Atlanta, Ga. (June 30, 2025) – The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is proud to announce the launch of the Georgia Dream Peach Advantage Loan Program, effective July 1, 2025. This new initiative aims to provide greater down payment assistance for individuals and families seeking homeownership in Georgia.

The Peach Advantage Loan Program offers expanded down payment assistance options from two percent up to five percent. This program offers significant upfront savings for eligible homebuyers. Additionally, there is a zero percent down payment assistance option with a reduced first mortgage interest rate. This program is an extension of the Georgia Dream initiative, with the goal of making homeownership more accessible to all Georgians.

Key Information for Prospective Borrowers: 

  • Eligibility: Any borrower who qualifies for a traditional Georgia Dream loan is eligible to apply for the Peach Advantage Loan Program starting July 1, 2025.
  • Interest Rate: The interest rate for the Peach Advantage Loan Program is structured in alignment with the level of down payment assistance selected.
  • Exclusivity: The Georgia Department of Community Affairs collaborates exclusively with Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, who sponsors the Georgia Dream Peach Advantage Loan Program.
  • Maximum Home Sales Price: The maximum home sales price varies by county. Counties within the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) have a maximum sales price of $650,000. Counties within the Athens Metro MSA have a maximum sales price of $575,000. All other counties have a maximum home sales price of $500,000.
  • Other Down Payment Assistance Programs: Borrowers may still utilize other down payment assistance programs in conjunction with the Peach Advantage Loan Program, subject to Georgia Dream and Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC policies. Any subordinate financing must be submitted for review and approval.
  • Application Process: Borrowers who have previously applied for another Georgia Dream program before July 1, 2025, and have not yet had their loan approved and purchased, will need to cancel their existing application and reapply for the Georgia Dream Peach Advantage Loan Program. It is advised to consult with your loan officer and DCA before proceeding with cancellation.

There are key distinctions between Georgia Dream Peach Advantage and other Georgia Dream Mortgage products. Prospective buyers should keep the following factors in mind:

  • Lenders must be approved by both the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC.
  • The lender funds the first and second mortgage and Lakeview purchases the first and second loans from the lender.
  • The loan product type is a conventional loan with private mortgage insurance over 80.00 percent loan-to-value.
  • Reduced private mortgage insurance is available when the homebuyer’s household income is 80.00 percent or less than the Area Median Income.
  • Allows fully delegated underwriting, closing, and funding authority to the lender.
  • The borrower’s minimum investment is zero to three percent of the sales price depending upon down payment option of zero percent or two percent up to five percent.
  • The maximum loan-to-value ratio on the first mortgage is 97 percent.
  • The maximum combined loan-to-value ratio with the second mortgage down payment assistance is 105 percent.
  • Income limitations are up to 150 percent of Area Median Income.
  • Minimum credit score is 640; however, the maximum allowable debt-to-income ratio will be the lesser of 45% or determined by the Automated Underwriting System.
  • Manufactured housing is available with a minimum 660 credit score.

 

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs remains committed to supporting families in their pursuit of homeownership, and the Georgia Dream Peach Advantage Loan Program exemplifies this dedication.

For more information on the Georgia Dream Peach Advantage Loan Program, please visit dca.georgia.gov or contact [email protected]

For more information, please contact [email protected].