How Much Are Closing Costs in Georgia? (North GA Edition)

Brooke Dyer
Jul 17
3 min read

What Are Closing Costs?

When you buy or sell a home in Georgia, there’s more to consider than just the price of the house and down payment. Closing costs are the additional fees and expenses that come due at the closing table, outside of your down payment.

Both buyers and sellers have closing costs—so whether you’re purchasing your first home in Jackson County or selling a house in Commerce, it’s smart to know what to expect.

Average Closing Costs for Buyers in Georgia

For buyers, closing costs in Georgia typically run about 2% to 5% of the purchase price.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common fees:

Closing Cost	Estimated Amount
Loan Origination Fee	0.5% – 1% of loan
Appraisal Fee	$500 – $700
Credit Report	$30 – $50
Title Search / Title Insurance	$500 – $1,500
Attorney Fee (Georgia requires an attorney for closings)	$700 – $1,200
Survey (optional but recommended in rural areas and for land purchases)	$350 – $600
Recording Fees	$100 – $250
Prepaid Taxes & Insurance	Varies by property

Average Closing Costs for Sellers in Georgia

Sellers typically pay:

Realtor commissions: On average, 5–6% of the sale price (split between buyer’s and seller’s agents)
Attorney fees: $700 – $1,200
Transfer tax: About $1 per $1,000 of sale price
Prorated property taxes: You’ll pay for the portion of the year you owned the home

Some sellers may also agree to pay part of the buyer’s closing costs as a negotiation tool—which is becoming more common in today's (2025) North / Northeast Georgia markets.

Local Tip: Why North Georgia Closing Costs May Vary

In North Georgia—especially in smaller towns like Jefferson, Madison County, or Banks County—you may see:

Lower home prices but higher title fees (due to rural property searches)
Septic system inspections or termite letters (more common in North GA than in metro Atlanta)
Optional survey fees (recommended for acreage or non-subdivision properties)

Tips to Lower or Cover Your Closing Costs

Yes! Here are a few ways:

Ask the seller for concessions: First-time buyers frequently ask sellers to cover part—or majority—of their closing costs. Consult your Realtor or lender to confirm the maximum concession permitted under your specific loan type (e.g., FHA, VA, conventional).
Leverage “Next Door” programs & public servant grants: North Georgia homebuyers who are educators, first responders, government employees, or military personnel may qualify for no-repay grants that reduce closing costs:

Teacher Next Door / Public Servant Next Door – Offers up to $8,000 in grants for closing costs (plus up to $15,000 in down-payment assistance) to eligible teachers, police, firefighters, EMTs, government workers, and military families.
Firefighter Next Door – Provides up to $8,000 for closing costs and up to $15,000 for down payments.
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door – Delivers a 50% discount on the home’s list price in designated revitalization areas in return for a 36-month occupancy requirement.
Atlanta Fire Rescue “Housing for Heroes” – Exclusive to Atlanta-area firefighters and EMTs; offers up to $30,000 toward down payment/closing costs.

These programs can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses—be sure to discuss eligibility with your Realtor or lender so you can factor them into your overall budget.

If you’d like to explore which programs might be the best fit for your situation, reach out! I’d be happy to provide more details about these programs.

Shop around for lenders: Mortgage companies differ in their fees. Get multiple lender quotes and compare not just the interest rate but also origination fees, appraisal charges, and other lender-imposed costs.
Compare closing attorneys: In Georgia, buyers can choose their closing attorney. Fees can vary by several hundred dollars or more—so request fee schedules from 2–3 attorneys and compare inclusions like document preparation, settlement services, and title review.

CLOSING COSTS AREN'T ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL

The best way to get a personalized estimate is to work with a local real estate agent and lender who know the North Georgia market.

If you’re buying or selling in the area, I’d love to help walk you through what to expect—no surprises at the closing table!

Need Help With Your Next Move?

Let’s connect! I’ll help you understand the full picture of buying or selling in North Georgia, including what your closing costs might look like—and how to minimize them.

I’m also a Preferred Realtor with the Teacher Next Door / Next Door Program, so if you’re a teacher, first responder, healthcare worker, or government employee, I’m happy to help you navigate these programs and see what grants or assistance you may qualify for.