Selling your home in Peachtree City? HOA approvals and a few city items can make or break your timeline. You want a smooth sale, not last-minute surprises at title or during inspections. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly which HOA documents to order, how to handle architectural approvals and permits, and what to do about golf carts so you can list with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Understand your rules
Peachtree City sellers navigate three layers: state statutes, HOA rules, and city permits. Condominiums follow the Georgia Condominium Act, and many fee-simple neighborhoods opt into the Georgia Property Owners’ Association Act. You should confirm how your community is organized and what it requires. Review the Georgia Condominium Act and an overview of the Georgia Property Owners’ Association Act to understand the framework that may apply.
City permits are separate from HOA approvals. Peachtree City requires permits for many projects like fences, decks, pools, re-roofs, and some tree removals. You can see permit categories and steps on the city’s Building Permits page.
Order the closing letter
Your HOA’s resale or closing letter confirms the property’s standing with the association. Buyers, lenders, and the title company will rely on it.
What it includes
A typical letter outlines your account balance, any delinquencies or fines, special assessments, open violations, and amenity access details. It may also note association-level items where applicable. For a plain-English overview, see this guide to a Georgia resale certificate.
Who orders and pays
In Georgia, the title or closing attorney usually orders the package. The seller typically pays unless the contract says otherwise. Some management companies require payment upfront. Ordering instructions and payment terms are often posted by vendors such as HomeOwners Advantage.
Timing and fees
Turnaround commonly ranges from 3 to 14 business days with optional rush service for a fee. Fees vary by association and scope, often reported in the $100 to $450 range. Order early so you can spot and resolve issues before buyers do.
If you have multiple HOAs
Many Peachtree City homes sit under more than one association, such as a master and a neighborhood HOA. You will likely need a closing letter from each one. Communities often publish their process, like this example from Cresswind at Peachtree City.
Confirm ARB and permits
Unapproved exterior work and missing permits are frequent sources of closing delays. Get in front of them now.
Architectural approvals
Most associations require Architectural Review Board approval for exterior work such as fences, roofs, paint color changes, decks, sheds, pools, solar panels, and driveway extensions. Gather every approval letter you have. If you made changes without approval, ask the HOA about retroactive review and document the plan.
City permits and inspections
Peachtree City permits many residential projects, including fences above certain heights, accessory structures, swimming pools, re-roofing, additions, and some tree removals. Have copies of permits and final inspection sign-offs ready. Start with the city’s Fences guidance and broader Building Permits information to confirm what applied to your projects.
Trees, solar, and unique items
If you recently removed trees, confirm whether a permit was required and keep that documentation. The city outlines rules on its Tree Permits page. For solar panels, Georgia does not have a uniform statute that overrides HOA appearance and placement rules. Review your CC&Rs and the ARB standards, and learn the statewide context here: Georgia Solar Easement Act.
Plan for golf carts
Golf carts are part of life in Peachtree City, and buyers often ask about them. If you plan to convey a cart, be prepared to discuss registration, decals, and transfer steps. The city explains registration rules, decals, and path use on its Paths & Golf Carts page.
Build a pre-listing timeline
A simple timeline helps you list with fewer surprises.
- Two to three weeks before listing: Confirm all associations. Request closing letters from each. Gather ARB approvals and city permit records. If the property is complex, consider ordering at listing rather than waiting for a contract. Vendors like HomeOwners Advantage list typical turnaround and rush options.
- One to two weeks before accepting an offer: Clear any HOA delinquencies or open violations. If something needs retroactive ARB approval, submit the application now.
- During escrow: Share closing letters, ARB approvals, and permit documents with the title company and the buyer’s agent. Track any follow-ups noted in the status letter.
Quick seller checklist
- Confirm every association that governs your property and request a closing letter from each.
- Collect CC&Rs, Bylaws, Rules, and recent financials, if available for buyers who request them.
- Compile ARB approvals for all exterior work. Start retroactive approval if needed.
- Pull your property’s city permit history and keep final inspections on hand.
- Resolve HOA delinquencies or violation notices before going live or disclose them upfront.
- If you will convey a golf cart, plan the registration transfer and explain path rules to buyers.
Local resources
- Georgia statutes and HOA frameworks: Georgia Condominium Act and GPOAA overview
- City permits and inspections: Peachtree City Building Permits and Fences
- Trees: Tree Permits
- Golf carts: Paths & Golf Carts
- HOA closing letters: Resale certificate overview and vendor ordering info at HomeOwners Advantage
You do not have to navigate this alone. If you want a smooth sale and a clean closing package, we can help you gather the right HOA letters, approvals, and city permits before you list. Reach out to Intown Focus Realty to start your pre-listing plan today.
FAQs
Who orders the HOA closing letter in Peachtree City?
- The title or closing attorney usually orders it, and the seller typically pays unless your contract says otherwise; check your management company’s process and fees.
How long do closing letters take to arrive?
- Many management companies quote 3 to 14 business days and offer paid rush options, so it is smart to order early.
What happens if the letter shows unpaid dues or fines?
- Unpaid amounts generally must be settled at or before closing, or handled per your contract; raise disputes with the association and title company as soon as possible.
What if I made exterior changes without ARB approval?
- Gather details and ask the HOA about retroactive approval; if that is not possible, be ready to correct or negotiate a solution with the buyer.
Do I need city permits for past work?
- Peachtree City requires permits for many projects such as fences, pools, re-roofs, and additions; collect your final inspections or explain any gaps to avoid lender or title issues.
I am including a golf cart with the sale; what should I do?
- Confirm the cart’s current registration and decals, plan the transfer steps, and share the city’s path and registration rules with your buyer.
