Tools for a smooth closing.

Calculate your fees, complete your information sheet, and find answers about Georgia property taxes and utilities, all in one place.

Attorney Fees & Title Rate Calculator

Your closing costs, itemized.

Our published fee schedule and title insurance rates, with owner’s and lender’s policies priced at simultaneous-issue rates.

  • Georgia transfer tax: $1 per $1,000 of sales price
  • Georgia intangible tax: $3 per $1,000 of loan amount
  • Title premiums at tiered rates, $200 minimum
Transaction
Estimated total
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    Property Tax Issues

    Assessments & millage, explained.

    After you buy, Georgia automatically reassesses the property based on the sales price, starting the following calendar year. Here’s what that means for you.

    What is the millage rate?
    The millage rate is multiplied by 40% of the final assessment, after exemptions, to produce each property’s tax bill. It is the same for everyone in the same county or city.
    If values go down, why are taxes still high?
    Counties still need revenue for schools, police, fire and other services. When assessments fall, the millage rate may rise to compensate.
    Can the county raise its millage rate as much as it wants?
    It must either hold at least three advertised public hearings, or keep the increase below the “rollback rate,” the rate that would keep bills about the same after lower assessments.
    How can I reduce my assessment?
    File a formal appeal (which may require an independent appraisal and hearings), file for homestead exemption on your principal residence, and check for exemptions based on age, income, disability or veteran status. These vary by county and city.
    Will I get a county bill and a city bill?
    Every Georgia property receives a county tax bill. Properties in incorporated cities, such as Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, Dunwoody or Sandy Springs, may also receive a city bill.
    Any other advice for homeowners?
    Read every assessment notice and watch the appeal and exemption deadlines. If you refinance, make sure the title didn’t change and cost you an exemption. If you move, update your mailing address with the county.
    Connecting Utilities

    Lights on, day one.

    Most Georgia natural gas customers choose a marketer (compare at psc.ga.gov). Georgia Power is the major electricity provider, though many cities supply their own. Find your local providers below.

    Fulton County

    Cobb County

    Gwinnett County

    DeKalb County

    Cherokee County

    Forsyth County

    Paulding County

    Glossary

    Georgia closing terms, translated.

    Closing Disclosure
    The lender’s form listing your final loan terms and closing costs. By federal rule you receive it before closing.
    Closing Protection Letter (CPL)
    Also called an insured closing letter. The title underwriter’s protection against certain errors or misconduct by the closing attorney in handling your funds.
    Homestead Exemption
    A property tax reduction for your principal residence. You must apply with the county, and only one per household in Georgia.
    Intangible Recording Tax
    Georgia’s tax on recording a long-term security deed, $3 per $1,000 of the loan amount.
    Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship
    A way for two or more people to own property together. When one owner dies, that owner’s share passes automatically to the surviving owner or owners, without probate. In Georgia, the deed must state the survivorship expressly.
    Lender’s Title Policy
    Title insurance protecting the lender’s interest, typically required on any financed purchase or refinance.
    Letters Testamentary
    Issued by the Probate Court, these authorize an executor to administer an estate under a will. Without a will, the court issues Letters of Administration.
    Limited Warranty Deed
    The deed used in most Georgia home sales, and the standard form called for in the Georgia REALTORS® (GAR) purchase and sale agreement. The seller conveys title to the buyer and warrants it only against claims arising while the seller owned the property. A general warranty deed goes further, warranting title against all claims, including those from before the seller’s ownership.
    Millage Rate
    The tax rate applied to 40% of a property’s assessed value, after exemptions, to calculate the tax bill.
    NRS Good Funds Policy
    To ensure that all funds are available to disburse to all parties on the day of your closing, all funds due at closing by all parties must be wired to the NRS escrow account prior to your closing.
    Owner’s Title Policy
    A one-time premium that protects your equity against hidden title defects for as long as you own the property.
    Security Deed
    Georgia’s instrument for securing a mortgage loan against real property.
    Simultaneous Issue
    Issuing the owner’s and lender’s title policies together at a reduced combined premium.
    Tenants in Common
    A way for two or more people to own property together in which each holds a separate share, which need not be equal. When an owner dies, that share passes under their will or to their heirs, not to the other owners. Georgia treats co-owners as tenants in common unless the deed says otherwise.
    Title Examination
    A search of recorded deeds, liens, affidavits and releases, plus a tax report.
    Transfer Tax
    Georgia’s real estate transfer tax, $1 per $1,000 of the sales price.