Georgia Dream Homeownership Program Seller Guide
- Chapter 1: Lender Relationships
- Chapter 2: DCA Loan Process
- Chapter 3: Georgia Dream Homeownership Program Requirement
- Chapter 4: Special Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program
- Chapter 5: Georgia Dream HHF DPA Program (Program ended December 2020)
- Chapter 6: Georgia Dream Peach Select Veterans Assistance Loan Program
- Chapter 7: Georgia Dream Peach Plus Loan Program
- Chapter 8: Georgia Dream Peach Advantage Loan Program
Chapter 1: Lender Relationships
Our relationships with DCA Lenders are central to the success of the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program. Throughout the year, a mortgage lender may apply to be a DCA Lender. This Chapter outlines the process for becoming a DCA Lender, the basic duties and responsibilities of a DCA Lender, and the annual renewal process for DCA Lenders. The duties and responsibilities of a DCA Lender are more specifically described in the Loan Seller Agreement and other chapters in this Guide.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is committed to providing all persons with equal access to its services, programs, activities, education and employment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, marital status, disability or age.
101 DCA Lenders
A DCA Lender must:
- be a legally organized and properly licensed business entity with a office located in the State of Georgia or in a State contiguous to Georgia; different branch offices of the same legal entity will not qualify as individual Lenders but different wholly owned subsidiaries may qualify as individual Lenders if they constitute separate legal entities;
- have as a principal purpose the origination of secured single family residential mortgage loans;
- be approved as (i) an FHA Direct Endorsement lender and VA lender, and (ii) be a federally regulated financial institution or a state or federal agency;
- be approved as (i) a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae Issuer, or (ii) be a federally regulated financial institution, or a state or federal agency;
- demonstrate a proven ability to originate mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market;
- maintain quality control and management systems to evaluate and monitor the quality of loan production and compliance with DCA procedures;
- have in effect and maintain fidelity bond and errors and omissions coverage in amounts equal to that established for Fannie Mae Seller/Servicers and agree to any modifications needed to meet our requirements;
- have a minimum net worth of $2,500,000; and
- document a HUD Neighborhood Watch compare ratio for Georgia of less than 125%. If there are no Georgia loans, then a compare ratio of 125% of national production will be considered.
102 Application Process for New Lenders
A Lender Application package must be completed and returned to DCA for review and approval. The application package must contain:
- a completed Lender Application form and all required attachments;
- two (2) original Loan Seller Agreements executed by a duly authorized senior officer;
- two (2) original Loan Servicing Release Agreements executed by a duly authorized senior officer;
- the three (3) most recent year-end financial statements available, certified by an independent certified public accountant;
- evidence of fidelity bond and errors and omissions coverage in amounts equal to that established for Fannie Mae Seller/Servicers;
- a copy of the Lender’s Quality Control Plan. If applicable, a 203(k) Quality Control Plan must also be provided;
- a complete O.C.G.A. §50-36-1(e)(2) Affidavit executed by a duly authorized officer and a copy of one verifiable documentation of citizenship;
- a Corporate Resolution designating the officers or individuals authorized to execute assignments and other legal documents; and
- an Original Limited Power of Attorney executed by a duly authorized senior officer.
Section 103: Application Review Process
Upon receipt of a complete application package, we will analyze the Lender’s ability to originate Georgia Dream Loans in compliance with our procedures and requirements. Upon completion of our review, we will send notification by email of the approval or denial of the application.
Information and/or documentation submitted to DCA as a part of the application process may be subject to public disclosure.
104 Loan Seller Agreement
The Loan Seller Agreement between Lender and DCA:
- sets forth the requirements with which Lender must comply in order to maintain its status as a DCA Lender;
- provides the terms and conditions for the sale of Georgia Dream Loans;
- incorporates this Seller Guide by reference; and
- incorporates DCA’s Fair Housing Statement and requires DCA Lenders to maintain policies prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, disability or age. It also requires DCA Lenders to comply with all federal and state fair housing and lending laws, rules, regulations, orders, and provisions.
The Lender performs origination and selling functions under the Loan Seller Agreement as an independent contractor and principal, not as an agent or representative of GHFA or DCA.
