Buyer Guide

Your 10-step roadmap to buying a home in the CSRA.

From your first credit check to your homestead exemption — walk through every step, track your progress, and get local insight from Shontelle along the way.

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Step 1 of 10

Assess financial readiness

Know your numbers before you fall in love with a house.

Credit score

Most programs start at 580–640. Pull all three reports and dispute errors early — small bumps can lower your rate.

Savings

Plan for down payment, closing costs (typically 2–5%), inspection, appraisal, and a moving cushion.

Down payment myths

You don't need 20%. VA and USDA allow 0% down; FHA 3.5%; Conventional 97 just 3%.

Budget

Aim for a total monthly payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) you can carry comfortably, not just what you qualify for.

CSRA local insight

Georgia Dream and SC Housing offer down payment assistance, and CSRA property taxes are well below the national average — your dollar stretches further here.

Checklist

Pull credit reports from all 3 bureaus
Calculate monthly take-home budget
Total up savings for down payment + closing
Research down payment assistance eligibility

Milestone: You know your comfortable price range.

Questions? Book a call with Shontelle

Ready to start your journey?

Get the First-Time Buyer Guide and a personal follow-up from Shontelle — or schedule a consultation.