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Serving Augusta

Mortgage Broker in Augusta, GA

Augusta stands out for relative affordability in Georgia, with a strong first-time-buyer and VA market across Richmond County. Whether you are buying your first home, relocating for work or military assignment, or moving up without stretching the payment, the right program and a clear cash-to-close plan matter more than chasing every listing. We start with your real budget and keep the file moving.

What this means for buyers here: at an estimated ~$225,000 median, FHA, conventional 3% down, and VA $0 down are especially practical. Treat the median as a planning estimate and confirm current market data when you are ready to write offers.

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Rather talk now? Call (480) 636-6573 or text Keith. Reviewed by Keith Lopez, NMLS #2814077 · Updated August 2026

Quick answer

Who can help me get a mortgage in Augusta, GA?

Keith Lopez (NMLS #2814077) is a mortgage broker serving Augusta buyers through NEXA Mortgage, with access to 300+ lenders. In Richmond County, the 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 and the FHA limit is $541,287. Many buyers can put as little as 3% down on a conventional loan, 3.5% on FHA, or 0% with VA or USDA where eligible.

Market Snapshot

Augusta housing market, at a glance.

Last updated: August 2026

Median Sale Price
~$225,000

Typical range: attainable single-family homes across much of the metro, with higher prices in select established neighborhoods.

Source: Redfin

Market figures are estimates from public data as of the date shown and change over time.

Loan programs

Loan Programs That Work in Augusta

Here is how the main programs look against local prices, then we match the right one to your file on a Mortgage Strategy Session.

Program eligibility, guidelines, and pricing are set by the applicable investor, agency, or program and are subject to change without notice. Not all applicants will qualify. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend.

2026 Loan Limits

Richmond County

Limit type Single-family
Conforming limit $832,750
FHA limit $541,287
Cash to close

Lowering your cash to close

On an estimated ~$225,000 purchase, FHA 3.5% is about $7,875, conventional 3% is about $6,750, and VA can be $0 down for eligible buyers. Gift funds and seller-paid closing costs can reduce what you bring to the table.

First-time & assistance

Local assistance paths buyers ask about in Augusta

Programs change. On a Mortgage Strategy Session we check what may fit your income, purchase price, and county, without treating any program as a guarantee.

  • Chenoa Fund (FHA down payment assistance)

    The Chenoa Fund, from CBC Mortgage Agency, is the down payment assistance I can place. It pairs an FHA 30-year fixed first mortgage with a second mortgage for 3.5% or 5% of the sales price or appraised value, whichever is less. The forgivable option has 0% interest and no monthly payment and is forgiven after three years of on-time payments on the FHA loan. The repayable option is a 10-year second mortgage with a monthly payment. There are no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement, but the home must be your primary residence (1 to 2 units), and credit and underwriting requirements apply. Refinancing the FHA loan during the first three years can cancel the forgiveness, so it suits buyers who plan to keep the loan at least that long. For a Augusta purchase, I compare it with a standard FHA loan and other low-down options. Program terms and availability change with market conditions, so I confirm current terms for your file before you count on it.

    Learn more →

  • Georgia Dream (Georgia Department of Community Affairs)

    Georgia Dream, from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, pairs a first mortgage with a 0% second mortgage for down payment help that has no monthly payment. The standard option is 5% of the price or $10,000, whichever is less, with a larger option for eligible protectors, educators, nurses, and households that include a member living with a disability. It is built for first-time buyers, has income and sales-price limits, requires at least $1,000 of your own funds, and is repaid when you sell, refinance, or move out. State housing agency programs like this are offered only through participating lenders. As a broker, I confirm whether one of my wholesale lenders participates before recommending it for your Augusta purchase, so treat it as an option to ask about rather than a promise.

    Learn more →
Neighborhoods

Augusta neighborhoods, and how financing often fits

Mortgage lending is not one-size-fits-all across Augusta. Price bands, condo rules, flood zones, and buyer profiles change by pocket. Use this as orientation, then we match a program to your file.

  • Central Augusta

    Urban-adjacent and employment-convenient.

    Central Augusta mixes starter homes, renovated properties, and proximity to work and medical employers. First-time buyers often begin here when they want a shorter commute. Condition varies, so inspections matter for both negotiation and loan program standards. Low-down options are frequently part of the conversation at typical price points.

    Price band
    Often near or below the metro median.
    Loan fit (educational)
    FHA, conventional 3% down, and VA for eligible buyers.

    Watchouts: Older homes may need repairs that affect FHA or VA minimum property requirements.

  • West Augusta

    Suburban, family-oriented, and retail-accessible.

    West Augusta is a frequent choice for move-up buyers seeking more space and newer subdivisions. Pricing can sit above central entry points while remaining attainable relative to larger Georgia metros. HOAs appear in some communities. A clear payment target keeps comparisons with Martinez and Evans grounded.

    Price band
    Often near or modestly above the metro median.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional, FHA, and VA are commonly discussed.

  • Summerville (Augusta)

    Historic, leafy, and neighborhood-scaled.

    Summerville is one of Augusta's more established historic residential pockets, with character homes and tree-lined streets. Buyers who want charm should budget for older systems. Financing follows standard guidelines, with condition influencing FHA or VA paths. Appraisals need care when renovations exceed nearby comps.

    Price band
    Often above more attainable Augusta averages for renovated homes.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional is typical. FHA when condition aligns.