105 Lender's Basic Duties and Responsibilities
Lender’s duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Ensuring compliance with the requirements set forth in this Seller Guide and the Loan Seller Agreement;
- Ensuring Georgia Dream Loans meet Program requirements and all applicable mortgage insurer requirements;
- Having adequately trained staff and facilities, including and not limited to lender’s management and non-management staff to originate and sell quality Georgia Dream Loans on a timely basis, including but not limited to:
- Assisting each loan applicant with the requirements of the Program and advising of the status of the loan application;
- Reserving, underwriting and submitting completely approved Georgia Dream Loans to DCA for compliance underwriting approval before closing:
- DCA requires a fully underwritten and approved loan with the only remaining Lender condition before preparing closing documents being the Firm Commitment from DCA, and
- Evidence of approval from any additional down-payment assistance related entities with all terms, and
- DCA requires that only the Lender’s designated Program Contact, Lender’s underwriter, or Lender’s underwriting leadership staff may contact DCA staff after a loan has been submitted into the Lender Portal, and
- The Lender will be responsible for responding to any inquiries from, but not limited to realtors (selling and/or listing agents), and/or any third-parties involved in the services rendered to obtain the mortgage,
- Funding and closing of the Georgia Dream Loans;
- If applicable, submitting required documents to the Mortgage Insurer or GSE to obtain mortgage insurance and arranging for the transfer of the insurance to GHFA;
- Lenders must utilize and complete the checklists provided within this Seller Guide with files delivered in the checklist order;
- Lender’s first file submission must be complete and when there are more than two (2) subsequent resubmissions of omitted documents, DCA will reconsider participation in the program to include training and including, but not limited to termination;
- Ensuring staff are knowledgeable in all aspects of loan origination and selling;
- Having fully documented written procedures and quality control measures to determine that the procedures are being followed;
- Protecting GHFA and DCA against fraud, misrepresentation or negligence by any parties involved in the origination process; and
- Designating a Program Contact as described in this Chapter.
105.1 Electronic Media
If Lender elects to transfer a paper copy of this Seller Guide into electronic format, the Lender expressly warrants that all such electronic Seller Guide forms and material used in connection with Georgia Dream Loans shall have only minor variations in format.
Lenders are strongly encouraged to use DCA specific forms and integrate them into their Loan Origination Systems for efficiency purposes to include electronic signatures. At the Lender’s request, DCA will provide Georgia Dream Documents in multiple formats for integration into a loan origination system or document preparation system to allow for auto filling. Georgia Dream documents which have been signed with borrower’s electronic signature must be accompanied by the borrower(s) Electronic Signature Authorization. If unable to provide, all forms must be wet signed.
Acceptable minor format variations include:
- change in type font;
- change in type size, so long as the document is easily readable; and
- absence of the form borders.
Unacceptable format variations include:
- absence of Georgia Dream Homeownership Program form number;
- absence of Georgia Dream Homeownership Program form version designation; and
- any change in content, including substitution, omission or addition of one (1) or more words.
You should contact us with any questions about reproduction of the Seller Guide or its forms before distribution of these documents in conjunction with the origination of Georgia Dream Loans.
106 Lender Organizational Changes
Lenders must send written notice to DCA of any major organizational changes contemplated, including, but not limited to:
- resignation or replacement of any senior management personnel;
- mergers, consolidations or reorganizations;
- changes in ownership of over 5% by whatever means;
- a change in corporate name;
- a change in a savings and loan association's charter from federal to state or vice versa or change to a banking association; and
- a change in your financial position which would render you unable to honor the Loan Seller Agreement.
Lenders must notify the DCA’s Program Specialist by email of any changes in primary business office address, email or wiring instructions within five (5) Business Days of the change. On a periodic basis, Lender may be asked to verify addresses, telephone numbers, primary contacts and email addresses.
107 Loan Servicing
Lenders must release the servicing rights on Georgia Dream Loans to DCA’s servicing division, State Home Mortgage. Servicing rights released must be transferred immediately after closing in accordance with this Guide.
108 Program Contact
The Lender must designate one (1) employee to serve as the Program Contact for the purpose of participating in the Program. The Program Contact should be an individual who can fulfill the responsibilities outlined in this Section on a timely and informed basis.
The Program Contact is expected to disseminate information to the appropriate persons involved with the origination, underwriting, closing and servicing associated with Georgia Dream Loans. The Program Contact should inform all appropriate person to sign up for the weekly Georgia Dream rate sheet.
While specific questions related to underwriting, reservations, purchase or final documents may be directed to other Lender staff, the Program Contact is expected to resolve problems, answer questions or represent Lender’s position on various issues related to Lender’s participation in the Program.
The Program Contact must be designated at the time of lender application. Lender must notify DCA’s Program Specialist by email within five (5) Business Days of a decision to designate a new Program Contact due to change in staff or change in staff responsibilities. Failure to provide this notification may result in immediate limited participation as described in this Chapter and may result in additional sanctions.
109 Lender's Repurchase Obligation
For reasons including but not limited to the following, Lender must repurchase any Loan sold to GHFA by the 15th Business Day following our demand in accordance with the Loan Seller Agreement:
- Any of the warranties contained in the forms and certifications required by the Seller Guide are deemed untrue or misleading in any material respect by DCA;
- the Loan is found to be in violation of any applicable Program, Mortgage Insurer, or GSE requirements;
- Lender fails to deliver any required documents and/or certifications;
- Lender takes action which impairs GHFA’s security and/or causes the Loan to no longer meet the requirements of the Seller Guide, either before or after the sale of the Loan to GHFA and execution of the Lender Certification (Form SF-60); and/or
- Lender fails to take action that protects GHFA’s security and/or causes the Loan to no longer meet the requirements of the Seller Guide, either before or after the sale of the Loan to GHFA.
