13 Best Georgia Dream Mortgage Lenders of 2024
The Georgia Dream program helps you purchase a home with affordable rates and down payment assistance. See our top picks for Georgia Dream lenders.
Last updated on February 21, 2024
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The Georgia Department of Community Affairs makes homeownership possible for those with low or moderate incomes through its Georgia Dream program.
To apply for a Georgia Dream loan or down payment assistance program, you’ll need to work with a participating lender. Conventional and government-backed loans are available.
NerdWallet reviewed more than 50 lenders and identified banks and mortgage companies that participate in Georgia Dream loan programs. When you reach out to a lender, ask for a loan officer who is familiar with the Georgia Dream offerings.
Start your search by comparing the lenders below.
» MORE: See Georgia Dream loan programs
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Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
13 Best Georgia Dream Mortgage Lenders of 2024
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 New American Funding: NMLS#6606 Top 3 most visited 🏆 Learn more at New American Funding | 580 | 3% | Top 3 most visited 🏆 Learn more at New American Funding | |
 Truist: NMLS#399803 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 540 | 3.5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Churchill: NMLS#1591 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
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at New American Funding
New American Funding: NMLS#6606
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
580
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItNew American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance, but personalized mortgage rates aren't available on its website.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for a primary residence or second home.
Cons
- Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItTruist stands out for its range of accessible mortgage products, including government or conventional loans with flexible credit and down payment requirements.
Pros
- Offers mortgage options focused on affordability.
- Convenient online application.
- Offers a HELOC and construction loans.
Cons
- HELOCs are not available in every state.
- Borrowers must reach out for customized rates.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItLoanDepot is a large nonbank lender that offers the potential for a streamlined mortgage process and cash back, but to start an application or get a rate quote you must work with a loan officer over the phone.
Pros
- Offers a variety of repayment terms for fixed-rate loans.
- Does a substantial amount of business in FHA lending.
- mello smartloan product can streamline mortgage application, appraisal and title search.
Cons
- Interest rates are not available on the website.
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers seeking a lender that dedicates a significant portion of its business to FHA lending.
Pros
- Was one of the top 10 lenders by volume for FHA lending in 2022, according to the latest federal data.
- Has retail branches in most states.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Origination fees for FHA loans tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers with nontraditional credit who value a debt-free lifestyle. Churchill advocates debt-free homeownership and helps customers try to achieve that goal.
Pros
- Experienced at underwriting loans for borrowers without credit scores.
- Offers conventional mortgages for manufactured homes.
- Has conveniences such as online chat and a mobile app.
Cons
- Doesn't provide sample or customized mortgage rates on its website.
- Mortgage rates and fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
2.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItFairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has many brick-and-mortar branches and a reputation for top-notch customer service, but it was recently penalized for redlining.
Pros
- Loan options include government-backed mortgages and physician loans.
- Offers first-time home buyer grants to buyers in eligible locations.
- Highest scoring mortgage lender for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Online customer service requires contact information and phone is for existing customers only.
- Home equity loans and HELOCs are not available.
- Has been penalized for redlining.
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on NerdWallet
PrimeLending: NMLS#13649
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItPrimeLending stands out for its wide variety of loan types, including non-QM loans and renovation and construction options, but lacks some technical features like online rates or a mobile app.
Pros
- Offers closing cost assistance.
- Wide variety of loan types, including non-QM loans.
- Mortgages are available for manufactured homes, including 3D-printed houses.
Cons
- Loans are not available in all states.
- Rates are not posted online.
- Does not have a mobile app.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, self-employed borrowers and those who may have credit challenges to overcome.
Pros
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Offers financial assistance, such as grants for down payments or closing costs, to first-time home buyers who qualify.
- Supports military borrowers with extensive online resources and dedicated VA loan specialists.
Cons
- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Room to improve overall digital experience: No online chat for customer service, and mobile app has poor ratings and reviews.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
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on NerdWallet
CrossCountry Mortgage: NMLS#3029
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItCrossCountry Mortgage has an impressive selection of grants and loans for first-time buyers, and customer service receives high praise, but it doesn’t post rates online or offer a mobile app.
Pros
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Qualified borrowers can receive up to $6,500 in down payment assistance.
- Offers conventional loans for manufactured homes.
Cons
- Doesn’t post rates online.
- No mobile app.
- Fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItRate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day, though average fees are higher than many competitors’.
Pros
- Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
- Generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, jumbo and renovation.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
Learn more
at Northpointe
Northpointe: NMLS#447490
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItIn addition to standard options like conventional and government-backed loans, including FHA loans, Northpointe Bank’s mortgage portfolio includes rarer offerings like doctor loans, condominium loans, investment property loans and loans for borrowers with credit challenges.
Pros
- Closing may be available within 15 business days.
- Offers loans and programs aimed at making homeownership more accessible.
- Offers mortgages for investment properties, including jumbo loans.
Cons
- Average mortgage origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest data.
- Bank’s mobile app isn’t useful for mortgage borrowers.
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on NerdWallet
Movement Mortgage: NMLS#39179
3.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItMovement Mortgage has a relatively high market share of FHA loans and offers some harder-to-find types, like FHA 203(k) loans.
Pros
- Average closing time under 25 days, faster than the national average.
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance for FHA loans, with no income limits.
- Profit-sharing model supports charitable giving through the Movement Foundation.
Cons
- Doesn’t post mortgage rates online.
- No online chat for customer service.
- Average origination fee is on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who are looking for an ITIN loan.
Pros
- Offers government loans, down payment assistance loans and ITIN loans, among other options.
- Has branch locations across the country for borrowers who prefer an in-person experience.
- Site has a live chat feature.
Cons
- Mortgage rates and origination fees are higher than the majority of lenders.
- Borrowers must contact the lender for specific information about their loan offerings and interest rates.
- Does not offer home equity products or adjustable-rate mortgages.
More from NerdWallet:
Last updated on February 21, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's star ratings for mortgage lenders are awarded based on our evaluation of the products and services each lender offers to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The five key areas we evaluated include the variety of loan types and products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the average interest rate and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team. Lenders listed on this page participate in the Georgia Dream program and earned at least three stars in NerdWallet's home loans overall star rating.
NerdWallet's Best Georgia Dream Mortgage Lenders of 2024
- New American Funding: Best for mobile app functionality
- Truist: Best for first-time home buyers
- loanDepot: Best for variety of loan types
- Guild Mortgage: Best for low credit score borrowers
- Churchill: Best for borrowers with nontraditional credit histories
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for USDA loans
- PrimeLending: Best for fixer-uppers
- Caliber: Best for military borrowers
- CrossCountry Mortgage: Best for high customer satisfaction
- Rate: Best for overall mortgage experience
- Northpointe: Best for low credit score borrowers
- Movement Mortgage: Best for customer satisfaction
- Alterra: Best for ease of application