  • South and east Augusta

    Practical residential with varied housing ages.

    South and east areas often include some of the metro's more attainable single-family choices. Entry-level buyers should still plan for closing costs and possible repairs beyond the down payment. Program choice depends on credit, cash, and property condition. Educational budgeting beats stretching to the absolute maximum approval.

    Price band
    Often among the more attainable local bands.
    Loan fit (educational)
    FHA and conventional low-down options are frequently a fit.

  • Martinez and Columbia County-adjacent

    Suburban growth just outside Augusta proper.

    Many Augusta shoppers also tour Martinez and nearby Columbia County addresses for schools and suburban stock. Cross-county searches work best with one financing plan already in place. Taxes and insurance can differ from Richmond County. Treat the comparison as part of the same Mortgage Strategy Session.

    Price band
    Often above central Augusta for similar newer homes.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional, FHA, and VA depending on price and eligibility.

  • North Augusta-adjacent

    Cross-river suburban alternative in the CSRA.

    Some buyers compare North Augusta, South Carolina, in the same search as Richmond County homes. That can mean different closing customs and state rules on the same tour weekend. Financing can still be coordinated, but disclosures and closing parties may differ. Clarify which state you are buying in before you write terms.

    Price band
    Varies; compare total payment, not only list price.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Same core programs, with state-specific closing practice differences.

    Watchouts: SC versus GA closing norms and tax structures should be reviewed with your agent and attorney or title team.

  • Areas near Fort Gordon

    Military-influenced residential demand.

    Military-connected buyers often prioritize proximity to Fort Gordon and VA-friendly timelines. PCS dates can compress the underwriting calendar. VA financing is frequently part of the educational conversation for eligible households. Early document collection helps when report dates are fixed.

    Price band
    Wide range depending on subdivision and home age.
    Loan fit (educational)
    VA is often discussed for eligible buyers. FHA and conventional remain alternatives.

  • Evans-adjacent

    Newer suburban communities with retail access.

    Evans and nearby growth pockets attract move-up buyers comparing newer homes and amenity-oriented subdivisions. Prices can run higher than central Augusta. Include HOA dues in monthly planning. Financing is usually conventional at those price points, with VA still relevant for eligible buyers.

    Price band
    Often above the Augusta city median.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional and VA are common. FHA when price sits under limits.
Buying in GA

A quick note on closing in Georgia.

Georgia closings are typically handled by a closing attorney who oversees the title work and the settlement. Two state taxes show up: the real estate transfer tax on the deed ($1 per $1,000 of the price, usually a seller cost) and the intangible recording tax on a new long-term mortgage ($1.50 per $500 of the loan amount, capped at $25,000), which usually lands on the buyer's side. On a $320,000 loan, the intangible tax is $960, so I build it into your cash-to-close estimate from day one. Your closing attorney confirms the final figures.

See all Georgia markets →

Local questions

Buying in Augusta, answered straight.

  • How much do I need for a down payment in Augusta?

    On the estimated ~$225,000 median, about $7,875 with FHA (3.5%) or $6,750 with a 3%-down conventional loan. VA can be $0 down for eligible buyers.

  • What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Richmond County?

    $541,287 for a single-family home, per HUD, so Augusta homes at typical price points sit well under the FHA cap. Columbia County and the South Carolina side of the metro share the same limit.

  • Can I use a VA loan near Fort Gordon?

    Yes, if you are eligible. Fort Gordon (the Army restored that name in 2025 after a stretch as Fort Eisenhower) drives steady VA demand across Augusta, Martinez, Evans, and Grovetown. VA offers $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance, and veterans receiving VA disability compensation are generally exempt from the funding fee.

  • I have PCS orders to Fort Gordon. Can I buy before I arrive?

    Often yes. VA allows you to close before you report as long as you intend to occupy the home within a reasonable time, and I can work with your orders, your agent, and a closing attorney remotely. Early paperwork, especially your Certificate of Eligibility, keeps the timeline realistic.

  • Should I compare Augusta with Columbia County or North Augusta?

    Many buyers do. Columbia County (Martinez, Evans, Grovetown) has different tax rates and newer subdivisions, while North Augusta is in South Carolina with different closing rules and property tax structure. I keep one financing plan so the comparison stays apples to apples.

  • Is Augusta a good market for first-time buyers?

    Often yes. Relative affordability and low-down programs (FHA, conventional 3%, and VA when eligible) make entry more realistic than in higher-priced Georgia metros. Down payment assistance may add help, such as the Chenoa Fund on an FHA loan, or Georgia Dream for eligible first-time buyers when a participating lender is available.

  • How do Georgia homestead exemptions work in Augusta-Richmond County?

    Georgia assesses homes at 40% of fair market value, and the statewide standard homestead exemption removes $2,000 of that assessed value for county and school taxes on your primary home. Local governments may add their own exemptions. File with the Augusta-Richmond County tax assessor and confirm eligibility with that office.

  • What does the Georgia intangible recording tax cost on an Augusta home?

    It is $1.50 per $500 of your mortgage amount, so a $215,000 loan carries about $645. It is usually a buyer closing cost, while the deed transfer tax ($1 per $1,000 of the price) is usually paid by the seller.

Service area

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Call (480) 636-6573 · Text Keith

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Keith Lopez, NMLS #2814077 | NEXA Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1660690 | Licensed in NC, SC & GA | Equal Housing Opportunity

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