- the Loan has an early payment default of any payments within the first six (6) months of the closing date including repayment of the Servicing Release Premium
In the event the Lender is required to repurchase a Loan, the amount due to DCA on GHFA’s behalf will be governed by the terms of the most recently executed Loan Seller Agreement.
GHFA/DCA will not require a repurchase for loans with defects discovered more than 36 months after the purchase date of the loan, except for cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or material violations of loan eligibility requirements. After the 36-month period, repurchase is not required for minor defects unless the defect significantly impacts the loan’s performance or eligibility.
110 Remedies for Non-Performance
DCA retains the right to either limit or terminate the Lender’s participation in the Program for (i) any failure to abide by the terms of the Loan Seller Agreement or this Guide, (ii) any untrue or materially misleading statement in the Lender Application or Lender Application Renewal forms or attachments thereto, (iii) lack of loan participation, (iv) named as a defendant in any pending litigation.
110.1 Limited Participation
Limited participation means the Lender will be unable to make a reservation until the specific violations which caused the limited participation have been resolved to our satisfaction. Such violations include but are not limited to:
- loss of mortgage insurer certification;
- failure to maintain a branch in Georgia or contiguous state;
- outstanding repurchases of loans or outstanding final documents; or
- excessive HUD or GHFA delinquency ratios.
Limited participation does not relieve the Lender of any responsibilities under the Loan Seller Agreement or this Guide. At the conclusion of the period of limited participation, DCA will notify Lender either (i) when reservations may resume, or (ii) the Lender’s participation in the Program has been terminated.
110.2 Termination
Termination means Lender will no longer be allowed to participate in the Program and the Lender’s name will be removed from all DCA materials intended for the public as soon as practical. The decision to terminate participation will be based upon an evaluation of the severity and magnitude of the violation and will be solely within DCA’s discretion. After termination, a Lender which has taken the necessary steps to prevent a reoccurrence of the violation that led to the termination may submit a request to reinstate participation to DCA’s Program Specialist with an explanation of the steps taken. After review, we will notify you of our decision.
At the time of Lender renewal, if the Lender has less than four loans purchased by Georgia Dream from the previous year, the Lender will be terminated.
110.3 Notification and Appeal
The Program Contact will be notified of limited participation or termination via email. Lenders will have 15 Business Days from the date of the notice to appeal the action to DCA’s Program Manager of Homeownership. The appeal must (i) demonstrate why Lender feels the action was unwarranted, (ii) describe any measures underway to correct the deficiencies, and (iii) demonstrate measurable progress toward correcting the deficiencies. DCA may, in our sole discretion, schedule an informal conference with Lender to gather information related to the limited participation or termination. A decision will be made within 15 Business Days of receipt of the appeal.
111 Lender Portal
Lender Portal is DCA’s internet-based system that allows Lenders to enter Reservations, complete and print DCA required forms, check the status of Reservations, submit electronic documents for review and access various reports. Lenders are required to utilize Lender Portal to reserve funds with DCA. Anyone utilizing Lender Portal must be assigned an individual username and password.
112 Program Compliance
Lender is responsible for ensuring each Loan submitted to DCA complies with our Program requirements and the requirements of the Mortgage Insurer as set forth in the Loan Seller Agreement and this Seller Guide.
Even if the loan is purchased based upon DCA’s review of the underwriting package, DCA reserves the right to require Lender to repurchase the Loan if the Loan does not comply with the applicable Program requirements and/or the requirements of the Mortgage Insurer as set forth in the Loan Seller Agreement and/or this Guide.
Chapter 2: DCA Loan Process
The loan process described in this Chapter allows DCA to manage the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program pipeline and provide DCA Lenders with information about the loans in the pipeline. It is critical that Lenders maintain correct information and take timely action to ensure loans meet our deadlines.
201 General
As a DCA Lender, it is your responsibility to ensure each loan submitted to DCA complies with Program requirements and the requirements of the Mortgage Insurer or GSE. As a DCA participating Lender you must assist eligible borrowers throughout the loan process.
DCA will review the Lender’s submitted Underwriting Packages, clear DCA placed underwriting conditions as applicable, and review Purchase Packages on a first-come, first-served basis. Lenders should submit complete Underwriting Packages and Purchase Packages as early as possible to allow sufficient time for DCA to review each package and for the Lender to address any issues.
202 Funds Availability
Generally, DCA expects to make funds for the Program available to Lenders on an ongoing basis. DCA must, however, comply with certain State and Federal laws relating to the geographic allocation of its funds. Therefore, we reserve the right to select Reservations that meet those requirements and hold other Reservations for a later date if sufficient funds are not available for all Reservation requests.
