The Ultimate Homebuyer Checklist for Savannah, GA (2026)

Bare Real Estate  |  Savannah, GA  |  Buyer's Guide  |  May 2026

Buying a home in Savannah involves more decisions, more deadlines, and more Savannah-specific considerations than any generic homebuyer guide will tell you. Flood zones. The DreamMaker program most buyers never hear about. Historic District compliance. A 30-year fixed mortgage with a rate that changes your purchasing power by $35,000 per half-point. This checklist walks through every stage of the process — from your first credit pull to the homestead exemption filing after you close — in the sequence that actually makes sense, with the Savannah-specific details built in throughout.
Phase 1 Financial Foundation — 8 to 12 Weeks Before Searching

The buyers who have the smoothest Savannah home purchases are almost always the ones who did the financial work before they started looking at listings. Showing up at this phase after you've already fallen in love with a house you can't afford, or at a rate you don't qualify for, creates pressure that leads to poor decisions. Do this work first, without attachment to any specific property.

Credit and financial review
  • Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com — the federally mandated free source
  • Review all three reports for errors — inaccurate negative items, accounts you don't recognize, incorrect balances — and dispute any errors with the reporting bureau
  • Check your actual credit scores through your bank, credit card, or a service like Credit Karma — understand where you stand relative to loan minimums (580 FHA, 620 conventional, 640 Georgia Dream and USDA, 640+ VA lenders)
  • Calculate your current debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: total monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income. Lenders typically want total DTI below 43–45%, with housing costs below 28–31%
  • Pay down revolving credit balances (credit cards) below 30% of their limits — ideally below 10%. This is the single fastest way to improve your credit score
  • Do not open any new credit accounts, take on new debt, or make large undocumented cash deposits for at least 90 days before applying for a mortgage
Savings and financial preparation
  • Calculate your realistic target purchase price based on your income — use the 28% rule: monthly housing costs (PITI) should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income
  • Inventory your available assets: checking, savings, investment accounts. Remember that some accounts have penalties for early withdrawal or require documentation of sources
  • Calculate minimum down payment by loan type: 0% (VA, USDA), 3.5% (FHA), 3–5% (conventional first-time buyer programs), 20% (conventional without PMI)
  • Budget for closing costs separately — typically 2–5% of purchase price in addition to the down payment
  • Budget for cash reserves after closing — most lenders want to see 2–3 months of housing payments remaining in savings after close
  • Begin homebuyer education course if you're planning to use Georgia Dream — the required 8-hour HUD-approved course can be completed online in a day through eHome America; do it early, not at the last minute Required for Georgia Dream
Savannah-specific: If you're considering properties in flood zones (common on the Islands and along the Savannah River), factor flood insurance costs ($800–$3,000+ annually) into your housing budget calculation before setting a price range. This cost does not appear in listing information and surprises many buyers who don't account for it upfront.
Phase 2 Pre-Approval and Program Research

Pre-approval is not the same as pre-qualification. Pre-qualification is a lender's quick estimate based on information you self-report. Pre-approval involves actual underwriting — the lender pulls your credit, verifies your income and assets, and issues a commitment conditional on the property appraisal. In Savannah's market, a pre-approval letter is what sellers and listing agents take seriously. A pre-qualification letter is not.

Lender selection and program research
  • Research which loan type fits your situation: VA (if eligible — zero down, best rates), USDA (if targeting Effingham/Bryan County addresses — zero down), FHA (3.5% down, lower credit floor), conventional (3–20% down, best rates for 720+ credit)
  • If purchasing within Savannah city limits, contact the City of Savannah about DreamMaker eligibility before you start your lender search — you need a lender who has actually executed DreamMaker transactions, not just one who says they have
  • If income-qualified, research Georgia Dream ($10,000 standard, $12,500 PEN for public employees/nurses/veterans/educators) at dca.ga.gov — get the list of Georgia Dream participating lenders
  • If you're a veteran or active service member, pull your VA Certificate of Eligibility at va.gov before any other conversation
  • Get actual pre-approval quotes from at least two or three lenders — rates, fees, and program knowledge vary significantly between lenders in Savannah
  • Ask specifically: "How many Georgia Dream transactions have you closed?" and "How many DreamMaker transactions have you completed?" — specific numbers tell you whether they can actually execute, not just whether they've heard of the programs
Documents to gather for pre-approval
  • Two years of federal tax returns (W-2s and 1040s for employees; 1099s and business returns for self-employed)
  • Two most recent pay stubs for all employed borrowers
  • Two most recent months of bank statements for all accounts being used for down payment or reserves
  • Documentation of any other income sources (rental income, alimony, disability, Social Security)
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Social Security number for credit pull authorization
  • Current mortgage statement if you own a home (refinance or purchase with existing property)
Savannah-specific: Stacking DreamMaker and Georgia Dream simultaneously is possible and can cover a full down payment plus closing costs for qualifying buyers purchasing within Savannah city limits — but it requires a lender who has successfully executed both programs concurrently. This is a coordination that inexperienced lenders handle poorly. Verify experience before committing to a lender.
Phase 3 Home Search and Neighborhood Selection

