Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
Administered by Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Down payment assistance as 0% interest second mortgage. Deferred until you sell or refinance.
Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Georgia buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Administered by Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Down payment assistance as 0% interest second mortgage. Deferred until you sell or refinance.
Administered by Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Enhanced down payment assistance for active military and veterans.
Administered by Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Enhanced assistance for public employees, healthcare workers, and nonprofit employees.
HUD · Federal program
Law enforcement, teachers, firefighters, and EMTs can buy HUD homes at 50% discount in revitalization areas.
Fannie Mae · Federal program
Low down payment mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance. Allows income from non-borrower household members.
Federal Housing Administration · Federal program
Government-backed loan allowing as low as 3.5% down payment. More flexible credit requirements than conventional loans.
Freddie Mac · Federal program
Low down payment option with flexible sources for down payment including gifts and grants.
US Department of Agriculture · Federal program
No down payment for homes in eligible rural areas. Below-market interest rates available.
Department of Veterans Affairs · Federal program
No down payment required for eligible veterans. No private mortgage insurance. Competitive interest rates.
Most Georgia programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.
Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Georgia programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.
Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.
Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.
The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.