In the unlikely event that funds are not available for all expected Reservations, DCA will post notification on the Rate Sheet, Lender Portal, and notify the Program Contacts by email.
203 Loan Origination
DCA recognizes there are procedural variations among Lenders. Therefore, the procedures outlined in this section only suggest the sequence of events for loan origination:
- The Lender is encouraged to provide Applicants who inquire about the Program with a Georgia Dream Homeownership Program information and answer any questions the Applicant may have regarding the Program, eligibility requirements and the loan process;
- The Lender advises the Applicant to attend homebuyer education through a HUD approved housing counseling agency and provide evidence of completion in the Underwriting Package;
- The Lender takes a formal application and determines if the Applicant is eligible for the Program based on information received for Household Annual Income, Acquisition Cost, prior homeownership, and other relevant information. If the Applicant appears eligible, the Lender obtains completed and signed copies of the Program documents required at application,
- The Lender reserves funds pursuant to the Reservation procedures outlined in this Chapter,
- The Lender fully and completely underwrites the application for credit approval based on the requirements of the Mortgage Insurer or GSE and determines if the loan complies with DCA’s guidelines, and
- Once the Lender’s underwriter has completely approved the loan and completed its review, an underwriting package is submitted to DCA for a compliance underwriting review.
203.1 Completion of Forms
Lender must submit fully completed and signed Georgia Dream documents at time loan is submitted to the Lender Portal for review. If required forms are not included in the loan file, review of the loan file may be suspended until documents are uploaded to the Lender Portal.
Georgia Dream Documents which have been signed with borrower’s electronic signature must be accompanied by the borrower(s) Electronic Signature Authorization. If unable to provide, all forms must be wet signed.
The Note and Deed must continue to be signed by the borrower(s) at closing.
204 Issuance of Reservations
To request a Reservation for the Program, Lender must enter the required information via the Lender Portal. Lender should select the correct category for the loan.
If the Reservation request meets Program requirements and funds are available, Lender will receive a Reservation Number via a “Reservation Accepted” response from the Lender Portal. The “Reservation Accepted” screen must be printed and uploaded in the Underwriting Package in eDocs.
Lender must make note of the DCA Reservation Number and make it accessible to all personnel involved with the loan. The Reservation Number must be included in all verbal and written communication with DCA to facilitate accessing information about the loan.
If any information needs to be changed (property address, income, purchase price, loan amount, etc.) after a Reservation Number has been issued, Lender must complete the Reservation Change Form (SF-7) and email it to [email protected]. DCA will make the changes upon receipt of the Reservation Change Form and notify Lender once the changes have been made.
If the Reservation Period expires, the loan will be cancelled unless Lender requests an extension in accordance with this Chapter.
DCA does not allow substitution of a borrower on any Reservation.
204.1 First Mortgage Loan Interest Rates
The interest rate for Georgia Dream First Mortgage loans is the rate that is effective at the time the reservation is received by DCA and is attached to the property.
DCA will notify Lenders of the interest rate and the effective period for the rate each Thursday or as necessary. A reserved loan is not subject to increases or decreases based on market fluctuation.
If Thursday is not a Business Day, then DCA will send the Rate Sheet on the previous Business Day. As such, DCA will deliver a Rate Sheet by email every Thursday afternoon before 5:00 p.m. Interest rates are also available 24 hours a day on the Lender Portal and by dialing the Lender Information Line at (404) 679-0581.
205 Reservation Period
The Reservation Period is the period the Lender must submit the Underwriting Package to DCA for approval, close the loan, and submit the Purchase Package to DCA for funding. The Reservation Period is 75 calendar days.
Lender must periodically review the status reports available on the Lender Portal to monitor and notify DCA of any cancellations or extensions needed.
205.1 Reservation Period Extension
Lender may request an extension of the Reservation Period by submitting Form (SF-5) to [email protected].
With payment of an Extension Fee, Lender may request an extension of any Georgia Dream loan reservation for the number of days in section 205.2, Extension Fees.
For FHA 203K loans, Lender may request up to two 30-day extensions with no Extension Fee and one additional 30-day extension with payment of an Extension Fee.
Within our discretion, we may grant an additional 30-day extension for any Georgia Dream loan reservation if we have completed our underwriting review.
Within three (3) Business Days of receipt of an Extension Form (SF-5), DCA will notify Lender by email of the approval or denial of the request for extension. If approved, the approval will show the new Expiration Date and the total Extension Fee due.
After the expiration of any approved extension period, the reservation will be cancelled. The Lender may send a written request to make a second reservation, which is within the sole discretion of DCA whether to approve.
