August 2026 Georgia Real Estate Agent Update: Counteroffers, Financing Shifts and Market Trends
- Melissa Gilbert
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
This month’s Assisting All Agents update includes a dramatic change in the financing mix we saw in July, counteroffer practices that may help reduce last-minute confusion, a look at the K-shaped housing market, and a new 10-second agent poll.
Choose what is most useful to you, or keep scrolling for the complete update.
July Contract Trends: The Financing Mix Changed
Conventional financing fell sharply in July while FHA and cash increased. Terminations also decreased, one in four contracts included a sale or lease contingency, and contracts averaged 100% of the final list price.
The financing breakdown may not be what you expect.
Why Is the Seller Being Asked to Sign the Old Terms?
The accepted counteroffer changed the price and financing deadline. Then, shortly before closing, the lender asked the seller to sign the original Purchase and Sale Agreement and financing exhibit showing the old terms.
The counteroffer still controls, but the request can be confusing for the seller and stressful for everyone involved. This month’s contract article explains how the GAR counteroffer works and the options agents can discuss with their brokers.
Is the Housing Market Splitting in Two?
FMLS recently shared an interesting market update discussing the K-shaped economy and the different experiences buyers and sellers are having across price points.
Higher-end home sales are showing strength while affordability continues to constrain other parts of the market. The report is a useful reminder that there may not be one single answer to the question, “How is the market?”
Watch the FMLS update, then tell us whether it matches what you are seeing in the field.
Which Listing Would Go Under Contract First?
Imagine listing two equally well-priced homes today. One is a starter-priced home, and the other is a luxury home.
Which one would you expect to go under contract first?
The poll takes about 10 seconds. We’ll share the results in next month’s update.
Have Georgia Agents Encountered Option Money?
Most of the agents who responded had encountered Option Money in an accepted contract, most commonly when representing the buyer. Some had seen a seller receive it, while others had not encountered Option Money in a Georgia offer.
If you missed last month’s discussion, you can read the full Option Money article below.
3,797 Agent Hours Saved in 2026
Through July 31, our transaction coordinator team has saved our agents an estimated 3,797 hours this year.
That is time our agents could spend serving clients, generating business, improving their systems, or simply not managing every administrative detail themselves.
Upcoming Federal Holidays
Monday, September 7, 2026
Labor Day
Monday, October 12, 2026
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Veterans Day
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 27, 2026
Black Friday
Right Hand Real Estate Services closed
Thursday, December 24, 2026
Christmas Eve
Right Hand Real Estate Services closed
Friday, December 25, 2026
Christmas Day
Federal holidays can affect banking, wire transfers, government offices and closing attorney schedules. Right Hand Real Estate Services is closed on all federal holidays, plus Black Friday and Christmas Eve.
Need an Extra Right Hand?
Right Hand Real Estate Services supports Georgia and South Carolina real estate agents with contract-to-close coordination, listing services and compliance support.
This update is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or brokerage advice. Please consult your broker or another qualified professional for guidance concerning a specific transaction.
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