
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Having the right mortgage partner makes the difference between a smooth closing and a stressful one. At Northstar Mortgage, we have been helping families in Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, Cumming and across North Georgia find the right loan and close on time since 1998. We know the local market, we know the lenders, and we know how to get deals done.
Ready to get started? Begin your application below or call us at (770) 995-8078 — we are available seven days a week.
Before you fall in love with a house, know exactly what you can afford. A mortgage pre-approval from Northstar Mortgage tells you — and your real estate agent and the seller — that your financing is solid. In a competitive market like Alpharetta, a strong pre-approval letter is often the difference between having your offer accepted and watching someone else move in.
Our pre-approvals are thorough. We review your credit, income, assets, and debt-to-income ratio upfront so there are no surprises at the closing table. Most pre-approvals are completed within 24 to 48 hours.
Every buyer's situation is different. We offer a full range of purchase loan programs to match your financial profile and goals:
The most common mortgage for buyers with solid credit and a down payment of at least 3%. Conventional loans offer competitive rates, flexible terms (10, 15, 20, or 30 years), and no upfront mortgage insurance premium. Buyers who put down 20% or more avoid PMI entirely.
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are a popular choice for first-time buyers and those with less-than-perfect credit. Down payments as low as 3.5% and more flexible credit requirements make FHA one of the most accessible paths to homeownership.
If you are an active-duty service member, veteran, or surviving spouse, you may qualify for a VA loan — one of the best mortgage products available anywhere. No down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates. We are proud to serve those who have served our country.
Buying a higher-priced home in Georgia? Jumbo loans cover purchase prices above the conforming loan limit ($832,750 in 2026 for most of Georgia). We work with wholesale lenders who offer competitive jumbo rates for well-qualified buyers.
Struggling to save for a down payment? Georgia offers several state and local programs that provide grants or second mortgages to help cover down payment and closing costs. Ask us which programs you may qualify for.
Not sure which loan is right for you? That is exactly what we are here for. Call us at (770) 995-8078 and we will walk through your options together.
Buying a home involves a lot of moving parts. Here is how the mortgage side of the process works when you work with Northstar Mortgage:
Step 1: Pre-Approval We review your financial picture and issue a pre-approval letter so you can shop with confidence. This is the foundation of everything that follows.
Step 2: Find Your Home Work with your real estate agent to find the right property. We stay available throughout this stage to answer questions and update your pre-approval letter as needed.
Step 3: Make an Offer When you find the right home, your agent submits an offer. A solid pre-approval from an established local lender like Northstar Mortgage strengthens your position with sellers.
Step 4: Loan Application and Processing Once your offer is accepted, we complete your full loan application, order the appraisal, and submit your file to underwriting. We handle the paperwork and keep you informed every step of the way.
Step 5: Underwriting and Approval Your loan file is reviewed by an underwriter who verifies all documentation and confirms the property meets lending guidelines. We address any conditions quickly to keep things on schedule.
Step 6: Clear to Close Once underwriting approves your loan, you receive a "clear to close." We coordinate with the title company or closing attorney to schedule your closing date.
Step 7: Closing Day You sign your final loan documents, pay your closing costs and down payment, and receive the keys to your new home. Congratulations — you are a homeowner.
Most purchase transactions close in 21to 30 days from the time your offer is accepted.
We have been here since 1998. We are not a call center or an out-of-state internet lender. We are a local Georgia mortgage company with deep roots in the North Atlanta market.
We are independent mortgage brokers. That means we shop your loan across multiple wholesale lenders to find you the best available rate and terms — something a single bank simply cannot do.
We close on time. Sellers and real estate agents in this market know that a commitment from Northstar Mortgage means the transaction will close when it is supposed to.
We are available when you need us. Mortgage questions do not always happen during business hours. We are available seven days a week, including evenings, and we respond the same day.
How much do I need for a down payment? It depends on the loan program. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down. Conventional loans start at 3% for qualifying first-time buyers. VA loans require no down payment at all. We will match you with the program that fits your savings and financial goals.
What credit score do I need to buy a home? Minimum credit score requirements vary by loan type. FHA loans are available to borrowers with scores as low as 580 (with 3.5% down). Conventional loans typically require a 620 or higher. VA loans have no official minimum, though most lenders look for at least 580 to 620. The higher your score, the better your rate will be.
How long does the home buying process take? From application to closing, most purchase loans take 21 to 30 days. Getting pre-approved before you start house shopping is the single best thing you can do to speed up the process once you find a home.
What documents do I need to apply? Plan to provide: two years of W-2s and federal tax returns, recent pay stubs (30 days), two to three months of bank statements, a valid government-issued ID, and your Social Security number for a credit pull. Self-employed borrowers will need additional documentation — ask us about our bank statement and alternative documentation programs.
Should I get pre-qualified or pre-approved? Pre-approval, always. Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported information. Pre-approval involves an actual credit pull and document review, which gives sellers confidence that your financing is real. In a competitive market, sellers will not take an offer seriously without a solid pre-approval letter.
Can I buy a home if I have had credit issues in the past? Possibly, yes. FHA and VA loans are designed to be more forgiving of past credit events. The key factors are how long ago the issue occurred, whether you have rebuilt your credit since, and your overall financial picture today. Call us — we have helped many buyers in similar situations find a path to homeownership.
Do I have to use the lender my real estate agent recommends? No. You are free to choose any licensed lender. Your agent's referral may be excellent, but it is always worth getting a second opinion. As an independent mortgage broker, Northstar Mortgage gives you access to multiple lenders and competitive pricing that a single referral relationship cannot guarantee.
Start your application below or contact our Alpharetta office. We will review your situation, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward homeownership.
Northstar Mortgage 8000 Avalon Boulevard, Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30009 (770) 995-8078 | northstarmortgageservices.com NMLS# 158351 | GA Residential Mortgage Licensee 14112
Equal Housing Lender