205.2 Extension Fees
The Extension Fee will be a flat fee based on the number of days of extension. For a 7 day extension, the fee is $50.00, for 15 days the fee is $150.00, and for 30 days the fee is $250.00. Extension Fees will not be pro-rated.
Extension Fees are not refundable and may not be charged to the borrower. The Extension Fee will be deducted from the net purchase amount when we purchase the loan.
206 Cancellation of Reservation
Immediately upon learning that a loan with an active Reservation will not be presented for purchase, Lender must complete a Reservation Cancellation (Form SF-6) requesting cancellation of the Reservation and send via email to [email protected].
Loans may not be cancelled and re-reserved to obtain a lower interest rate. A reservation made within six (6) months of a previous reservation for the same borrower and the same property will result in the higher of the current or previous interest rate.
207 Underwriting
The credit decision on each loan is made by the Lender in accordance with this Chapter. Each loan submitted to DCA must also meet the Program requirements and the applicable Mortgage Insurer’s requirements as determined by the Lender’s underwriter. DCA will underwrite loans for compliance with Program requirements prior to issuing an underwriting decision to the Lender.
207.1 Compliance Underwriting
Lenders are required to review the file for compliance with Program requirements prior to submitting the Underwriting Package to DCA for compliance underwriting, but DCA reserves the right to require further information to insure compliance with Program requirements and/or Mortgage Insurer or GSE requirements.
In the absence of specific guidance within this Seller Guide on underwriting requirements, DCA will default to the Mortgage Insurer’s or applicable GSE current underwriting requirements at the time of DCA’s purchase to include but not limited to, FHA 4000.1, VA Lender Handbook, USDA HB-1-3555, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Selling Guides, Mortgagee Letters, Circular Letters, and/or Lender Letters.
DCA’s compliance underwriting decision will be based on, but not limited to, a review whether the documentation in the Underwriting Package demonstrates satisfactory compliance with the following criteria:
- Applicant meets the first time homebuyer requirements;
- Applicant’s total Household Annual Income meets Program requirements;
- Acquisition Cost of the subject property is within the published Acquisition Cost limits for the county in which the property is located;
- DCA required forms are complete and accurate;
- Loan proceeds are utilized for purchase only transactions;
- Complete and accurate information is provided prior to loan closing and all underwriting approval conditions are satisfied and adequately documented; and
- Collateral assessment of the subject property meets Program requirements and the requirements set forth by the Mortgage Insurer.
207.2 Credit Underwriting
Lenders must follow the underwriting guidelines set forth by DCA and/or the Mortgage Insurer, Lender’s credit underwriting must evaluate the creditworthiness of each Applicant. Approved loans are then submitted to DCA for compliance underwriting.
Lender’s Underwriter assumes full responsibility for compliance with the insurer’s credit underwriting requirements.
All Underwriting Packages submitted to DCA must include the appropriate Mortgage Insurer or GSE approval documents:
- FHA loans will require a copy of the Mortgage Insurance Certificate, FHA Loan Underwriting and Transmittal Summary (92900LT) and Conditional Commitment both completed with signature and dated by the Direct Endorsement Underwriter;
- USDA/RD loans will require a signed Conditional Commitment form (USDA Form 3555-18E) by the Lender’s underwriter;
- VA loans will require a completed Loan Analysis (VA form 26-6393) fully executed and signed by the Lender’s VA automatic underwriter, and an executed Notice of Value (NOV) by the Lender’s VA LAPP/SAR underwriter;
- Conventional loans will require a completed and signed Uniform Underwriting and Transmittal Summary (Fannie Mae form 1008/Freddie Mac form 1077) by the Lender’s underwriter.
- Lender Appraisal Processing Program approval must be in the Underwriting Package.
207.3 Credit Report & Fraud Report
Lender must submit to DCA a complete copy of the Residential Mortgage Credit Report (RMCR) or a tri-merged credit report. A credit report utilized by an Approved Automated Underwriting System may also be accepted. The credit report may not be older than one hundred and twenty (120) days at the time of final underwriting approval. Lenders are expected to continuously run undisclosed debt monitoring (UDM) through the date of funding to ensure the borrower has incurred no new debts after the initial credit report run date. Any undisclosed debts discovered by the Lender or DCA will subject the loan to additional underwriting and program eligibility requirements.
Lender must also submit a fraud data verification report, including liens and judgments, with the complete underwriting package. The report must come from an acceptable vendor (i.e., Fraudguard, Drive, Lexus Nexis, Corelogic).
