Mortgage and Lending Guidance
for NW Metro Atlanta Buyers and Sellers
Navigating financing is one of the most confusing parts of buying or selling a home. Team Haigh connects you with trusted lending partners and guides you through every step of the process.
Why It Matters
Why Financing Guidance Matters
Whether you are a first-time buyer trying to understand pre-approval, or a seller wondering how your buyer's financing affects your closing, the mortgage process is full of jargon, deadlines, and decisions. Most people feel overwhelmed before they even begin.
Team Haigh does not just hand you off to a lender and hope for the best. We help you understand your options, connect you with trusted partners, and make sure the financing side of your transaction stays on track from start to finish.
Our role means translating the mortgage process into plain English, identifying the right loan products for your situation, and making sure you are not leaving money on the table. We treat your financing as part of the overall journey, not a separate transaction.
Trusted Partner
Our Preferred Lending Partner
PLACEHOLDER -- DO NOT PUBLISH WITHOUT CONFIRMATION
User must provide: lender/partner name, company, and whether this is a referral relationship or affiliated/in-house arrangement. If affiliated/RESPA applies, add required disclosure language.
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Team Haigh works closely with [LENDER NAME] at [LENDER COMPANY] to help our clients secure competitive financing. [LENDER NAME] specializes in [loan types -- conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo] and has extensive experience serving buyers and sellers across NW Metro Atlanta.
Why we work with [LENDER NAME]
- [Reason 1] -- e.g., local knowledge of NW Metro Atlanta markets
- [Reason 2] -- e.g., competitive rates and fast closings
- [Reason 3] -- e.g., first-time buyer expertise
If affiliated arrangement: Required Disclosure: Team Haigh Realty has a business relationship with [LENDER COMPANY]. This referral is made because we believe [LENDER COMPANY] provides excellent service to our clients. You are not required to use [LENDER COMPANY] and may choose any lender.
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First-Time Buyers
Financing Basics for First-Time Buyers
Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification
Pre-Qualification
An informal estimate of what you might be able to borrow, based on self-reported income and debts. It is a starting point, not a commitment.
Pre-Approval
A formal commitment from a lender after they have verified your income, credit, assets, and debts. It carries much more weight with sellers and is essentially required in today's competitive market.
Down Payment Assistance Programs in Georgia
Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
Down payment assistance for first-time buyers, up to $10,000
Georgia Pathway to Homeownership
Similar down payment assistance for qualified buyers
FHA Loans
As low as 3.5% down payment
VA Loans
Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active military
USDA Loans
Zero down payment for eligible rural and suburban areas (parts of Paulding and Bartow counties may qualify)
Conventional Loans
Some programs allow as low as 3% down
What to Expect in the Process
Get Pre-Approved
2-3 days
Find Your Home
Weeks to months
Make an Offer
With pre-approval letter
Loan Application & Appraisal
3-4 weeks
Close
30-45 days from contract
For Sellers
Financing for Sellers
Even sellers need to understand financing, because your buyer's ability to close depends on their lender. The strongest offer in the world means nothing if the buyer cannot secure funding.
Why pre-approval matters for sellers: Accepting an offer from a pre-approved buyer reduces the risk of the deal falling through. A pre-approval letter from a reputable lender is one of the strongest signals that a buyer can perform.
Cash offers vs. financed offers: Cash offers often close faster and have fewer contingencies, but they may come in below market value. Financed offers can be higher, but carry more risk. The right choice depends on your timeline, your market, and your personal situation. We will walk through the trade-offs with you.
How buyer financing affects your closing timeline: A financed transaction typically takes 30-45 days from contract to close, while cash can close in as little as 7-14 days. Understanding these timelines helps you plan your move and your next steps.
Service Area
Areas We Serve
Team Haigh helps buyers and sellers with mortgage and lending guidance across NW Metro Atlanta. Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, we connect you with the right lending resources in your community.
Cities
Counties
Related Resources
First-Time Home Buyer Guide
Step-by-step guide to buying your first home
First-Time Buyer Cobb County
Guide for buying your first home in Cobb County
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly payments
How Much House Can You Afford?
NW Metro Atlanta affordability guide
Sell Your Home in Marietta
Complete selling guide for Marietta
Sell Your Home in Acworth
Complete selling guide for Acworth
Sell Your Home in Kennesaw
Complete selling guide for Kennesaw
Credit Score Requirements in Georgia
What credit score do you need to buy?
Closing Costs for Buyers
What to expect at closing
Why Team Haigh
Trusted for Results
360+
Homes Sold
$106M+
In Sales
AI-Certified
Listing Agents
300
5-Star Reviews
Three generations of real estate expertise since the 1920s
License #351846 (GA)
Ready to Start the Financing Conversation?
Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, we will connect you with the right lender and help you understand every step.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgage and Lending
How do I get pre-approved?
Contact a lender (we can connect you with our preferred partner) and provide documentation of your income, assets, debts, and credit history. The lender will issue a pre-approval letter stating how much you can borrow. This typically takes 1-3 days and costs nothing upfront.
What credit score do I need?
Conventional loans typically require 620+, FHA loans allow 580+ (with 3.5% down), and VA loans have no official minimum but most lenders prefer 620+. If your credit needs work, a good lender can help you create a plan to improve it before you buy.
Are there first-time buyer programs in Cobb County?
Yes. Georgia offers several down payment assistance programs including Georgia Dream and Georgia Pathway to Homeownership. FHA and USDA loans also offer low or zero down payment options. We will help you identify which programs you qualify for.
Do I have to use your recommended lender?
No. You are free to choose any lender you prefer. We recommend our partner because we have seen their rates, service, and closing speed firsthand, but the choice is always yours.
Ready to Start the Financing Conversation?
Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, we will connect you with the right lender and help you understand every step.