Savannah's neighborhoods are dramatically different from each other in ways that online listing searches don't capture. A home that checks every box on paper in one neighborhood may feel completely wrong for your daily life. Define your priorities before you look at a single listing — not after you've already visited ten homes and confused yourself with options.

Define your criteria before searching
  • Identify your primary employer/commute destination and map drive times from each target neighborhood during actual peak hours (not Google's estimate at 2am)
  • Determine school zone requirements — research which specific schools serve the addresses you're considering at sccpss.com, bryancountyschools.net, or effinghamschools.com. One block can mean a different school zone
  • Decide how much walkability matters to your daily life — most of Savannah is car-dependent except the Historic District and Starland
  • Set a non-negotiable list (3 items maximum) and a nice-to-have list. Most buyers who can't make decisions have too many items on the non-negotiable list
  • Decide whether you're open to renovation — Savannah's older housing stock has significant opportunity for buyers willing to do work, at prices that reflect the effort required
Active search checklist
  • Browse current inventory across all target neighborhoods using our interactive map search
  • Get neighborhood market reports for target areas showing recent sales, days on market, and price trends at our free market report tool
  • Check the specific flood zone designation for any property you're seriously considering at msc.fema.gov Do before touring
  • For Historic District properties: confirm whether the property is a contributing or non-contributing structure — this affects future renovation requirements
  • Drive the neighborhood at different times of day and different days of the week — Tuesday at 7pm tells you different things than Saturday at noon
  • Note parking availability, noise levels, proximity to commercial activity, and anything that would affect daily life that listing photos don't show
  • Request a free home valuation on any property you're seriously considering — get one here — to confirm list price alignment with current market
Savannah-specific: The gap between what a Zestimate says and what a property will actually appraise for can be 10–20% in the Historic District and other older neighborhoods where architectural character drives value premiums that algorithms can't measure. Never use an AVM as your pricing reference for a Savannah purchase decision — use a current CMA from a local agent who has actually sold in that specific neighborhood.
Phase 4 Making an Offer

An offer is a legal contract in Georgia — not a negotiating opener that you can casually walk back. Review every element carefully before signing, and understand what each contingency does and doesn't protect.

Offer strategy checklist
  • Review the seller's listing disclosure for any known issues — in Georgia, sellers must disclose material defects they know about
  • Research recent comparable sales (your agent will prepare this) to confirm your offer price is aligned with current market value
  • Decide on earnest money amount — typically 1–3% of purchase price in Savannah; higher earnest money signals seriousness in competitive situations
  • Determine your due diligence period request — typically 10–14 days in Savannah's market. This is your inspection window and your general right to terminate for any reason
  • Determine your financing contingency terms — typically tied to your pre-approval loan type and amount
  • Determine your appraisal contingency position — in competitive Historic District situations, buyers sometimes offer an appraisal gap guarantee. Understand what this means financially before agreeing to it
  • Decide on a closing timeline that works for both your financing and your personal logistics — typically 30–45 days for conventional, 45–60 for FHA/VA, 60–75 for DPA programs
  • Consider requesting a seller concession toward closing costs or a rate buydown rather than (or in addition to) a price reduction — in many Savannah submarkets, seller concessions are realistic and can provide more financial value than equivalent price reductions

Understand what you're waiving before you waive it

In competitive situations, buyers are sometimes asked or tempted to waive contingencies — inspection, appraisal, or financing. Each waiver removes a specific protection. Waiving the inspection contingency means you cannot exit the contract based on inspection findings — if the inspection reveals a $40,000 structural problem, you either pay for it or lose your earnest money. Waiving the appraisal contingency means you're committing to cover any gap between the appraised value and your purchase price in cash. These waivers are real financial risks — never waive a contingency without fully understanding what you're giving up.

