state's program for first-time buyers, with down payment assistance options. Apply through a participating lender. Georgia DCA.

Not sure?

That's what the lender conversation is for. The CFPB's home-buying guide is also a good, neutral place to start.

Buyer questions

Who pays the buyer's agent?

It's agreed in writing before we tour homes, and it's negotiable. Sometimes a seller agrees to contribute toward it; we'll explain your options and put them in the offer where it makes sense.

Will getting pre-qualified hurt my credit?

A basic pre-qualification often doesn't involve a hard credit check. A pre-approval usually does. Ask the lender which they're doing. Several mortgage credit checks within a short shopping window are generally treated as one inquiry.

Can I use my own lender?

Yes, always. Our introductions are optional.

How much do I need for closing costs?

It varies with the loan and the price. Your lender must give you a Loan Estimate within three business days of your application, which lists them.

Start with a conversation

Tell us what you're looking for. Tick the box if you'd like an introduction to a lender.

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