Georgia Mortgage Guides 2026
FHA loan limits by county, Georgia Dream down payment assistance, USDA rural loans for rural Georgia, VA resources for Georgia’s significant military population, and a complete closing cost breakdown — all in one place.
Everything You Need for a Georgia Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in Georgia — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
Georgia Mortgage Guide
FHA loan limits by county, Georgia Dream assistance, property taxes, closing costs, and the 2026 Georgia housing market covering Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and growing suburban markets.
Read guide →Georgia First-Time Home Buyer Guide
Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, Pen loan for public protectors, educators, and nurses, and Atlanta-specific down payment assistance programs and income limits.
Read guide →Georgia FHA Loan Requirements
FHA loan limits by Georgia county — $718,750 across metro Atlanta, $541,287 in most of the state — credit score requirements, MIP, and how FHA pairs with Georgia Dream assistance.
Read guide →Georgia VA Loan Requirements
VA loan benefits for Georgia veterans — Fort Gordon, Fort Benning, Robins AFB, and Hunter Army Airfield communities.
Read guide →Georgia USDA Loans
USDA-eligible rural areas in South Georgia, the Piedmont, and rural North Georgia communities — income limits and property eligibility explained.
Read guide →Georgia Closing Costs Guide
Georgia’s intangible recording tax on mortgages, attorney-required closings, title insurance, and what buyers and sellers pay at closing in Georgia.
Read guide →Key Georgia Mortgage Facts
FHA Loan Limits
- Atlanta metro (29 counties): $718,750
- Athens MSA (Clarke, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe): $616,400
- Greene County: $638,250
- Most other GA counties: $541,287
- Metro Atlanta sits well above the national floor
Georgia Dream DPA
- Standard DPA: 5% of price, up to $10,000 toward down payment/closing costs
- PEN loan (Public Protectors, Educators, Nurses, active military): 6% of price, up to $12,500
- Choice loan (household member with a disability): 6% of price, up to $12,500
- 0% interest, deferred until sale or refi
- Min credit score: 640
Program administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
DPA programs →Property Taxes
- Effective rate: about 0.77% (Census ACS 2024)
- Homestead exemption: $2,000 off assessed value (base exemption)
- Many counties have additional senior and disability exemptions
- Rates vary significantly by county — Atlanta suburb counties vary
- Taxes paid in arrears in Georgia
Closing Costs (GA-Specific)
- Intangible Recording Tax: $1.50 per $500 of loan amount
- Closings are typically conducted by attorneys
- Attorney fee: typically $500–$1,000
- State transfer tax: $1 per $1,000 of price (seller liable by law)
- Title insurance rates: competitive and regulated
Buying or Refinancing in Georgia?
Georgia offers Georgia Dream down payment assistance and access to FHA, VA, and USDA financing across much of the state. Our guides above break down all of it, and every figure links to the official source so you can verify current terms.
- ✓ Check Georgia Dream eligibility and current terms at the official Georgia DCA website
- ✓ Confirm your county’s 2026 FHA limit with HUD’s lookup tool
- ✓ Compare FHA vs. conventional using our loan program guides
- ✓ Estimate your total cash to close with our closing cost guide
No obligation · Educational first
Talk to a Georgia Mortgage Advisor
Have questions about buying or refinancing in Georgia? A licensed mortgage advisor can walk you through your loan options, assistance programs and costs, with no obligation.
Speak to a Mortgage Advisor