Georgia Dream: The Down Payment Assistance Program Most Buyers Don't Know About

One of the most underutilized resources for homebuyers in Georgia is the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. It provides below-market interest rates and down payment assistance of up to $10,000 — and most eligible buyers have no idea it exists.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for Georgia Dream, you generally need to: be a first-time homebuyer (or not have owned a home in the past three years), meet income limits based on household size and county, purchase a home within the program's price limits, have a credit score of at least 640, and complete a homebuyer education course. Income and purchase price limits vary by county — Albany and Dougherty County have their own thresholds, so check the current guidelines or ask us.

How the Assistance Works

The standard Georgia Dream program provides $10,000 in down payment assistance as a second mortgage with 0% interest and no monthly payments. The loan is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. For certain eligible buyers — including public protectors, educators, healthcare workers, and active military — the assistance increases to $12,500.

How to Apply

You apply through a Georgia Dream-approved lender, not directly through the state. Your lender handles the paperwork and coordinates with the DCA. The process runs alongside your regular mortgage application. Ask your lender specifically about Georgia Dream — not all lenders are approved participants, so you may need to shop around.

If you're not sure where to start, call us. We work with buyers at every stage and can point you toward approved lenders who know the Georgia Dream program well.