First-Time Home Buyer Services in Savannah, GA
Most first-time buyers don't need a pep talk. They need someone to tell them what they can afford, what money is available to help and which houses to skip.
Bare Real Estate helps first-time home buyers in Savannah, GA go from "maybe next year" to the closing table. That includes your budget, down payment assistance, home loans for first-time buyers, the search, the offer and inspections. If you've been looking for a real estate advisor near Savannah who will be straight with you, here's how we work and what's available to you right now.
Why 2026 Is a Better Year to Buy Your First Home in Savannah
A few years ago, first-time buyers in Savannah were losing bidding wars to cash offers. That's changed. Savannah's median sale price was about $335,000 in September 2026, down 1.5% from a year earlier, and homes are taking longer to sell. (Redfin) More homes on the market means you can ask for inspection repairs, closing cost help from the seller or both, which were hard to get in 2022.
Rents are also softer, so there's no rush to sign another lease. Use that time to get your credit, savings and loan approval in order, then buy the right house instead of the first one you can get.
Your First-Time Buyer Game Plan
This is the timeline we walk clients through. Start wherever you are now.
6+ months out
Pull your credit reports, pay down card balances and stop opening new accounts. Most assistance programs need a credit score of at least 640.
3–6 months out
Take a HUD-approved homebuyer education class. Many assistance programs require it. Start saving receipts and keep large deposits documented.
1–3 months out
Talk to two or three lenders and get a full pre-approval, not just a prequalification. Ask each lender which assistance programs they offer.
Shopping
Tour homes with us. We'll check flood zone, insurance cost, HOA rules and whether the address is inside city limits before you fall in love with a house.
Under contract
Inspection, appraisal and final loan approval, usually 30–45 days. We negotiate repairs and keep the lender, the closing attorney and the seller's agent on schedule.
After closing
File for your homestead exemption by April 1 of the next year to lower your property taxes. We'll remind you when it's time.
Home Loans for First-Time Buyers in Savannah, GA
We're not a lender, but we've closed enough first-time purchases to know which loans tend to fit which buyers. Here's a quick overview. For a full comparison, read our guide to the best mortgages for first-time buyers in Savannah.
| Loan type | Minimum down payment | Often a good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| FHA | 3.5% | Buyers with lower credit scores or higher debt |
| Conventional (first-time buyer options) | 3% | Good credit. PMI can come off later. |
| VA | 0% | Veterans and service members, including those at Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart |
| USDA | 0% | Eligible rural areas in Effingham and Bryan counties |
| Georgia Dream first mortgage | $1,000 from your own funds | First-time buyers within the income limits who want down payment assistance |
Two things most first-time buyers don't realize. First, mortgage insurance doesn't last forever on most conventional loans. Our post on how to get rid of PMI explains how. Second, sometimes asking the seller to pay for a lower rate beats negotiating the price down. Here's how to do that math, and how interest rates affect your buying power.
Down Payment Help Available in Savannah
Here's a quick summary of the main programs. Our complete down payment assistance guide and local grants and programs guide go into the details.
- Georgia Dream (statewide). First-time buyers can get 5% of the price, up to $10,000. Protectors, educators and nurses or other healthcare workers, and households with a member who has a disability, can get 6%, up to $12,500. The assistance is a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payment, repaid when you sell or refinance. (Georgia DCA)
- City of Savannah DreamMaker. Up to $30,000 for most homes, or up to $50,000 for homes the city helped develop. It's a 2%, 30-year deferred loan, and household income limits apply. The home must be inside Savannah city limits. (City of Savannah)
- Employer programs. Eligible Georgia Ports Authority and St. Joseph's/Candler employees can get $7,500 forgivable loans. City of Savannah employees can get up to $15,000. You may be able to combine these with DreamMaker. (City of Savannah)
Watch for the city limits. A lot of homes with a "Savannah, GA" mailing address aren't actually in the city, including parts of the Southside, Georgetown and the islands. Those homes don't qualify for DreamMaker. We check every address before you make an offer.
Savannah Surprises First-Time Buyers Should Know About
- Flood zones change your payment. Two homes at the same price can differ by $100 or more a month once flood insurance is added. Ask for the flood zone early.
- Older homes need a sewer scope. Midtown, Eastside and Victorian District homes often have original clay or cast-iron sewer lines. A camera inspection costs about $200 and can save you thousands.
- Your property taxes will change after you buy. The seller's tax bill isn't yours. Your taxes are based on your purchase price and whether you file for the homestead exemption. See our guide to Savannah property taxes and closing costs.
- Read the HOA documents. Newer neighborhoods in Pooler and Richmond Hill often have rules about fences, parking and rentals. Read them before you sign, not after.
- Georgia closings use an attorney. A real estate attorney handles your closing. We help you understand the timeline and line up your cash to close.
Where First-Time Buyers Are Finding Homes
Here are a few starting points, depending on your budget and commute:
- Inside Savannah city limits (DreamMaker-eligible): Eastside Savannah, Avondale, Victory Heights, Kensington Park, Gordonston, Thomas Square and Midtown.
