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Georgia First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs

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  • Doesn’t require repayment

    • Cons:

    • Must contribute $1,000 to the purchase

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    • FHA loans: Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have more lenient financial requirements than other loans. If you have at least a 580 credit score, you may qualify to put as little as 3.5 percent down with an FHA loan.
    • VA loans: For qualifying active-duty military, veterans and surviving spouses, a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a great option. These loans come with lower interest rates than conventional loans and typically don’t require a down payment.
    • USDA loans: Loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also don’t require a down payment, but you’ll need to buy in a designated rural area and meet income requirements.
    • HomeReady and Home Possible loans: HomeReady and Home Possible are loan programs created by government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They’re specifically for first-time homebuyers, require only 3 percent down and have more flexible income requirements.

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:

    • Study up on the housing market in Georgia: This can help you understand what you might be able to afford where you live now, or if you relocated.
    • Improve or maintain your credit score: When you are ready to buy a home, your credit score will influence the type of mortgage and rates you can access.
    • Learn more about what it means to buy a house in Georgia: Before committing to a home, find out more about the state and how its climate, cost of living, property taxes and other factors might impact you. A qualified, local real estate agent is also key.
    • Compare mortgage lenders: Read reviews of local mortgage lenders to get an idea of which specialize in the mortgage type you’re after, as well as what you can expect in terms of customer service and fees.
    • Shop mortgage rates: It can pay off to shop around for the best mortgage rates before you commit to a loan.
    • Purchase homeowners insurance in Georgia: Your mortgage lender will require you to have a homeowners insurance policy, and shopping around can help you find the best coverage for the lowest rate.

    Read the full article here
  • Have not owned a home within the last three years
  • Buy a primary residence within Augusta or Richmond County
  • Earn no more than 80 percent of the AMI
  • Meet purchase price limits: $152,000 for existing homes or $227,000 for new construction
  • Be employed
  • Contribute up to $1,000 to the home purchase
  • Complete a homebuyer education course

    • Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • If the borrower dies or defaults, repayment is required.
  • If you sell the home within 10 years, you’ll have to share your equity, as well as repay the assistance.
  • Condos don’t qualify.

    • Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Repayment deferred until you sell or refinance
  • Can be used for down payment and closing costs, as well as gap funding

    • Cons:

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Buy a primary residence within Savannah city limits
  • Be a first-time homebuyer
  • Qualify for a loan with a private lender
  • Meet program income limits, up to $122,000 for an eight-person household
  • Home must cost no more than $255,000
  • 640 minimum credit score
  • Contribute at least $1,000 to the home purchase
  • Complete a homebuyer education course

    • Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Must repay full amount of assistance if you sell your home or take out home equity within the first five years

    • Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Doesn’t require repayment
  • Can be combined with other assistance
  • Open to condos and townhomes, as well as single-family homes
  • Can be used for down payment and closing costs
  • 620 minimum credit score

    • Cons:

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Cannot have owned a home in the past three years
  • Buy a primary residence within the city of Atlanta costing no more than $375,000
  • Earn no more than 80 percent of the current area median income (AMI)
  • Have no more than $25,000 in liquid assets
  • Contribute at least $1,500 to the home purchase
  • Have been a Georgia resident for at least six months
  • Complete an eight-hour homebuyer education course

    • Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Must pay a $1,200 fee to participate
  • Not open to manufactured homes

    • Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Doesn’t require repayment
  • Can be used for down payment and closing costs
  • Open to multi-family properties

    • Cons:

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Buy a primary residence in Atlanta with a sale price of no more than $385,000

    • Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Must pay a $1,000 fee to participate
  • Not open to manufactured homes

    • Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Doesn’t require repayment
  • No property price limits
  • Can be used in conjunction with a renovation loan
  • Can be used for down payment and closing costs
  • Open to multi-family properties

    • Cons:

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Buy a primary residence in Vine City
  • Meet income limits, up to $162,540 for a five-person household
  • Have no more than $25,000 in liquid assets
  • Contribute at least $1,500 toward the home purchase
  • Pay $1,000 program fee
  • Complete a homebuyer education course

    • Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Can be used only in conjunction with the Georgia Dream mortgage

    • City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Repayment deferred until you sell the home
  • No interest

    • Cons:

    City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Must have $500 in personal funds to contribute to the loan
  • Same income limit for any household with three or more members

    • Georgia down payment assistance and grants

    Georgia Dream Down Payment Loan

    The Georgia Dream program includes down payment assistance worth up to $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less, in the form of a zero-interest second loan that doesn’t require monthly payments. The loan comes due only if your home is no longer your primary residence or you refinance. Certain borrowers — including those in some public service professions, active military or those with a disabled family member — can receive up to $12,500 or 6 percent of the purchase price, in assistance.

