Georgia

Georgia is a state with a diverse range of real estate investment opportunities. The state has a strong economy and is home to many thriving metropolitan areas, such as Atlanta and Augusta. These areas have strong job markets and a high cost of living, which can create demand for housing and make them attractive markets for real estate investment. Property rentals and short term rentals, such as vacation rentals, can be popular in Georgia due to the state's many tourist attractions and the large number of people who travel there for work or events. However, it is important for investors to carefully consider the local market conditions and do their due diligence before making any real estate investments in Georgia.

Sustainability Resources

The Real Estate industry is one of the most environmentally damaging industries in the world accounting for:
30%
of total carbon dioxide
40%
of all energy
40%
of all raw materials
Our goal is to give you the resources you need to take sustainable action in improving, building, retrofitting and revamping your home. The impacts are real, the benefits significant, and the need critical. Join us in bringing sustainability home and creating a brighter future for all, starting with you.

Save money and do the world a favor!
Here's a list of Sustainability Initiatives in the area:

Energy Star Search Engine

Energy Efficient Products: appliances, electronics, lighting, building materials, etc.

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Materials Carbon Footprint Database

Material database used to assess carbon output of material production.

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Equipment Tax Credits for Primary Residences

Energy Star: Equipment tax credits for primary residences. Includes tax credits associated to residential energy property costs and energy efficient improvements that qualify for a tax credit. **new construction and rentals DO NOT apply must be an existing home AND their principal residence. EXPIRES December 31, 2021

Learn More

Georgia FAQs

Is Georgia a judicial or non-judicial state?

Non-Judicial

In a non-judicial foreclosure state, the lender does not need to go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be quicker and less expensive for the lender compared to a judicial foreclosure.
In a non-judicial foreclosure state, the lender does not need to go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be quicker and less expensive for the lender compared to a judicial foreclosure.

What is the process of closing on a property in Georgia?

Attorneys generally take care of closings. Conveyance is by warranty deed. Security deeds are the security instruments. Foreclosures are non-judicial and take little more than a month because there’s a power of attorney right in the security deed. Foreclosure advertising must appear for 4 consecutive weeks prior to the first Tuesday of the month; that’s when foreclosure sales take place. Georgians use ALTA title insurance policies, including owner’s and lender’s, and they use binders and endorsements. Buyers pay title insurance premiums and also closing costs usually. Sellers pay transfer taxes. Property tax payment dates vary across the state.

Property Taxes in Georgia?

Payment dates vary across the state.

In Georgia, does a property management company require a real estate broker's license?

YES. Key components of property management (renting and leasing) are considered real estate activities under existing Georgia real estate licensing laws. According to Georgia rules, "property management services" mean: The provision, for valuable consideration, to another of marketing, including referring prospective tenants; leasing; physical, administrative, or financial maintenance; and overall management of real property; or supervision of the foregoing activities for another pursuant to a property management agreement. A real estate license is required to perform these services. A salesperson working under a broker may engage in such activities. Also, unlicensed employees of brokers may engage in limited activities, such as receiving lease applications, showing rental units, and menial tasks, as long as certain conditions are met.

Are there any exceptions to the requirement that a property manager have a broker's license in Georgia?

YES. An exception is available to unlicensed full-time employees of property owners (who are also unlicensed) to perform real estate brokerage activity on property owned by the unlicensed employer. For more information about these and other Georgia property management requirements and exceptions, please contact the Georgia Real Estate Commission. Before hiring a property manager to manage your Georgia rental property, you should always check that he or she is licensed appropriately. You can check the license status of Georgia property managers at the Georgia Real Estate Commission's consumer information webpage.

Do you need a broker's license to manage community associations in Georgia?

Community association management in Georgia is an activity that must be done under a broker's license. In addition, the person doing the management must at least have a community association manager's license. "Community association management services" means: the provision, for compensation, of management of administrative services for the operation or affairs of a community association, including collecting, controlling or disbursing funds, obtaining insurance, arranging for and coordinating maintenance to the association property, and otherwise overseeing the day-to-day operations of the association. A community association manager is a person who acts on behalf of a real estate broker in providing only community association management services.

Georgia Real Estate Broker Requirements

Attorneys generally take care of closings. Conveyance is by warranty deed. Security deeds are the security instruments. Foreclosures are non-judicial and take little more than a month because there’s a power of attorney right in the security deed. Foreclosure advertising must appear for 4 consecutive weeks prior to the first Tuesday of the month; that’s when foreclosure sales take place. Georgians use ALTA title insurance policies, including owner’s and lender’s, and they use binders and endorsements. Buyers pay title insurance premiums and also closing costs usually. Sellers pay transfer taxes. Property tax payment dates vary across the state.

Georgia Real Estate Salesperson Requirements

Payment dates vary across the state.

How do property ownership transfers work in Georgia?

Warranty deed.

Cities