Phase 5 Due Diligence and Inspection

The due diligence period is your window to find out everything about a property before your contract becomes binding. Use all of it. A thorough due diligence period prevents expensive surprises after closing — in Savannah's older housing stock, surprises are common and can be significant.

Inspection checklist
  • Hire a home inspector with specific Savannah and coastal Georgia experience — the inspection priorities here (termites, moisture, older systems, wood rot, crawl spaces) are different from suburban Georgia
  • Hire a separate termite inspector — termite damage and activity is common in Savannah's wood-heavy construction in a humid coastal climate Savannah priority
  • Be present during the inspection, or have your agent present — walk through findings with the inspector in real time rather than reading a report cold
  • Request receipts and documentation for any recent improvements the seller claims — HVAC replacement, roof replacement, plumbing updates
  • For older properties: consider a separate roof inspection if roof age is uncertain; consider a structural engineer's evaluation if foundation or structural concerns arise
  • For properties in flood zones: assess drainage around the property and inquire about any history of flooding or water intrusion
  • Review the HOA documents if applicable — meeting minutes (for pending assessments), rules and regulations, financial statements. Budget for time to read them; issues surface here
After the inspection — decisions to make
  • Categorize inspection findings: safety items (must address), significant defects (negotiate or exit), cosmetic items (accept or negotiate), maintenance items (accept as normal)
  • Decide whether to proceed, negotiate repairs or credits, or terminate (within the due diligence period)
  • If negotiating: request repairs from licensed contractors, or request a credit toward closing costs or purchase price reduction rather than seller-completed repairs — seller repairs are often done to minimum standard
  • Get contractor estimates for any major items you're taking on — this converts "big scary inspection finding" into an actual dollar number you can budget for
  • Verify STVR certificate status if the property has been operating as a short-term rental — certificates don't transfer; you have six months after closing to apply for a new one as a city-limit property owner
Savannah-specific: Historic District inspections should specifically address any exterior modifications that may have been made without a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Unpermitted exterior alterations create compliance issues that become your problem after closing. Ask the seller and review any available records — your agent can assist with this research.
Phase 6 Appraisal and Financing Lock

Once you've completed due diligence and confirmed you're proceeding, your lender orders the appraisal and you begin the active mortgage underwriting process. This phase has specific timing requirements — missing them can jeopardize your closing date.

Financing and appraisal checklist
  • Lock your interest rate once you've confirmed you're proceeding — rate locks typically run 30–60 days; confirm the lock covers your closing date
  • Respond to all underwriter requests immediately — delayed responses are the most common cause of extended closing timelines
  • Do not make any large purchases, open new credit accounts, change jobs, or make undocumented deposits during this period — these trigger additional underwriting review that can delay or kill the loan
  • Confirm the appraisal is ordered and track its timeline — Historic District properties may take 10–15 business days versus 5–7 for standard suburban properties
  • If buying in the Historic District: confirm your lender is requesting an appraiser with specific Savannah Historic District experience — non-specialist appraisers sometimes undervalue historic properties due to limited comparable knowledge
  • Review the appraisal report when it's delivered — verify the square footage, comparable properties used, and adjustments are accurate
  • If the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, review your options: Reconsideration of Value (ROV) with additional comp data, price renegotiation, appraisal gap coverage, or contingency exit
Insurance — arrange before closing
  • Shop homeowner's insurance and bind a policy before closing — your lender needs proof of insurance to close
  • For coastal, island, or low-lying Savannah properties: verify flood zone and get flood insurance if required or advisable — standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage Critical for flood zones
  • For historic homes: seek carriers experienced with historic properties; standard policies may not adequately cover the cost of period-appropriate restoration
  • Confirm coverage amounts are sufficient for full replacement value — not just the purchase price
  • For properties in homeowner associations: confirm what the HOA's master policy covers versus what you need to cover individually
Phase 7 Final Walkthrough and Closing Preparation

The final walkthrough is your last opportunity to confirm the property is in the condition you agreed to purchase it in. This is not the time to be casual — take it seriously and check everything on this list systematically.