207.4 Automated Underwriting
For all loans underwritten by an Automated Underwriting System (DU, LP or GUS), AUS approval will not be accepted unless the Housing Expense ratio meets the following requirements 1,2:
| Credit Score | Housing Expense Ratio | DTI Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 700+ | Per AUS approval | Per AUS approval |
| 640-699 | <45% | <45% |
If a borrower does not meet these requirements, the Lender’s Underwriter may request an exception. Exceptions for ratios are limited to two points over the maximum allowable ratio for the credit score. After the complete submission has been reviewed, DCA may, in its discretion, grant an exception to the ratio requirements if no negative indicators of credit are present and there are compensating factors including but not limited to:
- The borrower has successfully demonstrated the ability to pay housing expenses greater or equal to the proposed monthly housing expenses for the new mortgage over the past 12-24 months;
- The borrower has substantial documented cash reserves of at least 2 months after closing demonstrating an ability to save; or
- The borrower receives documented compensation or income that is not reflected in effective income but directly affects his/her ability to pay the mortgage.
As part of the Underwriting Package, Lender must submit to DCA all documentation used or required by the Approved Automated Underwriting System in determining the credit recommendation. DCA will accept the streamlined documentation required by the Approved Automated Underwriting System, with the exception of the Appraisal. The information provided on the loan application, source documents and verifications prior to loan closing must conform to the information contained in the AUS approval and all conditions must be satisfied and adequately documented.
The Georgia Dream Peach Select Veterans Assistance Loan Program maximum DTI is per AUS findings with a minimum 640 score.
Manufactured homes require a minimum 660 middle credit score for all borrowers
207.5 Manual Underwriting
DCA will only accept manually underwritten loans when a credit score does not exist on government loans (FHA, VA, and USDA/RD). Conventional loans are not eligible for manual underwriting. Alternative credit is acceptable. DCA will not accept manually underwritten loans when derogatory credit or high ratios exist. FHA and VA loans must comply with the manual underwriting requirements as set forth in HUD 4000.1 or the VA Lender Handbook.
For all manually underwritten loans, the maximum Housing Expense ratio may not exceed 28% and the total Debt to Income ratio may not exceed 36% on both the Georgia Dream Standard and Georgia Dream Peach Plus programs. For a manually underwritten Georgia Dream Peach Select program the maximum total debt-to-income ratio may not exceed 41%.
207.6 Minimum Credit Score Requirements for FHA, VA, USDA/ RD, & Conventional Uninsured Loans
All FHA, VA, USDA/RD and Conventional uninsured loans must have a minimum middle credit score of at least 640 using the lowest score of all credit qualifying borrowers. Manufactured homes require a minimum 660 middle credit score for all borrowers.
Applicants with no credit scores that meet FHA’s non-traditional credit policy as outlined in the HUD 4000.1 will continue to be accepted as meeting the minimum 640 credit score requirement, but the Housing Expense ratio may not exceed 28% and the total Debt to Income ratio may not exceed 36%. Manufactured homes require a minimum 660 middle credit score for all borrowers
207.7 Underwriting Package Format
The Underwriting Package must include at least the items listed on the Underwriting Package Checklist in this Guide and the documents must be arranged in the order listed on the checklist. If not arranged in the order listed, the package will be suspended.
The Lender must insure the Underwriting Package includes all documentation that was deemed necessary to obtain credit underwriting approval, including all documentation required to clear any credit underwriting conditions. The loan must be fully approved by Lender’s underwriter prior to submission of the Underwriting Package.
The documents in the Underwriting Package must be uploaded and submitted through eDocs into the Underwriting Package, accessible on the Lender Portal.
207.8 Incomplete Underwriting Package
Lender will be notified via email or phone if the Underwriting Package is substantially incomplete. When the requested documentation is received by DCA, the Underwriting Package will be considered complete and will be placed into underwriting on that date. If after 15 calendar days any requested documentation has not been received, DCA will cancel the loan reservation.
207.9 DCA's Underwriting Period
Upon receipt of a complete Underwriting Package, DCA will notify Lender of the initiation of underwriting review within five (5) Business Days. In periods of unusually heavy activity or due to circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary for DCA to extend the time required for underwriting review beyond ten (10) Business Days.
The Lender must consider the DCA underwriting period when planning to close a loan. Loans submitted with less than ten (10) business days from the closing date will require an executed contract extension by all parties to allow DCA sufficient time to perform the compliance underwriting review. Lenders may check the status of DCA’s underwriting turnaround time by calling the Lender Information Line at (404) 679-0581 or viewing the turnaround times within the Lender Portal.
207.10 Exceptions
Exception Request Policy and Process
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Homeownership Division may consider exceptions to standard program requirements on a case-by-case basis to support sustainable homeownership while maintaining program integrity and compliance.
Eligibility for Exception Requests:
- Exception requests must be submitted by a participating lender.
- Exceptions will only be considered when the request demonstrates a compelling hardship or extenuating circumstance that does not compromise loan quality, borrower sustainability, or adherence to program requirements.
- Exceptions will not be granted for requirements dictated by mortgage insurer or government sponsored entity guidelines (e.g., FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac).
