There's no question that buying a home is a unique process!

There's no question that buying a home is a unique process. If you're looking to purchase a home, there are a number of specific considerations you should keep in mind.

There are a few main differences between buying a home in Georgia an elsewhere in the country:

Escrow companies handle closings -- Once an offer is accepted, the agreement and down payment check will be deposited "in escrow". This allows both parties to deal with each other without risk.
� Buyer deposits all money necessary for the purchase of the home in escrow, which is not paid by the escrow company until all conditions have been met.
� Seller deposits deed and other documents in escrow, which is not given to buyer until money has been paid.

You'll sign a deed of trust (also known as a trust deed) instead of a mortgage -- Similar, but different from a mortgage, a deed of trust names three parties:
� Borrower
� Lender
� Trustee -- The trustee is an independent third party that has the power to sell the home if the borrower defaults on the loan.

There are extra insurance considerations --there are many natural disaster hazards that may require additional insurance:
� Flood hazard areas
� Dam inundation
� High fires

By: Dan Huphrey