BEST OF

10 Best Georgia Dream Mortgage Lenders of 2022

The Georgia Dream program helps you purchase a home with affordable rates and down payment assistance. See our top picks for Georgia Dream lenders.

By NerdWallet  

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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. But how do you know which one is right for you?

NerdWallet reviewed many of the Georgia Dream program participating lenders, identifying the best ones for a variety of borrower needs. Start your search by comparing the lenders below.

» MORE: See Georgia Dream loan programs, lenders, rates and income limits

Best Georgia Dream Mortgage Lenders

New American Funding
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at New American Funding

New American Funding: NMLS#6606

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
Learn more

at New American Funding

Why we like it

Good for: First-time home buyers and other borrowers looking for a broad array of loan choices.

Pros

  • Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages with an emphasis on helping underserved communities.

  • Its home equity line of credit can be used for an owner-occupied or second home.

  • Offers a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.

Cons

  • Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.

Read Full Review
Fairway Independent Mortgage
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at Fairway Independent Mortgage

Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289

3.5

NerdWallet rating 
Fairway Independent Mortgage

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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at Fairway Independent Mortgage

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers who want access to a wide variety of mortgages, including renovation loans and ITIN loans.

Pros

  • Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.

  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.

Cons

  • Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.

  • Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

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Alterra
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Alterra: NMLS#133739

3.0

NerdWallet rating 
Alterra

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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Why we like it

Good for: first-time home buyers and those ineligible for Social Security numbers.

Pros

  • Offers an ITIN qualification path for borrowers ineligible for Social Security numbers.

  • Has a digital application process.

  • Offers government-backed mortgage options for low- to moderate-income borrowers.

Cons

  • No mortgage rates published online.

  • No home equity loans or lines of credit.

  • Generally has higher rates and fees than other lenders.

  • Branch offices not available in all states.

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loanDepot
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loanDepot: NMLS#174457

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
loanDepot

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

5%
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Why we like it

Good for: borrowers who want an easy online application and a variety of loan types to explore.

Pros

  • Has branches across the country for customers who prefer face-to-face service.

  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.

  • Mortgage interest rates tend to be on the lower end, according to the latest federal data.

Cons

  • Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.

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Guild Mortgage
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Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274

3.5

NerdWallet rating 
Guild Mortgage

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

3.5%
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Why we like it

Good for: borrowers who value customer service, and first-time home buyers and others who may need the flexibility of a low-down-payment loan program.

Pros

  • Offers a wide variety of loan products, including home improvement loans and mortgages for manufactured homes.

  • Has retail branches in most states.

  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.

Cons

  • Does not offer home equity loan products.

  • Origination fees tend to be higher, according to the latest federal data.

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Homebridge
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Homebridge: NMLS#6521

3.5

NerdWallet rating 
Homebridge

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

3.5%
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Why we like it

Good for borrowers who want a loan officer's help, in person or on the phone, when deciding among the wide range of available mortgage options — including loans to buy and renovate.

Pros

  • Offers a full array of mortgage products, including government and renovation loans.

  • Online portal keeps borrowers up to date on the loan application's progress.

  • Offers home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs.

Cons

  • Doesn't post interest rates on its site.

  • Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.

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BB&T (Truist)
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BB&T (Truist): NMLS#399803

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
BB&T (Truist)

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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Why we like it

Good for: borrowers in the Southeast who want the option of face-to-face service. BB&T is now part of Truist Financial Corp., which offers a full menu of home loans.

Pros

  • Offers a variety of home loans, including construction-to-permanent loans, physicians loans and jumbo loans.

  • Has a robust online mortgage application.

Cons

  • Branches limited to mostly the Southeast region.

  • Custom rates are only available if you speak with a representative.

Read Full Review
SunTrust (Truist)
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SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
SunTrust (Truist)

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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Why we like it

Good for: first-time home buyers, doctors and other borrowers interested in low-down-payment mortgage options.

Pros

  • Offers a wide variety of loan options, including special programs for doctors.

  • Offers a complete suite of online mortgage application tools and loan tracking.

  • Sample rates and fees are easy to find on the website.

Cons

  • Customized rates aren't available online without starting an application.

  • Branches are limited mostly to the Southeast.

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PrimeLending
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PrimeLending: NMLS#13649

3.5

NerdWallet rating 
PrimeLending

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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Why we like it

Good for: borrowers looking for closing cost assistance, as well as those seeking to renovate or to build a new home.

Pros

  • Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.

  • Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.

  • Offers government-backed mortgage and refinance options, including FHA, USDA and VA loans.

Cons

  • No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.

  • Doesn't offer home equity products.

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Churchill
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Churchill: NMLS#1591

3.5

NerdWallet rating 
Churchill

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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Why we like it

Offers flexibility for those without credit scores, but its “debt-free” guidance may not appeal to everyone.

Pros

  • Offers loan plans for borrowers without credit scores.

  • Offers digital conveniences such as document uploads and e-signature.

Cons

  • Doesn't provide information online about rates and fees.

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

  • Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.

Read Full Review

Last updated on January 6, 2022

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 rate spread 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.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best Georgia Dream Mortgage Lenders of 2022