Decatur, Georgia

Mortgage broker in Decatur, GA

Buying, refinancing or tapping your equity in Decatur? Gillors is a local mortgage broker comparing options from multiple lenders, with a real person guiding you to closing.

  • No credit check to start
  • Compare options from multiple lenders
  • A real person follows up
Netta Li Fidderer
Netta Li Fidderer · Senior Loan Officer, Gillors
5.0 on Zillow · 18 reviews

Home loans for Decatur buyers and homeowners

Decatur is the county seat of DeKalb County, a small, walkable city of about 24,500 people just east of Atlanta. Life centers on Decatur Square, its restaurants and events, and the city runs its own school system, City Schools of Decatur.

Decatur homes are older, with a median build year of 1975, and among the most expensive in the area, with a median value of about $701,000. Many buyers here compare conventional and jumbo loans or plan updates after closing. Gillors compares options from multiple lenders so you can see what fits.

Decatur at a glance

24,518
Population
$701,400
Median home value
$139,397
Median household income
63.9%
Homes lived in by their owners
$1,655/mo
Median rent
1975
Median year homes were built

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.

Home purchase loans in DeKalb County, 2021–2025

Lenders made 7,951 home purchase loans in DeKalb County in 2025. That is 35% fewer than in 2021 and about the same as in 2024. Higher rates since 2022 have kept many owners in place, so buyers today often face less competition than in 2021.

Source: CFPB, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. Originated home purchase loans, DeKalb County, GA.

12,26720219,84620227,88320237,84920247,9512025

Average home purchase loan in DeKalb County

The average purchase loan in DeKalb County grew from about $388,000 in 2021 to $442,000 in 2025, up roughly 14%.

Source: CFPB HMDA data. Average loan amount, originated home purchase loans, DeKalb County, GA.

$388K2021$478K2022$401K2023$398K2024$442K2025

How DeKalb County borrowers financed their homes in 2025

77%
Conventional loans
17%
FHA loans
6%
VA loans
Under 1%
USDA loans

Share of all home loans made in DeKalb County in 2025 (purchase and refinance), by loan type. Source: CFPB HMDA data.

Refinance loans in DeKalb County, 2021–2025

Refinancing dropped sharply after rates rose in 2022, then started to recover: lenders made 4,212 refinance loans in DeKalb County in 2025, up 20% from 2024. If your rate is higher than today’s, it may be worth checking whether a refinance makes sense.

Source: CFPB HMDA data. Originated refinance and cash-out refinance loans, DeKalb County, GA.

19,04020216,26820222,77020233,51020244,2122025

What to know before buying in Decatur

Conforming vs. jumbo

In 2026 the conforming loan limit for a single-family home in DeKalb County is $832,750. Loans above that are jumbo loans, which usually need a larger down payment and more savings in reserve.

Georgia homestead exemption

If the home will be your main residence, apply for a homestead exemption with the DeKalb County tax assessor’s office. The deadline is April 1 for that tax year.

Closing costs in Georgia

Buyers typically pay Georgia’s intangible recording tax on the loan: $1.50 per $500 borrowed (0.3%). Sellers usually pay the state transfer tax of $1 per $1,000 of the price.

Older homes

Bungalows and older homes are part of Decatur’s charm. Budget for a thorough inspection, and ask us about renovation loans if you plan to update after you buy.

Decatur housing news

Latest local headlines from Google News, updated automatically. Gillors is not affiliated with these publishers.

Questions about mortgages in Decatur

How much do I need for a down payment in Decatur?

It depends on the loan. Conventional loans can start at 3% down for qualified buyers, FHA loans at 3.5% and VA loans at 0% for eligible veterans. On a home near the Decatur median value of about $701,000, a larger down payment can also keep your loan under the $832,750 conforming limit.

Can I use a renovation loan in Decatur?

Yes. Renovation loans such as the FHA 203(k) and conventional renovation programs let you finance the purchase and the improvements together, based on the home’s value after the work.

Do I need a jumbo loan?

Only if your loan amount is above $832,750, the 2026 conforming limit in DeKalb County. We compare jumbo and conforming options for you, including putting more down to stay under the limit.

How long does it take to close on a home?

Most purchases close about 30 to 45 days after your offer is accepted. Getting pre-approved first helps you move quickly when you find the right home.

Ready to buy or refinance in Decatur?

Start with a few quick questions. There’s no credit check to start, and a real person follows up.

What homeowners say

Real reviews from homeowners who worked with Netta Li Fidderer, Senior Loan Officer at Gillors.

Highly recommend Netta Li! It was my first home and the first loan. Netta Li patiently and professionally guided me through the whole process, explaining every term, every detail. Netta Li is very good at communicating! She has always responded very quickly to my texts, emails and calls. …
Andrii S.
Alpharetta, GA · Purchase · Zillow, 2023
This is our second deal with Netta Li and like last time she was great, patient and responsive every day, helped us go through the obstacles all the way to a successful deal. Thank you!
Shiran M.
Woodstock, GA · Refinance · Zillow, 2023
I highly recommend Netta Li Fidderer! She is extremely professional, patient, accommodating, and was able to explain the complicated details. I'm happy with the loan that I was able to get with good rates, thanks to her.
giladof
Cumming, GA · Purchase · Zillow, 2021
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