Mortgage Broker in Savannah, GA
Savannah's coastal market mixes historic-district premiums with suburban and island options across Chatham County. Second-home buyers, relocators, and locals all share the same financing questions: what you can afford, which program fits, and how flood zones or HOAs might affect the file. I help you sort that out early so the porch view is not the first time you see the real number.
What this means for buyers here: at an estimated ~$350,000 median, FHA and conventional low-down options are often in play, and VA can be a strong fit for eligible buyers. Treat the median as a planning estimate and confirm current market data when you are ready to write offers.
Savannah housing market, at a glance.
Last updated: August 2026
- Median Sale Price
- ~$350,000
Typical range: more attainable options outside the Historic District; premium pricing downtown and near the water.
Source: Redfin
Market figures are estimates from public data as of the date shown and change over time.
Loan Programs That Work in Savannah
Here is how the main programs look against local prices, then we match the right one to your file on a Mortgage Strategy Session.
FHA
At the estimated ~$350,000 median, 3.5% down is about $12,250, under the 2026 FHA limit for Chatham County.
Learn more →Conventional
3% down is about $10,500 on the estimated median for eligible buyers.
Learn more →VA
$0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance for eligible service members and veterans.
Learn more →First-Time Buyer
A clear path for first-time buyers comparing coastal premiums with more attainable nearby options.
Learn more →
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.
Chatham County
| Limit type | Single-family |
|---|---|
| Conforming limit | $832,750 |
| FHA limit | $541,287 |
Lowering your cash to close
On an estimated ~$350,000 purchase, FHA 3.5% is about $12,250, conventional 3% is about $10,500, and VA can be $0 down for eligible buyers. Gift funds and seller credits can reduce cash to close. Budget separately for flood insurance if the home is in a FEMA flood zone.
Local assistance paths buyers ask about in Savannah
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.
Down payment assistance on FHA purchases
Around Savannah, down payment assistance may be available on qualifying FHA purchases through a program that provides the down payment as a second mortgage, with no income limits and no requirement that you be a first time buyer. Availability and terms depend on the program and your file, so let's confirm what fits before you count on it.
Learn more →
Savannah neighborhoods, and how financing often fits
Mortgage lending is not one-size-fits-all across Savannah. Price bands, condo rules, flood zones, and buyer profiles change by pocket. Use this as orientation, then we match a program to your file.
Historic District
Historic, walkable, and visitor-influenced.
The Historic District carries Savannah's highest location premiums, with period architecture and tourism nearby. Flood, insurance, and sometimes condo or HOA rules shape the monthly cost. Financing usually tracks price point toward conventional products. Educational planning around insurance should happen before you write an offer.
- Price band
- Typically well above the metro median.
- Loan fit (educational)
- Conventional is common. FHA only when price and property rules allow.
Watchouts: Flood zones, historic guidelines, and short-term rental rules can affect both use and financing.
Ardsley Park and Chatham Crescent
Established, residential, and architecturally consistent.
These established neighborhoods offer tree-lined streets and a mix of historic homes outside the tourist core. Buyers often prefer them for primary residences with character. Renovation level drives price as much as location. Inspections on older systems should inform cash reserves.
- Price band
- Often above the metro median for renovated homes.
- Loan fit (educational)
- Conventional is typical. FHA when condition and price align.
Midtown Savannah
Intown-adjacent and mixed housing types.
Midtown bridges intown convenience and more varied housing stock, including bungalows and some denser options. Pricing is often more approachable than the Historic District while remaining close to amenities. Program fit depends on the individual property. A clear max payment helps when comparing midtown with southside alternatives.
- Price band
- Wide range around the estimated metro median.
- Loan fit (educational)
- FHA and conventional are both commonly discussed.
Southside
Suburban residential with shopping corridors.
Southside Savannah includes many practical single-family options for primary residences. First-time buyers often start here when historic premiums are out of reach. Condition and subdivision age vary. Pairing low-down programs with inspection realities keeps expectations aligned.