Submission Process:
- The lender must submit their own version of an exception request entitled "Exception Request Form" with full details of the exception being sought, including:
- Borrower name and DCA loan number
- Specific program guideline for which the exception is requested
- Rationale for the request and all relevant supporting documentation
- Compensating factors supporting the request, to include but not limited to the ability to accumulate savings, strong reserves, long-term stable employment, minimal housing payment shock, or a history of timely housing payments
- Exception requests must be included directly behind the Underwriting Package Checklist when the lender uploads their underwritten loan file into the Lender Portal.
- DCA will review the request and issue a deferral letter requesting any additional documentation, which will serve as the formal exception approval.
Approval Authority:
Exceptions must be approved by the Compliance Underwriting Manager, who may escalate to the Division Director for final determination, depending on the complexity of the request.
Recordkeeping:
Approved exceptions will be tracked and monitored by the Compliance Underwriting Team to ensure consistency, identify patterns, and manage program risk.
208 Underwriting Decision
Lender will be sent an approval, deferral or rejection letter by email as outlined in this section.
208.1 Underwriting Approval Letter
If approved, an underwriting approval letter will be sent to Lender stating it is a "Firm Commitment". The underwriting approval letter will identify any conditions which must be satisfied, documentation of which must be included in the Purchase Package.
208.2 Underwriting Deferral Letter
A deferral letter may be issued stating an underwriting decision cannot be made until receipt of listed documentation. Upon receipt of the requested information, the Underwriting Package will be reviewed again with results of the review being uploaded in eDocs.
208.3 Underwriting Rejection Letter
A rejection letter is sent when DCA determines a loan does not meet the guidelines for the Program. The letter will include the reason the loan is being rejected for delivery to DCA. The Reservation will be cancelled unless the Lender notifies DCA within ten (10) Business Days from the date of the rejection that it wishes to attempt to "cure" the rejection. If an Extension of the Reservation Period is needed, Lender must request an Extension in accordance with the procedures outlined in this Seller Guide.
209 Clearing Conditions
To clear conditions or to respond to a deferral or rejection, Lender must upload the requested information to the Underwriting Package in eDocs. Partial conditions submissions are not allowed and all DCA conditions are expected to be submitted once. The DCA underwriter will typically review within 24 hours of receipt and will respond by emailing Lender and uploading either (1) a new letter to the Underwriting Package in eDocs if the underwriting decision changes or (2) the previous letter with an indication of which conditions have been cleared. DCA volumes may impact the review time. Lenders are encouraged to access the Lender Portal for daily underwriting turn times.
210 Closing
The loan closing must occur in enough time to allow for the delivery of the loan to DCA prior to the expiration of the Reservation Period.
The Underwriting Approval Letter contains the terms under which the loan has been underwritten and the loan must close in accordance with these terms.
The Underwriting Approval Letter is DCA’s commitment to purchase the loan after closing as long as it is closed in accordance with:
- any conditions or instructions contained in the Underwriting Approval Letter;
- the provisions of this Guide and the loan Seller Agreement; and
- applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
210.1 Power of Attorney
The use of a Power of Attorney is not allowed unless: 1) the borrower is active personnel in the United Military and is currently deployed overseas; or 2) permitted under other extraordinary circumstances, as determined at DCA’s sole discretion. Only then may a specific Power of Attorney be used by the approved agent designated in the Power of Attorney. In any circumstance, the Power of Attorney may not be an interested party to the transaction. This requirement does not apply to the seller.
211 Loan Purchase
Lenders must submit purchase packages to DCA within 15 calendar days after loan closing. Lender must also submit the required servicing package described in this Guide.
DCA purchases loans two (2) times each week. All Purchase Packages that are complete as of 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday will be funded on Wednesday. All Purchase Packages that are complete as of 12:00 p.m. on Thursday will be funded on Friday.
DCA reserves the right to periodically amend this purchase schedule due to State holidays, domestic or foreign bank holidays, acts of God and/or any circumstances which, in our opinion, warrant a change.
211.1 Purchase Deadline
If DCA has not received a Purchase Package for a loan within the Reservation Period, the Reservation will expire and will be cancelled (unless the Reservation Period is extended in accordance with this Chapter).
211.2 Contents of Purchase Packages
Purchase Packages must include the items listed on the Purchase Package Checklists in this Guide. The documents in each Purchase Package must be arranged in the order listed on the checklist. The Purchase Package must be uploaded and submitted through eDocs, accessible on the Lender Portal.
211.3 Purchase Package Review and Purchase Delay Penalty Fees
Generally, DCA will review Purchase Packages within three (3) Business Days of receipt. Lender will be notified by email of any missing or incorrect items and is responsible for submitting or correcting all deficiencies in the Purchase Package within 15 Business Days. DCA typically purchases loans on Wednesdays and Fridays of each week except for the last week of each month.
