Georgia Dream

Georgia Dream Loan Program FAQs

Learn more about the Georgia Dream Loan Program.

The Georgia Dream Loan Program provides assistance and funding for eligible first-time homebuyers.

Down Payment Loan Options

Effective February 8, 2024:

  • Standard - All eligible homebuyers may qualify!
    • Five percent (5%) of the property purchase price or a maximum $10,000, whichever is the lesser amount. 
  • Protectors, Educators & Nurses (PEN) - Are you a public protector, educator, healthcare provider — or work for these industries — or active military?
    • Six percent (6%) of the property purchase price or a maximum of $12,500, whichever is the lesser amount.
  • Choice - Is a member of your family living with a disability? 
    • Six percent (6%) of the property purchase price or a maximum of $12,500, whichever is the lesser amount.

Eligible Applicants for Georgia Dream Loans

Georgia Dream loans* are available to:

  • First-time homebuyers, OR
  • Homebuyers who have not owned a home** in the past three years, OR
  • Those who purchase a home in certain areas

Who also:

  • Have a household income up to the maximum
  • Have liquid assets of no more than $20,000 or 20% of the sales price (whichever is greater)
  • Meet mortgage loan credit requirements

*Loans are 30-year fixed interest rate mortgages. Participating lenders give credit approval for FHA, USDA-RD, VA or conventional eligible mortgage loans.

**Homebuyers who have not had interest or ownership in a primary residence in the last three years.

How Do I Get Started?

Contact a Georgia Dream Participating Lender to pre-qualify and begin the loan process. Use the list of participating lenders or call 800-359-4663.

Home Sales Price and Maximum Household Income

The following information is the home sale price and maximum household income for each home in the respective counties or areas listed.

  • Area/County: Atlanta - Sandy Springs - Roswell, GA HUD Metro
    Barrow County, Bartow County, Carroll County, Cherokee County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Coweta County, Dawson County, DeKalb County, Douglas County, Fayette County, Forsyth County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Heard County, Henry County, Jasper County, Newton County, Paulding County, Pickens County, Pike County, Rockdale County, Spalding County, Walton County
    • Home Sales Price: $425,000
    • Household Income: 
      • 1-2 persons: $120,439
      • 3+ persons: $138,505
  • Area / County: Athens, GA MSA
    Clarke County, Madison County, Oconee County, Oglethorpe County, Morgan County
    • Home Sales Price: $375,000
    • Household Income:
      • ​​​​​1-2 persons: $101,429
      • 3+ persons: $116,644
  • Area / County: All Other Georgia Counties
    • Home Sales Price: $360,000
    • Household Income: 
      • 1-2 persons: $92,000
      • 3+ persons: $105,800