- Price band
- Often near or below the metro median.
- Loan fit (educational)
- FHA, conventional 3% down, and VA for eligible buyers.
Pooler and west Chatham
Newer suburban growth near employment and retail.
Pooler and nearby west Chatham communities attract buyers seeking newer construction and suburban layouts with Savannah job access. HOAs are common in planned neighborhoods. Financing is usually a standard primary-residence file. Builder contracts can include credits that change cash to close.
- Price band
- Often near regional averages for new homes.
- Loan fit (educational)
- Conventional, FHA, and VA are common.
Watchouts: HOA dues and builder completion timelines differ from resale deals.
Wilmington Island and coastal areas
Coastal residential with marina and marsh access.
Island and coastal edges draw primary and second-home buyers who want water access. Flood and wind insurance can dominate the budget conversation. Occupancy type must be clear for program selection. Address-level insurance quotes belong in your planning before you compete for a listing.
- Price band
- Often above inland alternatives.
- Loan fit (educational)
- Depends on occupancy. Primary, second-home, and investment rules differ.
Watchouts: Flood and wind coverage can materially change the monthly payment.
Garden City and Port Wentworth
Practical residential near employment corridors.
These communities north and west of central Savannah can offer more attainable entry points tied to port and industrial employment. Housing stock and price bands vary. Financing follows standard guidelines for primary residences. Compare total commute and insurance cost, not only list price.
- Price band
- Often at or below the Savannah median.
- Loan fit (educational)
- FHA and conventional low-down options are frequently a fit.
Thunderbolt
Small riverside community with a local harbor feel.
Thunderbolt is a small riverside town that some Savannah shoppers include for marina proximity and a quieter scale. Inventory is limited, so pricing can feel idiosyncratic. Flood questions still apply near the water. Treat each address as its own insurance and financing review.
- Price band
- Wide range depending on water proximity and condition.
- Loan fit (educational)
- Conventional and FHA depending on price and property type.
Watchouts: Flood zone and elevation details should be checked early.
A quick note on closing in Georgia.
Georgia is an attorney-closing state. A real estate attorney typically handles the closing, reviews the title work, and walks you through the documents at the table. That is a normal part of buying here, and I coordinate with your attorney so nothing falls through the cracks.
Buying in Savannah, answered straight.
How much do I need for a down payment in Savannah?
On the estimated ~$350,000 median, about $12,250 with FHA (3.5%) or $10,500 with a 3%-down conventional loan. VA can be $0 down for eligible buyers.
What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Chatham County?
$541,287 for a single-family home, so most Savannah-area homes at typical price points can qualify for FHA.
Do I need flood insurance in Savannah?
If the home is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and you have a mortgage, yes. Check the flood zone before you write an offer.
Is Georgia an attorney-closing state?
Yes. A real estate attorney typically handles the closing in Georgia.
Mortgage reading for Savannah buyers
- Loan ProgramsUSDA Loan Eligibility in Georgia: Income and Property Location BasicsUSDA loans offer no-down-payment financing for eligible Georgia buyers, but both the property location and household income must meet program requirements. Here is what to check first.
- Self-Employed & InvestorsDSCR Loans for Carolina Rental Investors, in Plain EnglishA DSCR loan qualifies on the rental property's income, not your personal tax returns. Here's how Carolina investors use them to grow a portfolio.
- Self-Employed & InvestorsBank Statement Loans: Qualifying When Your Tax Returns Say Less Than You EarnSelf-employed and your tax returns understate your income? A bank statement loan can qualify you on your deposits instead. Here's how it works in NC and SC.
Ready to talk through your Savannah options?
One free, no-pressure Mortgage Strategy Session. Your options, your numbers, your next step, talked through clearly for buying in Savannah, GA.
Let's talk through your Savannah options.
One free Mortgage Strategy Session. Your options, your numbers, your next step.
Keith Lopez, NMLS #2814077 | NEXA Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1660690 | Licensed in NC, SC & GA | Equal Housing Opportunity