14 months ago
The Georgia Dreams Homeownership Program helps first time homeowners get into their first house. The program is run by Georgia's Department of Community Affairs.
You must be looking to buy your first home, or not owned a home in Georgia in the last three years.
Depending on your qualifications you could get $5,000 or more toward a down payment on a house. Nurses, teachers, law enforcement, military officials and disabled people can receive more.
The program is based on your income, number of people in your household, and the county you live in.
Janice Potts, with HomeFirst a non-profit group in Macon , say the programs requires 6 - 8 hours of an approved home buyer education class. She says that condition is a good idea, considering the economy and the housing market.
"The consumer needs to be educated on every aspect of home buying. It their largest purchase they'll ever make in their lifetime most likely," said Potts. She says HomeFirst classes help prepare people to buy a home and stay in it.
After attending the classes you need to contact a Georgia Dream Participating Lender, to pre-qualify and start the mortgage loan process.
Some Central Georgia lenders say the number of people applying for the program has increased since last year. Brittany Hodges with AmericaHome Key, says she's seen numbers double since last year. Mortgage Counseling Services says it's seen a 25 - 30 percent increase.
"Right now there's really good deals out there. You've got so many foreclosures out there that you can find a really nice house," said Laurie Edwards of Mortgage Counseling Services.
If you have question you can contact HomeFirst at (478) 803-2373.
For more information you can visit Georgia's Department of Community Affairs Online Here.
