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What Georgia Real Estate Investors Need to Know for 2025

Written by Samantha Ankney | Jan 16, 2025 1:45:00 PM

If you’re a real estate investor doing business in Georgia, there’s an important law you need to know about. Back in January 2024, Georgia introduced a new rule that changes how investors can communicate with property owners. Now that it’s been a year, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re following the law and staying compliant.

This law was created to ensure property owners feel informed and protected when they receive mail about selling their property. It lays out specific rules for what you need to include in your messages—like a clear disclosure that explains your intentions upfront. These requirements are meant to promote fairness and trust in real estate transactions.

I know laws can feel a little overwhelming at first. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. Think of this as a friendly chat with someone who knows the ropes and is here to help. While we are not providing you with legal guidance, and if you have any concerns you should consult a legal professional, our goal is to break this down in a simple straightforward way to help you stay compliant.

Let’s take a closer look at what this rule means for you, how it affects your business, and the steps you can take to stay ahead of the game. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

What Is Senate Bill 90?

Senate Bill 90 is a Georgia law that started on January 1, 2024. It’s all about protecting property owners from feeling misled when they get mail about selling their homes. If you’re a real estate investor, wholesaler, or agent, and you’re sending mail to anyone about Georgia properties, this law affects you.

Here’s the most important part: you now have to include a clear notice in your mailings that explains why you’re reaching out. This is called a “disclosure,” and it’s meant to be super obvious so homeowners know it’s a solicitation, not an official notice or something else.

Your mail needs to include this statement in big, bold letters:

"THIS IS A SOLICITATION. THE SENDER IS CONTACTING YOU TO INQUIRE AS TO YOUR INTEREST IN SELLING YOUR HOME OR OTHER REAL ESTATE. YOU ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO RESPOND."

There are some rules about how this statement should look:

  • It must be at the very top of your message, at least 2 inches away from any other text.
  • The text must be at least 16-point font and as big as the other text in your message.
  • It has to stand out! Use contrasting colors, like white text on a black background.

This law applies to mail sent within Georgia and even mail sent from outside Georgia if it’s about a Georgia property. It’s all about being honest and upfront with property owners so they know exactly what’s going on.

By following Senate Bill 90, you’re not only following the rules—you’re also helping build trust with homeowners. Clear communication goes a long way in creating a good reputation and keeping your business running smoothly.

Who Does This Law Affect?

This law applies to anyone in real estate who sends mail to property owners in Georgia. Whether you’re an investor flipping properties or having rentals, real estate wholesaler, or an agent, if you’re reaching out to buy properties, these rules apply to you.

It doesn’t matter where you’re located—if your mail is about a property in Georgia, you need to follow the disclosure requirements. This includes letters, postcards, or any kind of written offer.

Even businesses or organizations that own property in Georgia are covered, so the law isn’t just about homeowners. If you send unsolicited mail about real estate, it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s clear, honest, and compliant.

Why This Law Matters

This law is important because it protects property owners from misleading or unclear offers. When people receive mail about selling their property, they deserve to know exactly what it’s about and who it’s from. By requiring clear disclosures, the law helps ensure transparency and fairness in real estate.

For real estate professionals, this is a chance to build trust. Following the rules shows you’re serious about being upfront and honest. It’s not just about avoiding penalties—it’s about creating good relationships with property owners and improving the reputation of the real estate industry as a whole.

Steps Real Estate Professionals Need to Take

To stay compliant, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Update Your Templates: Make sure all your mailings include the required disclosure, formatted correctly with the right size, spacing, and color contrast.
  2. Train Your Team: If you have a team handling your mail campaigns, make sure they understand the new rules and how to apply them.
  3. Work With Trusted Vendors: If you use a mailing service, check that they can follow the disclosure requirements for anything sent to Georgia property owners. DealMachine is doing updates to help with the process in making disclosure for you easier if you are sending mailers out to Georgia property owners.
  4. Double-Check Everything: Before sending mail, review your materials to ensure they meet the law’s standards. A simple checklist can help avoid mistakes.

Staying compliant isn’t just about following the law—it’s about showing property owners you’re trustworthy and professional. By taking these steps, you’ll keep your business on track while building better connections with potential clients.

Final Thoughts

The new Georgia law is all about making real estate transactions clearer and fairer for everyone. It ensures that property owners know exactly why they’re being contacted and who is reaching out to them. For real estate professionals, it’s an opportunity to show that you value honesty and transparency in your business.

Yes, this means taking some time to review and update your mailings, but it’s worth it. By following these rules, you avoid penalties, build trust with property owners, and show that you’re committed to doing business the right way. These small changes can make a big difference in how people see you and your company.

Take this as a chance to strengthen your processes, focus on clear communication, and stand out as a professional who respects the rules. When you do, you’re not just complying with the law—you’re building better relationships and creating a stronger foundation for your business. Here’s to a successful year ahead in Georgia real estate!