Final walkthrough checklist
  • Schedule the final walkthrough as close to closing as practical — typically 24–48 hours before
  • Confirm agreed-upon repairs have been completed — bring the inspection report and repair request list
  • Test every light switch, outlet, and appliance that was present at the time of offer
  • Run every faucet and flush every toilet — confirm water pressure and drainage
  • Test the HVAC system on both heat and cool modes
  • Check that no fixtures, appliances, or items specifically included in the purchase contract have been removed
  • Inspect the exterior — confirm no new damage, tree damage, or changes since your inspection
  • Confirm the property is substantially vacant (if it was supposed to be) and in broom-clean condition
Closing preparation
  • Review the Closing Disclosure (CD) — you're entitled to receive it 3 business days before closing. Compare every line to your Loan Estimate. Unexplained increases in lender fees are negotiable
  • Confirm the wire transfer amount and instructions for your down payment and closing costs with the closing attorney or title company — and confirm those instructions by phone before wiring anything. Wire fraud targeting real estate closings is common and devastating
  • Bring government-issued photo ID to closing
  • Confirm all contingencies have been satisfied or waived in writing before closing day
  • Set up utilities to transfer to your name on or before the closing date — Georgia Power, water/sewer, and internet all require advance notice

Wire fraud is the biggest financial threat in real estate closings

Real estate wire fraud is among the fastest-growing financial crimes in the United States. Criminals intercept email communications, pose as your closing attorney or title company, and send fraudulent wire instructions to redirect your closing funds. Never wire money based solely on email instructions. Call the closing attorney or title company directly using a phone number you independently verified — not one provided in the suspicious email — to confirm wire instructions before initiating any transfer. Once wired to a fraudulent account, these funds are almost never recovered.

Phase 8 Closing Day

Closing day is the culmination of weeks of preparation, but it still requires your full attention. Georgia requires a licensed attorney to conduct the closing — you'll be signing a substantial volume of documents. Read what you're signing, ask questions about anything unclear, and don't rush.

Closing day checklist
  • Bring government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport) — the closing attorney is legally required to verify your identity
  • Confirm your wire transfer arrived and was received by the closing attorney before your appointment — wires occasionally have delays
  • Bring your certified copy of homeowner's insurance and flood insurance (if applicable)
  • Review the final settlement statement (ALTA/HUD-1) at closing — confirm all numbers match the Closing Disclosure you reviewed in advance
  • Read and understand the promissory note — this is your legal commitment to repay the loan under specific terms
  • Understand the deed of trust or security deed — this is what gives the lender the right to foreclose if the loan defaults
  • Confirm how and when your first mortgage payment is due — typically the first of the month after a 30-day period following closing
  • Receive the keys, garage remotes, gate codes, HOA access cards, and any other access items from the seller's agent or attorney
  • Confirm deed recording timeline — in Georgia, the deed is typically recorded same day or within a day or two of closing
Phase 9 After Closing — First 30 to 90 Days

The transaction is complete, but the homeownership checklist isn't done. Several items must happen within specific timeframes after closing — miss them and you leave money on the table or create legal exposure.

Immediate post-closing (first week)
  • Change all locks on every exterior door — you don't know how many copies of the previous keys exist
  • Locate and photograph your electrical panel, water shutoff, and gas shutoff — document their locations before you need them in an emergency
  • Update your address with USPS, banks, employer, voter registration, insurance policies, and subscriptions
  • Keep copies of all closing documents in a secure location — you will need these at tax time and at future sale
  • If your property is within Savannah city limits and previously operated as an STVR: begin your new STVR certificate application immediately — you have six months from the closing date, and this six-month window protects your position in capped wards 6-month deadline in capped STVR wards
First 30 days
  • Apply for Chatham County homestead exemption with the Board of Assessors — reduces property tax assessed value. Must be filed by April 1 to take effect for the current tax year; file immediately after closing if April 1 hasn't passed April 1 annual cutoff
  • Contact Chatham County Board of Assessors about any additional exemptions: senior homeowners, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses may qualify for enhanced exemptions
  • Schedule HVAC service if you haven't confirmed system condition — document service for your records and establish the service relationship before a breakdown
  • Verify active termite bond if the property has one; confirm service company contact and renewal date
  • If purchasing with VA loan: confirm any VA funding fee was properly handled at closing; retain your VA Certificate of Eligibility
First 90 days and beyond
  • Set up automatic mortgage payments — late mortgage payments damage credit and trigger fees; automation prevents accidents
  • Create a home maintenance calendar — Savannah's humidity requires specific seasonal maintenance that can be forgotten without a system
  • Establish a home maintenance reserve — budget 1–2% of home value annually for routine and unexpected maintenance
  • If you used Georgia Dream or DreamMaker, understand the repayment conditions — these are deferred loans that become repayable when you sell, refinance, or move out
  • Consult a CPA about first-year homeownership tax implications — mortgage interest deduction, property tax deduction, points deductibility for the purchase year
  • If you paid PMI, note the date your loan balance will reach 80% LTV — you can request PMI cancellation at that point, eliminating a recurring monthly cost
Savannah-specific: The homestead exemption deadline is April 1 — not April 15 like tax season, not whenever you get around to it. Set a calendar reminder the moment you close. Buyers who purchase after April 1 should file for the following year immediately after closing rather than waiting until the following spring. Contact the Chatham County Board of Assessors at 912-652-7275 to file.