    City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Open to first-time and repeat buyers
  • More affordable mortgage rate
  • More than 50 participating lenders

    • Cons:

    Georgia down payment assistance and grants

    Georgia Dream Down Payment Loan

    The Georgia Dream program includes down payment assistance worth up to $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less, in the form of a zero-interest second loan that doesn’t require monthly payments. The loan comes due only if your home is no longer your primary residence or you refinance. Certain borrowers — including those in some public service professions, active military or those with a disabled family member — can receive up to $12,500 or 6 percent of the purchase price, in assistance.

    City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Must meet liquid asset limit

    • Georgia Dream Peach Select Veterans Assistance

    Veterans who plan to buy with a VA loan may qualify for this program, which offers a 30-year fixed loan at a below-market rate, currently 5 percent. You don’t need to be a first-time buyer to qualify for this program, and most VA borrowers aren’t required to make a down payment.

    Georgia down payment assistance and grants

    Georgia Dream Down Payment Loan

    The Georgia Dream program includes down payment assistance worth up to $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less, in the form of a zero-interest second loan that doesn’t require monthly payments. The loan comes due only if your home is no longer your primary residence or you refinance. Certain borrowers — including those in some public service professions, active military or those with a disabled family member — can receive up to $12,500 or 6 percent of the purchase price, in assistance.

    City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Open to first-time and repeat buyers
  • More than 50 participating lenders
  • Relatively high home price limit
  • May be paired with down payment assistance

    • Cons:

    Georgia Dream Peach Select Veterans Assistance

    Veterans who plan to buy with a VA loan may qualify for this program, which offers a 30-year fixed loan at a below-market rate, currently 5 percent. You don’t need to be a first-time buyer to qualify for this program, and most VA borrowers aren’t required to make a down payment.

    Georgia down payment assistance and grants

    Georgia Dream Down Payment Loan

    The Georgia Dream program includes down payment assistance worth up to $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less, in the form of a zero-interest second loan that doesn’t require monthly payments. The loan comes due only if your home is no longer your primary residence or you refinance. Certain borrowers — including those in some public service professions, active military or those with a disabled family member — can receive up to $12,500 or 6 percent of the purchase price, in assistance.

    City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Must have $1,000 in personal funds to contribute to the loan

    • Georgia Dream Peach Plus

    If you don’t meet the requirements for the Georgia Dream program, but you qualify for an FHA loan, you may be eligible for the Peach Plus program, which has higher income and home price limits.

    Georgia Dream Peach Select Veterans Assistance

    Veterans who plan to buy with a VA loan may qualify for this program, which offers a 30-year fixed loan at a below-market rate, currently 5 percent. You don’t need to be a first-time buyer to qualify for this program, and most VA borrowers aren’t required to make a down payment.

    Georgia down payment assistance and grants

    Georgia Dream Down Payment Loan

    The Georgia Dream program includes down payment assistance worth up to $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less, in the form of a zero-interest second loan that doesn’t require monthly payments. The loan comes due only if your home is no longer your primary residence or you refinance. Certain borrowers — including those in some public service professions, active military or those with a disabled family member — can receive up to $12,500 or 6 percent of the purchase price, in assistance.

    City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • More than 50 participating lenders

    • Cons:

    Georgia Dream Peach Plus

    If you don’t meet the requirements for the Georgia Dream program, but you qualify for an FHA loan, you may be eligible for the Peach Plus program, which has higher income and home price limits.

    Georgia Dream Peach Select Veterans Assistance

    Veterans who plan to buy with a VA loan may qualify for this program, which offers a 30-year fixed loan at a below-market rate, currently 5 percent. You don’t need to be a first-time buyer to qualify for this program, and most VA borrowers aren’t required to make a down payment.

    Georgia down payment assistance and grants

    Georgia Dream Down Payment Loan

    The Georgia Dream program includes down payment assistance worth up to $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less, in the form of a zero-interest second loan that doesn’t require monthly payments. The loan comes due only if your home is no longer your primary residence or you refinance. Certain borrowers — including those in some public service professions, active military or those with a disabled family member — can receive up to $12,500 or 6 percent of the purchase price, in assistance.

