Home Financing Resource Center
Explore trusted resources to help you understand your financing options,
compare your choices, and make informed home financing decisions.
Explore loan options and assistance programs that may make homeownership more affordable.
Learn about monthly payments, closing costs, mortgage insurance, and other buying expenses.
Build your financial foundation with resources on credit, budgeting, and mortgage readiness.
Learn the first steps to buying a home, from pre-approval to choosing a lender.
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Getting Started
Why pre-approval matters
Understand why getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first steps.
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How to choose a lender
Compare lenders and know the questions worth asking.
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Documents you'll likely need
See the financial documents lenders commonly request.
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Timeline from application to closing
Follow the financing process from loan application to closing day.
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Does checking rates hurt my credit?
Learn how credit inquiries work when shopping for a mortgage.
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Questions? Prefer to talk or text with a real person?
Tom Sharp
(706) 331-6035
Or, if you prefer occasional email updates,
visit our Registration Page.
Loan Types
Conventional Loans
Learn who they work best for and typical down payment requirements.
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FHA Loans
Explore lower down payment options and flexible qualification guidelines.
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VA Loans
Benefits available to eligible veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses.
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USDA Loans
Zero-down financing opportunities for eligible rural properties.
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Affordability & Assistance
Down Payment Assistance
Discover programs that may help reduce your upfront costs.
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Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
Learn about one of Georgia's best-known assistance programs.
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Seller Contributions
Understand how sellers may be able to help with closing costs or buying down your interest rate.
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Mortgage Rate Buydowns
Learn how temporary and permanent buydowns, discount points, and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) may lower your monthly payment.
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Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
LLearn when PMI is required, what it costs, and when it can be removed.
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Loan Types and Assistance
Questions? Prefer to talk or text with a real person?
Tom Sharp
(706) 331-6035
Or, if you prefer occasional email updates,
visit our Registration Page.
Monthly Housing Costs
Principal & Interest
Understand the portion of your payment that goes toward your loan balance and interest.
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Property Taxes & Escrow
Learn how property taxes are collected and paid through your mortgage.
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Homeowners Insurance
Understand why insurance is required and how it affects your monthly payment.
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Mortgage Insurance
Learn the differences between PMI, FHA mortgage insurance, and when they apply.
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Buying Expenses
Closing Costs
Learn about lender fees, title costs, attorney fees, and other closing expenses.
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Earnest Money
Understand how earnest money works and when it is applied at closing.
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Home Inspection
Learn why inspections are important and what they typically cost.
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Appraisal
Understand why lenders require an appraisal and what happens if the value comes in low.
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Understanding Ownership Costs
Good to Know
IHome inspections and appraisals are professional services. Once they're completed, those costs are generally not refundable, even if you decide not to purchase the home.
Questions? Prefer to talk or text with a real person?
Tom Sharp
(706) 331-6035
Or, if you prefer occasional email updates,
visit our Registration Page.
Credit & Financial Preparation
Credit Basics
Understanding Credit Scores
Learn how credit scores can affect your financing options and interest rate.
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Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Understand how lenders evaluate your monthly debt compared to your income.
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Improving Your Credit
Simple steps that may help strengthen your credit before buying a home.
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Credit Myths
Separate common misconceptions from facts about mortgage credit.
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Financial Readiness
Saving for a Down Payment
Explore strategies for building your down payment and cash reserves.
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Budgeting for Homeownership
Prepare for the ongoing costs of owning a home beyond your mortgage payment.
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Emergency Savings
Learn why many financial experts recommend keeping money in reserve after closing.
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Avoiding Financial Changes Before Closing
Understand why major purchases, new credit accounts, or changing jobs can affect your loan approval.
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Questions? Prefer to talk or text with a real person?
Tom Sharp
(706) 331-6035
Or, if you prefer occasional email updates,
visit our Registration Page.