If missing or incorrect items are not provided or corrected within 15 Business Days of closing, DCA will begin charging a Purchase Delay Penalty Fee of $25.00 per business day. The Purchase Delay Penalty Fee will be subtracted from the loan Purchase Price for the applicable Georgia Dream First Mortgage loan.
If the Reservation is cancelled after Purchase Delay Penalty Fees have accrued or the loan is not purchased, the Purchase Delay Penalty Fees due may be invoiced to the Lender. If the invoice remains unpaid 90 days after invoice date, DCA may place Lender on Limited Participation as described in Chapter 1 of this Seller Guide.
211.4 Incomplete Purchase Packages
DCA will notify Lender if any Purchase Package is determined to be substantially incomplete or uploaded incorrectly. A substantially incomplete package will not be considered to have met the deadline requirements during the Reservation Period.
211.5 Loan Purchase Price
At the time of funding, the amount disbursed to Lender will be the original principal balance, plus or minus any adjustments for accrued interest, earned servicing fees, extension fees, and Purchase Delay Penalty Fees at time of purchase. Funds will be wired using the wiring instructions provided on the lender application, unless written notification of any change is sent to DCA.
The Servicing Release Premium (SRP) for loans will be as follows:
| Credit Score | SRP |
|---|---|
| 720+ | 1.125% of the loan amount |
| 680-719 | 1.0% of the loan amount |
| <680 or manually underwritten loans with no scores | 0.75% of the loan amount |
State Home Mortgage will wire funds for the SRP after deducting the current tax service fee of $81.00.
211.6 Non-Purchase of Closed Loan
If documentation is requested during the purchase review and is not provided within 60 days, DCA may elect not to purchase the loan. The Reservation will be cancelled, and the loan will be transferred back to the Lender.
211.7 Non-Purchase of Delinquent Loan
If a Loan is delinquent (calculated from the first of the month), we will not purchase the loan until the loan payment is made. If the loan becomes 45 calendar days or more delinquent, we will not purchase the loan even if the loan subsequently becomes current. The Reservation will be cancelled, and the loan will be transferred back to the Lender.
211.8 Mortgage Record Changes in FHA Connection
Within 15 days of our purchase of the loan, the Lender must submit a Mortgage Record Change in FHA Connection to change the holder of record to Georgia Housing and Finance Authority, FHA Holder #09497. Any loan not transferred to Georgia Housing and Finance Authority within the 15-day period will be subject to repurchase by the Lender.
After the Loan is purchased, DCA will email a letter listing the final documents required for the Loan. These documents include those listed on the Checklists in this Guide and may include other items. The failure to include a document from the Final Document or Purchase Package Checklist in the letter does not relieve Lender of the requirement to provide the document.
211.9 Early Payoff Policy
An early payoff exists when a mortgage loan is paid in full or when a curtailment in excess of 30% of the original principal balance occurs within 180 days after the funding date of such mortgage loan. For mortgage loans that become the subject of an early payoff, the Lender shall promptly reimburse DCA within 30 calendar days of payoff the original Servicing Release Premium paid by DCA.
212 Final Documents
All Final Documents must include the Final Documents Checklist and the items listed within this Seller Guide. The documents in each Final Document Package must be arranged in the order listed on the checklist. The Final Documents Package must be uploaded and submitted through eDocs, accessible on the Lender Portal. Overnighted or mailed documents are not acceptable.
All requested Final Documents must be provided to DCA within 90 days of our purchase of the loan or the loan will be subject to repurchase in accordance with the loan Seller Agreement.
Lender must provide a properly executed Form SF-60 Lender Certification dated after all documents have been correctly recorded.
213 Quality Control
DCA requires each Lender to maintain a quality control plan which provides for a comprehensive review of a selection of loans in accordance with either the applicable Mortgage Insurer, GSE, or guarantor guidelines. Lender’s review must include a minimal amount of loans purchased by DCA. DCA may request and Lender must provide a copy of their selection lists and any reviews conducted of loans purchased by DCA.
DCA reserves the right to conduct a quality control review following purchase on any loan as deemed necessary.
214 Loan Servicing - State Home Mortgage
The servicing rights to all Georgia Dream First Mortgage loans are sold to State Home Mortgage. Loans released to State Home Mortgage for servicing should not be “set-up” on Lender’s servicing system but must be transferred immediately after closing to State Home Mortgage.
Servicing Packages must include the items listed on the Servicing Package Checklist in this Guide. The documents in each paper Servicing Package must be delivered to State Home Mortgage at the address below, along with the escrow check within 15 calendar days after closing.
60 Executive Park South, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30329
Attn: New Loans Department
All first payments are due and payable to State Home Mortgage. If any payments from the borrower are received by Lender, the payments must be forwarded to State Home Mortgage upon receipt.
DCA services all Georgia Dream Second Mortgage loans. However, we do not require a Servicing Package for such loans.