If you're planning to sell a house in Atlanta, it's important to understand Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) in Georgia. These are basic standards that a property must meet to be considered safe and livable. Not knowing these requirements can cause delays, failed inspections, or even lost sales—especially if your buyer is getting a traditional VA loan or FHA loan.
Before you put your house on the market, knowing Georgia’s home-selling requirements can help you avoid surprises and even sell faster. Whether you plan to make repairs or sell “as is,” understanding MPRs will help you make the best decision.
What are Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)?
MPRs are a set of rules that ensure a house is in good enough condition to be safe and habitable. These requirements focus on things like structural soundness, working utilities, and overall livability.
Different lenders set property standards for their respective loans:
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FHA loans: If a buyer is using an FHA loan, the property must meet Georgia’s FHA Minimum Property Standards of safety, security, and soundness to qualify.
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VA loans: The Department of Veterans Affairs has similar rules to FHA loans for buyers using VA loans. You must also be an active-duty service member or a veteran.
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Conventional loans: Conventional loans, by comparison, are more lenient. Many traditional lenders, like Fannie Mae, have their own property standards to make sure the property is a sound investment.
It’s also important to consider local codes and regulations. Local governments set Georgia’s MPRs, which have both mandatory and permissive codes.
Why do MPRs matter?
If you're selling to a buyer who plans on using a mortgage, their lender will require an inspection to confirm that the house meets these safety standards. If the property has major issues, the lender may not approve the loan.
However, if you’re selling to Atlanta home buyers who deal with off-market sales, these requirements don’t apply. Some companies that buy houses, like HomeVestors®, purchase properties “as is,” making it easier to sell a house that needs repairs in Georgia without making any repairs.
7 key Minimum Property Requirements in Atlanta
Here are some of the most important things lenders and inspectors look for when assessing a house’s condition during an inspection:
1. Structural integrity
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The foundation must be stable—no major cracks, sinking, or shifting.
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The roof should be in good shape, with no leaks or missing shingles.
2. Safety & habitability
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Electrical and plumbing systems must work properly.
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No exposed wiring, mold, or lead-based paint hazards.
3. Water & sewer systems
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The water supply must be safe and free from contamination.
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The septic or sewer system must be in working order.
4. Heating & cooling
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A permanent heating system is required—temporary space heaters won’t qualify.
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The HVAC system must work properly.
5. Windows & doors
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No broken windows or doors that won’t close properly.
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Entry points must be secure.
6. Pest-free environment
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The house should not have issues with termites, rodents, or other infestations.
7. Compliance with local codes
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Your house must meet zoning laws and other Georgia real estate disclosure laws to avoid legal issues. Keep in mind that while providing a property condition disclosure statement in Georgia isn’t required by law, it is still required to provide disclosure if you have a real estate agent.
How MPRs affect your home sale
If you plan to sell your house to a buyer who is using a loan, your house will need to pass a detailed inspection. If it doesn’t, the buyer’s financing could fall through.
If your property doesn’t meet home selling requirements in Atlanta, you can:
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Make repairs: Fix the issues to bring your house up to standard.
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Sell your house “as is”: Work with trusted Atlanta property buyers, like HomeVestors, who can buy houses in almost any condition.
How to sell your house fast in Atlanta
If you want to speed up the process and sell your house quickly, you can:
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Fix common issues: Leaky roofs, faulty wiring, and plumbing issues can be common deal-breakers for mortgage-backed sales.
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Get a pre-listing inspection: This helps you catch potential problems before a buyer does.
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Price your property competitively: If you’re selling a house that needs work, pricing it right can attract the right buyers.
If your house needs major repairs and you don’t want to spend the time or effort fixing it, you could always sell your house “as is” to a trusted home buyer in Atlanta, like HomeVestors.
Sell your Atlanta house while avoiding MPRs.
It’s important to understand Minimum Property Requirements in Georgia if you want to sell your Atlanta house without delays on the traditional market. If your house meets mortgage lender requirements, you may have more buyer options. If not, you can either invest in repairs or sell directly to HomeVestors for a fast, hassle-free sale. With our 3-step home-buying process, we can take you from consultation to closing quickly, sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. We never charge commissions or hidden fees, and we pay typical closing costs.†
Ready to sell your Atlanta house? Contact HomeVestors in Atlanta today for a no-obligation consultation.