What Buying a Home in Savannah Actually Costs

The purchase price is the number everyone focuses on. The numbers below are what actually comes out of pocket — the costs that exist in addition to the down payment that many buyers aren't fully prepared for.

2–5% Typical buyer closing costs as a percentage of purchase price
$400–$500+ Home appraisal cost — $500–$700 for Historic District properties
$350–$500 Home inspection — more for complex or historic properties

Typical buyer closing costs — $340K purchase

  • Loan origination fee: $1,700–$3,400 (0.5–1%)
  • Appraisal: $400–$700
  • Title search and insurance: $1,000–$2,000
  • Closing attorney fee: $500–$1,000
  • Recording fees: $100–$300
  • Prepaid homeowner's insurance: $1,500–$4,000/yr
  • Prepaid property taxes: varies by closing date
  • Prepaid mortgage interest: varies by closing date
  • Total estimate: $6,800–$17,000+

Savannah-specific additional costs to budget

  • Flood insurance (if in flood zone): $800–$3,000+/yr
  • Termite inspection: $75–$150
  • Termite bond activation: $200–$500
  • Homebuyer education course (Georgia Dream): ~$99
  • STVR certificate application (if applicable): varies
  • Zoning Confirmation Letter (Historic District): $50
  • Move-in costs: widely variable

How down payment assistance changes the cost picture

For qualifying buyers purchasing within Savannah city limits, DreamMaker ($7,500 standard) plus Georgia Dream PEN ($12,500 for qualifying professions) can together cover the full down payment and significant closing costs on a moderately priced home — reducing out-of-pocket costs to the Georgia Dream minimum $1,000 personal contribution. This changes the financial picture dramatically for buyers who know these programs exist and who work with lenders experienced in executing them. Contact our team for lender referrals with specific DreamMaker and Georgia Dream experience.

Frequently Asked Questions: Buying a Home in Savannah, GA

How long does it take to buy a home in Savannah, GA?

The active purchase process from accepted offer to closing typically runs 30–45 days for conventional financing, 45–60 days for FHA or VA loans, and 60–75 days for transactions using DreamMaker or Georgia Dream assistance due to additional processing requirements. The preparation phase before searching (credit review, pre-approval, down payment assembly) can take weeks to months depending on your starting financial position. Total time from "I want to buy" to keys realistically runs 3–6 months for most Savannah buyers who start the process in good order. Historic District properties with FHA or VA financing may take longer if appraisal triggers property condition requirements.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Savannah, GA?

Minimum credit scores by loan type: FHA — 580 for 3.5% down; VA — no official minimum but most lenders require 620–640; USDA — typically 640; Georgia Dream — 640; conventional — 620 minimum, 680+ for competitive rates. The higher your score above these floors, the lower your interest rate — a 760+ score versus 680 can mean 0.75–1.25% lower rate, translating to $150–$250 more per month and potentially $90,000 more in total interest over 30 years. Improving your score before applying is one of the highest-return actions a prospective Savannah buyer can take.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Savannah?

