Guide for First-Time Home Buyers in Georgia
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and if you're starting that journey in Georgia, you're in a great place to begin. From charming small towns to vibrant metropolitan cities, Georgia first-time buyers enjoy a wide range of options. But navigating the process can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to buying your first home in Georgia and highlight the grants and assistance programs available to help make homeownership more affordable and accessible.
Why Georgia Is a Great Place to Buy Your First Home
Georgia offers first-time home buyers affordability, a mild climate, and lifestyle perks. With a lower cost of living than many other states, Georgia makes homeownership more attainable. Popular spots for first-time buyers include Atlanta suburbs which offer access to jobs, public transit, and community amenities. For those drawn to coastal charm, Savannah combines historic beauty with a growing housing market. Georgia also offers valuable support through programs like the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program and Peach Plus Loan, which can help cover down payments and reduce loan costs—making the path to your first home more achievable than you might think.
First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Georgia
If you are a first time home buyer, Georgia is a great place to call home. Let’s take a look at the ways the Peach State makes homeownership possible!
Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
Buying a home can seem overwhelming. That’s why there are first time home buyer programs in Georgia. For example, the Georgia Dream Loan Program is an initiative that provides assistance and funding for eligible first-time homebuyers. It is designed for eligible low and moderate-income Georgians, providing affordable financing options, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education.
Eligible applicants include a first-time home buyer, a home buyer who has not owned a home in the past 3 years, or a home buyer who purchases a home in a certain area. Applicant must meet mortgage loan credit requirements, as well as income and purchase price limits, and must have limited liquid assets. Georgia Dream also requires all applicants to attend Housing Counseling classes, workshops, or counseling provided by HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies.
Georgia Dream loans are originated by participating lenders who take mortgage loan applications for an FHA, VA, USDA-RD, or conventional uninsured loan and process the paperwork required by the program. Prepared borrowers usually close in about 60 days.
Down Payment Assistance Programs in Georgia
Often the biggest obstacle to homeownership is the down payment. The Georgia Dream Peach Plus Loan Program can help qualified borrowers clear this hurdle by expanding access to affordable homeownership opportunities. By serving a wider range of borrowers, including those with non-conforming loans, this program helps make homeownership a reality for more Georgia families.
Georgia Peach Plus Loan Standard
- All eligible homebuyers may qualify.
- 3.5% of property purchase price or a maximum $10,000, whichever is the lesser amount.
Georgia Peach Plus Loan PEN (Protectors, Educators & Nurses)
- For public service professionals (public protector, educator, healthcare provider or active military)
- 4% of property purchase price or a maximum of $12,500, whichever is the lesser amount.
Georgia Peach Plus Loan CHOICE
- Homeowners who are disabled or have disabled family members
- 4% of property purchase price or a maximum of $12,500, whichever is the lesser amount.
Other first time home buyer grants in Georgia include Pathway to Homeownership from New American Funding which offers up to $6,000 in assistance to qualified first-time homebuyers in select areas. These funds are not loans and do not need to be repaid, providing valuable support for down payments and closing costs. Plus, it can be combined with other assistance programs.
Additionally, different counties may have their own programs to encourage homeownership through loan or down payment assistance. Check with your lender.
Dream Finders’ New Home Communities in Georgia
We have dozens of communities available in the Atlanta area. These communities offer a range of options to suit various preferences and budgets, making them attractive choices for first-time homebuyers. Here are just a few.
Azalea Hills | Temple, GA
Starting in the $230s, Azalea Hills offers townhomes that provide affordable modern living with luxury features, making it ideal for first-time buyers seeking value and style.
Conner Springs | Social Circle, GA
Starting in the $370s, Conner Springs offers 4 to 5-bedroom homes. Located in Social Circle, known as "Georgia's Greatest Little Town," this community provides luxury living with top-quality features.
Creekbend Overlook | City of South Fulton, GA
Creekbend Overlook features homes nestled in the City of South Fulton. This community offers suburban tranquility with urban convenience, just south of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Crossvine Village | La Grange, GA
This thoughtfully planned community spans 341 acres and includes tennis, pickleball, basketball, and bocce ball courts, along with a swimming pool, clubhouse, pavilion, and lush green spaces.
The Enclave at Dial Farm | Walnut Grove, GA
The Enclave at Dial Farm offers modern homes and luxurious living. Nestled in charming Walnut Grove, this community has peaceful surroundings, minutes from Conyers, Monroe, and Athens.
Fern Dale | Fairburn, GA
Fern Dale offers exceptional living with thoughtfully designed homes and outstanding amenities. Near Hwy 92, I-85, and I-285, it offers access to Hartsfield-Jackson, golf clubs, parks & more.
Preserve at Ag Village | Perry, GA
This community offers spacious homes, the latest in modern technology, and premium amenities. Set in the heart of Perry, Preserve at Ag Village offers small-town charm and big-city convenience.
River Walk Farm | Covington, GA
This community offers resort-style amenities, ample greenspace, and a convenient location. Designed for style and function, the thoughtfully designed homes create the perfect living space.
Stonewall Station | Union City, GA
Priced from the $320s, Stonewall Station offers homes with modern features at no extra cost. Located in Union City, this community combines comfort with accessibility to downtown Atlanta.
Buy Your First Home in Georgia with Dream Finders
The journey to buying your first home should be as enjoyable as the home itself. Our team is here to guide, support, and celebrate with you as you take each step in our process. Dream Finders Homes is proud to build new single family homes and townhomes in the best neighborhoods in Atlanta, GA. Visit our communities and see how easy it is to find a brand-new dream home that perfectly fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more!