Best Georgia Mortgage Lenders of 2026
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Georgia
First-time homebuyers in Georgia can get favorable mortgages and help with down payments and closing costs from these programs.
- Available to: Eligible low- and moderate-income Georgians can apply with minimum credit scores of 640.
- Income limits: Amounts vary by county. At the time of closing, eligible buyers can’t have liquid assets exceeding $20,000 or 20% of the sales price, whichever is greater.
- First-time homebuyers only?: Yes, with exceptions. The program is also available to eligible homebuyers purchasing in a targeted area or those who have not owned a home in the past three years.
- Loan options: There’s one option – the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
- Down payment and closing cost assistance: All eligible homebuyers may qualify for a down payment loan up to the lesser of 5% of the property purchase price or $10,000. Down payment assistance is a zero-interest second mortgage that requires no monthly payments. The loan must be repaid when the borrower sells the property, refinances the mortgage or moves out. Those in the protection, education or nursing fields, as well as active military and households with a disabled family member, may qualify for loans up to the lesser of 6% of the purchase price or $12,500.
Other Homebuyer Programs in Georgia
First-time homebuyers and repeat homebuyers can qualify for the Georgia Dream Peach Plus Loan Program and the Georgia Dream Peach Select Veterans Assistance Loan Program.
- Available to: FHA-qualified borrowers who are not eligible for the traditional Georgia Dream program can apply. Credit scores must be 640 or higher.
- Income limits: Maximum income varies by county. Eligibility includes a limit on liquid assets of no more than $20,000 or 20% of the sales price, whichever is greater.
- First-time homebuyers only?: No.
- Loan options: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are the only option.
- Benefit: All eligible homebuyers may qualify for a down payment loan of 3.5% of the purchase price or a maximum of $10,000, whichever is less. The loan must be repaid when the borrower sells the property, refinances the mortgage or moves out. Protectors, educators, nurses and active military service members may qualify, and so can households with a disabled family member. These loans max out at the lesser of 4% of the purchase price or $12,500.
