Real Estate Law in Georgia

Georgia is an attorney state for real estate closings — Georgia law requires an attorney to supervise closing transactions. This provides buyer protection but increases closing costs compared to non-attorney states. Standard attorney closing fees range from $700-$1,800 for residential transactions. Georgia transfer taxes are $1 per $1,000 of value (one of the lowest rates nationally), and intangible taxes on mortgages are $1.50 per $500. Property taxes vary dramatically by county — Fulton County has among the highest rates while rural counties offer significant tax advantages. Georgia's homestead exemption provides up to $2,000 off assessed value for property taxes. Title insurance is required by virtually all lenders and costs approximately $3.50-$4.50 per $1,000 of coverage. Georgia has specific disclosure requirements for lead paint, septic systems, and flood zones. The state's rapid growth in metro Atlanta suburbs creates complex issues with new construction, HOA governance, and annexation effects on property taxes.