Buyer Pathways

Choose Your Buyer Path

Every buyer is in a different place. Choose the path that matches your situation, then follow the steps in order.

Not sure which path fits you? Start with the Buyer Path Finder or Ask Rae.

Start from the beginning

First-Time Buyer Path

Who this path is for

This path is for buyers who want to buy their first home but are not sure what to do first, how the process works, or what they should avoid before they start shopping.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Check your readiness

    Before you start looking at homes, understand where you are with timeline, budget, credit, savings, and lender readiness.

    Buyer Readiness Checklist
  2. 2

    Step 2

    Learn what not to do

    Some buyer mistakes can delay your approval, affect your budget, or create stress later. Know what to avoid before you start the process.

    10 Things to Avoid Before Buying Your First Home
  3. 3

    Step 3

    Understand the full buying process

    Once you understand your readiness and common mistakes, use the playbook to learn the bigger picture from preparation to closing.

    First-Time Homebuyer Playbook
  4. 4

    Step 4

    Build your personal buying plan

    If you want help understanding your next best step, book a Buyer Strategy Call so we can talk through your timeline, budget, preferred areas, and plan.

    Book a Buyer Strategy Call

Understand the numbers

Money & Down Payment Path

Who this path is for

This path is for buyers who need help understanding down payment assistance, closing costs, grants, savings, affordability, and what money may be needed before closing.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Start with down payment options

    Learn what types of down payment assistance may exist and what questions to ask before assuming you need 20% down.

    Free Down Payment Assistance Guide
  2. 2

    Step 2

    Understand closing costs

    Your down payment is not the only money to plan for. Buyers may also need to think about closing costs, prepaid expenses, inspections, appraisal, and reserves.

    Georgia Closing Costs Cheat Sheet
  3. 3

    Step 3

    Go deeper with the complete guide

    If you want a more detailed breakdown of Georgia down payment options and preparation steps, use the complete guide.

    Complete Georgia Down Payment Guide
  4. 4

    Step 4

    Talk through your numbers

    If money is your biggest question, book a Buyer Strategy Call so we can talk through your timeline, what to ask a lender, and your next step.

    Book a Buyer Strategy Call

Build something new

New Construction Buyer Path

Who this path is for

This path is for buyers who are interested in new construction, builder incentives, model homes, upgrades, deposits, timelines, or comparing new build communities.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Prepare before visiting a builder

    Before you walk into a builder’s sales office, understand representation, incentives, deposits, upgrades, timelines, inspections, and what questions to ask.

    New Construction Buyer Checklist
  2. 2

    Step 2

    Clarify what type of new construction buyer you are

    Think about whether you want quick move-in, to-be-built, townhome, single-family, lower maintenance, incentives, or a specific area.

    New Construction Visit Prep Tool
  3. 3

    Step 3

    Compare builder options carefully

    Builder incentives can be helpful, but buyers should compare price, lender terms, upgrades, lot premiums, timelines, contract terms, and total monthly comfort.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Book before you visit

    If you are planning to tour model homes or visit a builder’s sales office, book a Buyer Strategy Call first so you understand your options before you register with a builder.

    Book a Buyer Strategy Call

Moving to Metro Atlanta

Relocation Buyer Path

Who this path is for

This path is for buyers moving to Metro Atlanta who need help understanding areas, commute, lifestyle, budget, traffic, new construction options, and where to start.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Get the Metro Atlanta overview

    Start by understanding the bigger picture of Metro Atlanta so you can narrow your search by lifestyle, commute, budget, and area fit.

    Metro Atlanta Relocation Snapshot
  2. 2

    Step 2

    Define your relocation priorities

    Think through commute, schools or work location, lifestyle, budget, airport access, new construction interest, and how far outside the city you are comfortable living.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Use the relocation playbook

    If you want a deeper guide to planning your move, use the Metro Atlanta Relocation Playbook.

    Metro Atlanta Relocation Playbook
  4. 4

    Step 4

    Build your relocation buying plan

    If you are relocating, a strategy call is especially helpful because area choice, timing, commute, and price range all need to work together.

    Book a Buyer Strategy Call

Still deciding where to start?

Take the Buyer Path Finder to get matched with your best next step, or ask Rae a question anytime.