Perhaps Georgia’s most notable feature (in terms of LE challenges) is that it’s part of the class of so-called “attorney states.”

Attorney States

In attorney states, a licensed attorney is required to oversee real estate closings, usually performed in-house. In many ways, the attorney takes the place of the escrow company. Needless to say, the closing fee is directed to the attorney in these jurisdictions. While each of the attorney states has its own unique laws and rules regarding the closing process, the respective Secretaries of State and state bar associations are charged with maintaining the integrity of these requirements.

Recording Fees

In Georgia, recording fees are uniform statewide.

Applicable, unique laws

The only other LE feature of note in Georgia is the existence of the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act (GRMA), which mandates a $10 per loan fee at closing. That fee, in turn, is directed to the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance for the purposes of oversight and enforcement.