- Southside and suburbs: Georgetown, Southbridge, Oakdale and White Bluff.
- West and outside Chatham County, for more house for the money: Pooler, Savannah Quarters, Rincon, Guyton, Springfield and Richmond Hill.
- Condos and townhomes: Start with Savannah condos for sale or townhomes. A condo near the Historic District or on Wilmington Island can cost less than a house in the same area.
What You Get Working With Bare Real Estate
For first-time buyers, a good real estate advisor near Savannah does more than open doors. Here's what we do for you:
- Review your budget, including taxes, insurance and HOA dues, not just the loan payment.
- Introduce you to local lenders who actually offer Georgia Dream and DreamMaker loans.
- Check city limits, flood zone and insurance cost before you tour.
- Price your offers using recent comparable sales and negotiate for seller-paid closing costs where it makes sense.
- Attend inspections, request repairs and keep everyone on schedule through closing.
Broker Danny Worsley and our team also run a property management company. If you ever want to keep your first home as a rental, we can tell you what it would rent for before you buy. See more about our buyer's agent services, or when you're ready to move up, our selling agent services.
Helpful reading: the Savannah homebuyer checklist, common buyer questions, the moving checklist, our guide for first-time buyers and sellers and the real estate glossary. Not ready to buy yet? Browse Savannah rentals while you save.
Frequently Asked Questions for First-Time Home Buyers in Savannah
What home loans are available for first-time buyers in Savannah, GA?
The most common are FHA loans (3.5% down), conventional loans for first-time buyers (as little as 3% down), VA loans (0% down for eligible veterans and service members), USDA loans (0% down in eligible rural areas) and Georgia Dream loans, which come with down payment assistance.
How much down payment assistance can I get in Savannah?
Georgia Dream offers 5% of the price, up to $10,000, or 6%, up to $12,500, for protectors, educators, nurses and healthcare workers, and households with a disability. The City of Savannah's DreamMaker program offers up to $30,000, or up to $50,000 on homes the city helped develop, for homes inside city limits. Some employers add $7,500 to $15,000.
Is DreamMaker a grant?
No. DreamMaker is a 2% interest, 30-year deferred loan. You make no monthly payments, but you repay it if you sell, refinance or stop living in the home. Georgia Dream assistance is a 0% deferred second mortgage.
What credit score do I need to buy my first home in Savannah?
Georgia Dream requires at least 640. FHA loans can go lower with some lenders, and conventional loans usually need at least 620. A higher score lowers your rate and your mortgage insurance cost.
Who counts as a first-time home buyer?
For most programs, it's someone who hasn't owned their main home in the past three years. Some Georgia Dream options and veterans have exceptions, so ask your lender.
How much money do I need to buy a house in Savannah?
Plan for your down payment, closing costs (often 2–4% of the price), an inspection and appraisal (about $600–$1,000 combined) and some reserves. Down payment assistance and seller-paid closing costs can cut your cash needs by a lot.
What's the median home price in Savannah right now?
About $335,000 as of September 2026, according to Redfin. Condos, townhomes and homes in Pooler, Rincon, Guyton and Springfield offer options at a range of first-time buyer budgets.
Does my Savannah address qualify for DreamMaker?
Only if the home is inside Savannah city limits. Many homes with a Savannah mailing address are in unincorporated Chatham County and don't qualify. Pooler, Tybee Island, Garden City and Thunderbolt are also outside the program.
Do I have to pay a buyer's agent as a first-time buyer?
Buyer agent compensation is agreed to in writing before you tour, and it's often paid by the seller as part of the deal. We explain your options up front so there are no surprises.
How long does it take to buy a first home in Savannah?
Once you're under contract, closing usually takes 30–45 days. Loans with down payment assistance may take a little longer because of extra paperwork and, for DreamMaker, a city inspection.
What is the homestead exemption in Chatham County?
It's a property tax reduction for homeowners who live in their home as their main residence on January 1. In Chatham County, file by April 1 of the year after you buy.
How do I find a real estate advisor near Savannah for first-time buyers?
Look for a local agent who works with assistance programs, checks flood zones and city limits, and will walk you through the full cost of owning, not just the price. Call Bare Real Estate at (912) 777-2511 for a free first-time buyer consultation.
Meet With a First-Time Buyer Advisor in Savannah
Bare Real Estate & Property Management is at 523 Jackson Blvd in Savannah, GA 31405, near Midtown and a few minutes from downtown. First-time home buyers meet with us here to go over budgets, home loan options and down payment assistance before shopping for homes in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon and the rest of Chatham County.
Bare Real Estate & Property Management · First-Time Home Buyer Services in Savannah, GA · 523 Jackson Blvd, Savannah, GA 31405 · (912) 777-2511
Ready to Buy Your First Home in Savannah?
Bring your questions, credit score and savings goals. We'll help you build a plan and connect you with lenders who know the local assistance programs. Read more on our blog or contact our team.