Buying Your First Home? Start With This Free Guide.
A no-fluff, 5-step guide to buying your first home in Metro Atlanta — what to expect, what it actually costs, and the mistakes that trip up first-time buyers most often. Written by Erik Bridges, Real Broker.
5 Chapters. Zero Jargon. Everything A First-Time Buyer Needs.
- The exact 5-step timeline from pre-approval to closing day
- A real breakdown of upfront and closing costs — not just the down payment
- FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA loans compared — plus a sample $350K purchase worked out to the monthly payment
- Local first-time buyer programs and down payment assistance you may qualify for
- The mistakes that cost first-time buyers the most time and money
- A move-in checklist, from moving day through your first year
Written by Erik Bridges, your local Real Broker agent — the same steps I walk every buyer through in person.
Your Guide Is Ready!
Your First-Time Homebuyer Guide is now available to download — just click Download Your Guide below. I'll also follow up personally if you'd like to talk through next steps for your search.
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What Happens Next
Read Your Guide
Go through the 5-step timeline at your own pace — it's built to be read in one sitting, not a 40-page slog.
Get Pre-Approved
Use the cost breakdown and sample numbers in Chapters 2 and 3 to start a real conversation with a lender about what you can actually afford.
Let's Talk Details
When you're ready, reach out and we'll build a plan around your budget, timeline, and area.
What Would Your Monthly Payment Be?
Plug in a price and see the full monthly payment — not just principal and interest — plus the cash you'd need at closing. The numbers update instantly as you type — no email, no submit button.
Estimate only — not a guarantee of your actual payment, closing costs, or loan approval.
- Principal & interest
- $2,286
- Mortgage insurance
- $155
- Property taxes
- $292
- Home insurance
- $183
- HOA dues
- $0
Cash to close down payment + closing costs · see breakdown $23,668
- Down payment
- $12,250
- Lender fees origination & underwriting, ~0.75% of the loan
- $2,577
- Appraisal & credit report
- $600
- Closing attorney required in Georgia
- $1,000
- Title search & lender's title insurance
- $1,718
- Georgia intangible recording tax $1.50 per $500 borrowed
- $1,032
- Recording & state mortgage fees
- $60
- First-year homeowners insurance
- $2,200
- Escrow deposit ~3 months of taxes + 2 of insurance
- $1,242
- Prepaid interest ~15 days
- $989
- Closing costs
- $11,418
- Seller credit
- −$0
Not included: a home inspection (~$300–$600, paid before closing) and optional owner's title insurance. Georgia's transfer tax is customarily paid by the seller.
- Loan amount includes upfront MIP
- $343,661
- Suggested income housing at 28% of gross pay
- $124,979/yr
These figures are estimates only, not a guarantee. They are not a loan offer, pre-approval, or commitment to lend, and your actual rate, payment, and closing costs will depend on your lender, credit, and the property. Assumes a 30-year fixed loan. Mortgage insurance: FHA 1.75% upfront (financed) plus 0.55%/yr (0.50% with 5%+ down); conventional PMI estimated at 0.5%/yr under 20% down (varies with credit); VA funding fee for first use (financed), no monthly mortgage insurance. Closing costs are itemized estimates for a Metro Atlanta purchase (fees vary by lender, attorney, and title company); seller credits are capped at the loan's limit (FHA 6%, conventional 3–9% by down payment; VA allows normal closing costs plus up to 4% in other concessions) and can't exceed your closing costs. A lender's Loan Estimate will show your actual numbers.
Straight Answers, Not A Sales Pitch
Written For Metro Atlanta
Local costs, timelines, and assistance programs — not generic national advice that doesn't apply here.
No Sales Pitch
Just the honest steps and numbers — the same ones I walk every client through in person.
Short & Skimmable
Five focused chapters you can actually finish, built to be referenced again as you get closer to buying.
My Promise To You
No Pressure
I won't push you toward a house, a lender, or a timeline that isn't right for you.
Straight Numbers
The costs and terms I walk you through are the real ones, not a best-case estimate.
You Talk To Me
Questions after you download the guide? I'm the one who answers them.
Before You Download
Is the guide really free?+
Yes — no cost, no catch. Fill out the short form above and you can download the guide right away.
Will you spam me?+
No. You'll get the guide, and if you'd like, a follow-up from me about your search. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Do I have to live in one of the listed counties?+
The guide is useful anywhere, but I actively work with buyers and sellers across the Metro Atlanta counties listed in the form. Select the one closest to where you're looking, or "Outside these counties / not sure yet" if none fit — I'll still follow up to point you in the right direction.
I'm not ready to buy yet — should I still download it?+
Especially then. The guide is built to help you plan months ahead, not just the week you're ready to make an offer.
Let's Talk About Your Search
Skip the guide and reach out directly for a free, no-pressure conversation about your budget, timeline, and area.