Buyer guide
Never toured a home with an agent before? Here’s how showings work from start to finish, what to look for while you’re there, and how we help you decide. We’re with you every step of the way.
Getting started
There’s no pressure and no rush. Here’s how we get started together.
Every Georgia Move agent offers a complimentary first meeting. We’ll meet for coffee and go over the buying process from start to finish. It typically takes two hours or more. Our goal isn’t to rush you; it’s to make sure you understand the whole process before you start. Set up a coffee meeting.
Tour homes with us and see how we work before you commit to anything. All it takes is a no-obligation showing agreement: we can’t open the door to any home until it’s signed, but it’s a simple permission slip with no commitment.
You don’t have to be pre-qualified to view a home. It helps, though: we’ll know we’re shopping in the right price range, and if you love a home you’ll be ready to make an offer. Getting pre-approved.
The agent on the sign works for the seller. Their job is to get the seller the highest price and the best terms, and anything you share, like how much you love the home, what you could pay or how soon you need to move, can be passed along to the seller. With your own Georgia Move agent, someone is on your side from the first showing, and it usually costs you nothing. More on dual agency.
Seeing a home
Just text or call us the address and the time you’d like. We’ll do our best to make it work, and if we can’t, we’ll reach out to find another time. Showings are typically 10am to 7pm, seven days a week, even on holidays.
Every showing needs an appointment. Even if Zillow or another site shows a time as available, that doesn’t mean it actually is. We set up every showing with the seller and let you know as soon as it’s confirmed.
The more notice, the better. We can always try to make a same-day showing work, but it can be hard for some sellers to accommodate. If you really want to see a home, a night’s notice greatly increases your chances of getting in.
Send the address and the time you’d like. If your agent is busy, a teammate who knows your search can meet you.
Showing day
Running late or can’t make it? Please let us know as soon as you can. We understand things come up in life, and we’ll reschedule your appointment.
While you’re there
Photos show the finishes. In person, look at the things that cost the most to fix. We’ll point them out as we go.
The roof, heating and air, and water heater are the costliest things to replace. Their age tells you what’s coming: see how to tell how old they are, how long they typically last, and our roof guide.
Stains on ceilings, musty smells, soft floors around tubs and toilets, and how the yard drains away from the house.
Many homes outside town limits are on septic. Ask before you fall in love. What to know about septic.
Georgia is termite country. Ask whether the home has a termite bond. Termites and bonds.
Rules on fences, sheds, rentals, boats and more come with the lot. Buying in an HOA and subdivision covenants.
Not every home has it, especially out in the country. If you work from home or stream, check what’s available at the address before you fall in love: look it up on the FCC broadband map, or see the providers on our county pages.
Testing comes later. Some things, like radon, can’t be judged on a tour. They’re tested once you’re under contract, during due diligence, and we’ll walk you through what to check. See home inspections.
Deciding
We’re here for you
Whether it’s your first showing or your fiftieth, a Georgia Move agent is with you at every step. Text or call about any home in Georgia.
We're real estate agents, not attorneys. Nothing on this page is legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different, so always consult an attorney about your specific situation. Attorneys you can contact: Weissman PC · Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C.