    City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here
  • Be a first-time homebuyer or buy in a targeted area

    • Georgia Dream Peach Plus

    If you don’t meet the requirements for the Georgia Dream program, but you qualify for an FHA loan, you may be eligible for the Peach Plus program, which has higher income and home price limits.

    Georgia Dream Peach Select Veterans Assistance

    Veterans who plan to buy with a VA loan may qualify for this program, which offers a 30-year fixed loan at a below-market rate, currently 5 percent. You don’t need to be a first-time buyer to qualify for this program, and most VA borrowers aren’t required to make a down payment.

    Georgia down payment assistance and grants

    Georgia Dream Down Payment Loan

    The Georgia Dream program includes down payment assistance worth up to $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less, in the form of a zero-interest second loan that doesn’t require monthly payments. The loan comes due only if your home is no longer your primary residence or you refinance. Certain borrowers — including those in some public service professions, active military or those with a disabled family member — can receive up to $12,500 or 6 percent of the purchase price, in assistance.

    City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here

    Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

    If you’re hoping to buy your first home in the Peach State, you might be relieved to learn that Georgia falls well below the national average in terms of home costs. The median sale price for a home in the state was $367,000 as of February 2025, according to Redfin, while the national median was $425,061.

    However, no matter how much your home costs, it’s likely to be the biggest purchase you’ve ever made. And Georgia offers plenty of pathways to first-time homeownership, especially through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Georgia Dream mortgage products.

    Georgia first-time homebuyer programs

    Georgia Dream

    Georgia Dream is a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage program for first-time homebuyers using conventional, FHA, VA or USDA loans.

    As with many housing programs, a first-time buyer is someone who has not owned a home in the last three years. Buyers who have owned a home more recently may still qualify for Georgia Dream by buying in a target area.

    Georgia Dream Peach Plus

    If you don’t meet the requirements for the Georgia Dream program, but you qualify for an FHA loan, you may be eligible for the Peach Plus program, which has higher income and home price limits.

    Georgia Dream Peach Select Veterans Assistance

    Veterans who plan to buy with a VA loan may qualify for this program, which offers a 30-year fixed loan at a below-market rate, currently 5 percent. You don’t need to be a first-time buyer to qualify for this program, and most VA borrowers aren’t required to make a down payment.

    Georgia down payment assistance and grants

    Georgia Dream Down Payment Loan

    The Georgia Dream program includes down payment assistance worth up to $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less, in the form of a zero-interest second loan that doesn’t require monthly payments. The loan comes due only if your home is no longer your primary residence or you refinance. Certain borrowers — including those in some public service professions, active military or those with a disabled family member — can receive up to $12,500 or 6 percent of the purchase price, in assistance.

    City-specific homebuyer assistance programs

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI)

    This program offers up to $20,000 in the form of a forgivable loan to prospective homebuyers in Atlanta’s Vine City. You must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender, and you must remain in the home for five years to receive loan forgiveness. Although this program is open to repeat buyers, you may not currently own property.

    Atlanta: Invest Atlanta Intown Mortgage Assistance Program

    This program also offers up to $20,000 as a forgivable loan for Atlanta homebuyers. Like the Vine City program, you’ll receive forgiveness after living in the home for five years, and you may qualify with a conventional, FHA or VA loan obtained through an Invest Atlanta-affiliated lender. You may have owned other property in the past, but not at the time of your application. The programs’ other requirements vary slightly.

    Atlanta: Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program

    This program offers up to $20,000 — or $25,000 for professionals in certain fields — to first-time homebuyers within Atlanta city limits. The funds are a no-interest loan that’s fully forgiven if the home remains your primary residence for 10 years. Borrowers must qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan with a fixed rate and a 15- or 30-year term; many programs require a term of at least 30 years.

    Savannah: DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance

    Savannah’s DreamMaker program features deferred payment 30-year loans with 2 percent interest to offset down payment and closing costs, as well as provide gap funding. If your housing is developed in partnership with the city of Savannah, you may qualify for up to $50,000. Otherwise, you may qualify for up to $30,000.

    Augusta: Homeownership Assistance Program

    Augusta’s down payment assistance program provides eligible homebuyers up to $5,000 to be used for down payment or closing costs. The assistance is forgiven if you live in the home for at least five years.

    Other Georgia first-time homebuyer loans

    Along with looking up Georgia Dream and local programs, you can consider these national programs which help first-time buyers:

    Get started

    Lining up assistance is just one step toward buying a home. You’ll also want to:


    Read the full article here

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