Major programs for Savannah-area buyers in 2026: DreamMaker (City of Savannah) — up to $7,500 standard, up to $50,000 in redevelopment areas, 0% interest 30-year deferred for purchases within city limits. Georgia Dream — $10,000 standard, $12,500 PEN (public employees, nurses, veterans, educators), 0% deferred second mortgage statewide. VA — zero down for eligible veterans. USDA — zero down for qualifying Effingham and Bryan County addresses. DreamMaker and Georgia Dream can be stacked for qualifying city-limit buyers, potentially covering the full down payment and significant closing costs. Verify program eligibility and find experienced lenders before beginning your search.

What is earnest money and how much do I need in Savannah?

Earnest money (good faith deposit) is paid by the buyer when submitting an offer and held in escrow, crediting toward down payment or closing costs at closing. In Savannah's market, earnest money typically runs 1–3% of the purchase price ($3,400–$10,200 on a $340,000 home). Higher earnest money makes an offer more competitive in multiple-offer situations. It's refundable if the transaction falls through due to contingency failure (inspection, financing, appraisal) — it's at risk only if the buyer defaults without a contractual contingency covering the exit.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Savannah, GA?

Buyer closing costs typically run 2–5% of the purchase price in addition to the down payment — $6,800–$17,000 on a $340,000 purchase. They include loan origination fees, appraisal ($400–$500+), title search and insurance ($1,000–$2,000), attorney fees ($500–$1,000 — Georgia is an attorney-closing state), recording fees, prepaid property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and prepaid mortgage interest. Savannah-specific additions: flood insurance premium where required, termite inspection, and for Historic District properties, a Zoning Confirmation Letter ($50). DreamMaker and Georgia Dream can be applied toward closing costs to reduce out-of-pocket requirements.

Do I need a real estate attorney to buy a home in Georgia?

Yes — Georgia is an attorney-closing state. A licensed Georgia attorney must oversee and conduct the closing. The closing attorney represents the lender's interest in ensuring clean title and properly executed loan documents. As a buyer, you can additionally hire your own attorney to represent your interests specifically, though this is separate from the closing attorney. Attorney fees typically run $500–$1,000 and are standard closing cost items. Your agent and lender typically work with experienced closing attorneys they've successfully partnered with — that established relationship makes closings smoother.

What should I look for in a home inspection in Savannah?

Savannah inspections should specifically prioritize: termite damage and current activity (coastal Georgia's wood construction in humid climate makes this essential — get a separate termite inspector); HVAC condition and age (a non-functional AC in Savannah summers is a habitability issue); roof condition and remaining life; wood rot on porch elements, window frames, and trim; crawl space moisture and vapor barrier; electrical panel type and capacity (older homes may have obsolete systems); and for Historic District properties, any evidence of exterior alterations that may lack required COA approval. Use an inspector specifically experienced with older Savannah properties — the priorities here differ meaningfully from suburban Georgia.

Do I need flood insurance when buying in Savannah?

Potentially yes — verify by specific address at msc.fema.gov before making any offer. Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage anywhere. Savannah has significant FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, particularly on the coastal islands, near the Savannah River, and in low-lying areas. Lenders must require flood insurance for high-risk zone properties. Even in moderate-risk zones, flood insurance merits evaluation. Flood insurance adds $800–$3,000+ annually — factor this into your total monthly housing cost calculation when comparing properties.

What is the due diligence period in Georgia real estate?

Georgia's due diligence period is the contractual inspection window during which buyers can investigate the property and terminate for any reason without losing earnest money. In Savannah's market this typically runs 10–14 days, negotiated in the contract. During due diligence, buyers complete inspections, review HOA documents, verify school zones and property boundaries, check flood status, and address all property questions. After due diligence expires, exiting the contract requires a specific contingency (financing, appraisal) rather than general right to terminate — earnest money becomes more at risk.

What is the homestead exemption and when do I apply in Georgia?

Georgia's homestead exemption reduces your primary residence's assessed value for property tax purposes. In Chatham County, the standard exemption reduces assessed value by $15,000 for county taxes and $12,000 for school taxes — a meaningful annual savings. Apply with the Chatham County Board of Assessors (912-652-7275) by April 1 to take effect for the current tax year. If you close after April 1, file immediately after closing for the following year. Additional exemptions are available for seniors, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses — ask specifically when you apply.

Ready to start your Savannah home search?

This checklist covers the process. A local agent covers the judgment — which neighborhoods actually fit your life, which listings are worth your time, and where the leverage is in each specific negotiation. That's what we do.

Talk to Our Team Browse Savannah Listings