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title: "Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Your First Home, Bankrate"
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summary: "FHA.com provides a comprehensive guide to first-time homebuyer grants available in Georgia, covering down payment assistance, closing cost programs, and FHA loan requirements. The resource details FHA loan limits for 2026, credit score guidelines, refinance options, and various down payment sources including grants, zero-interest loans, and deferred payment loans."
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# Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Your First Home, Bankrate

2026 FHA Limits ▶ About FHA Loan Limits FHA Loan Limits for 2026 Search by State and County FHA vs. Conventional Loans FHA Requirements ▶ FHA Loan Requirements FHA Credit Requirements FHA Closing Costs FHA Mortgage Insurance Debt-to-Income Ratio First-Time Homebuyers Down Payments ▶ FHA Down Payment Requirements Down Payment Assistance First-Time Homebuyer Grants Down Payment Sources $25,000 Down Payment Program Credit Scores ▶ Credit Score Facts FHA Credit Issues Benefits of Good Credit Tips for Improving Credit Fixing Credit Report Errors Identity Theft and Fraud FHA Programs ▶ FHA Loan Programs Fixed Rate Loans Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) One-Time Close Loans FHA Rehab Mortgages FHA Reverse Mortgages FHA Refinance ▶ FHA Refinance Options FHA Cash-Out Refinance FHA Streamline Refinance FHA Simple Refinance Learning Resources ▶ Home Loan Questions and Answers Mortgage Terminology Mortgage Video Library Articles About FHA Loans Mortgage Calculators FHA 101 - Reference Guide More Links of Interest ▶ About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use FHA Foreclosures FHA Lenders 2026 FHA Limits for Your Site Site Map Grant programs for first-time homebuyers are available in Georgia cities and counties. These programs provide down payment and/or closing cost assistance in a variety of forms, including grants, zero-interest loans, and deferred payment loans. Mortgage Video Library FHA Articles and Updates Mortgage Calculators GET STARTED! You may qualify for a 3.5% down payment loan. 2026 FHA Limits Loan Limits Are Updated Annually The FHA has a maximum loan amount that it will insure, which is known as the FHA lending limit. About FHA Loan Limits FHA Loan Limits for 2026 Search by State and County FHA vs. Conventional Loans Featured Article Read about FHA rules and updates to maximize your borrowing power. FHA Loan Limits Update Mortgage limits are calculated based on the median house prices in each county. These limits increase annually for many counties in the United States. This gives potential borrowers more options with FHA home loans. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! FHA Requirements FHA Guidelines for Borrowers FHA loans are a good option for homebuyers who have not saved much for their down payments. FHA Loan Requirements FHA Credit Requirements FHA Closing Costs FHA Mortgage Insurance Debt-to-Income Ratio First-Time Homebuyers Featured Article Learn what's required to qualify for a low 3.5% down payment FHA loan. Time to Get Started Examine your finances and credit before applying. The time you spend preparing today is time saved later on when filling out the actual forms. Know in advance what will show up when your credit report is pulled. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! Down Payments Why Rent When You Can Own? Down payments are calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, determined by the loan requirements. FHA Down Payment Requirements Down Payment Assistance First-Time Homebuyer Grants Down Payment Sources $25,000 Down Payment Program Featured Article Read about FHA rules and updates to your maximum borrowing power. Rules for Down Payments Your FHA lender is required to verify the source of all down payment funds, whether they are provided in cash by the borrower and are the result of cashed-in investments, gift funds, or other approved means. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! Credit Scores Good Credit Goes a Long Way FHA loan rules apply for all borrowers when it comes to basic minimum credit standards. Credit Score Facts FHA Credit Issues Benefits of Good Credit Tips for Improving Credit Fixing Credit Report Errors Identity Theft and Fraud Featured Article FHA rules and updates to your maximum mortgage borrowing power. Loans and FICO Scores FICO score issues are a common source of stress to potential FHA borrowers. Is it possible to qualify for an FHA loan or refinance loan with credit scores from 500 to 579? Or are higher scores required? Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! FHA Programs Choose an FHA Mortgage Option FHA-insured loans have always been a great option for first-time homebuyers. FHA Loan Programs Fixed Rate Loans Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) One-Time Close Loans FHA Rehab Mortgages FHA Reverse Mortgages Featured Article Read about FHA rules and updates to your maximum borrowing power. Types of FHA Loans Potential homebuyers should explore their FHA home loan options, but that advice isn't limited just to the type of mortgage available to you. There are options available that may change your approach to homeownership. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! FHA Refinance Refinance and Rehab Loans Refinancing your home may eliminate existing monthly mortgage insurance premiums. FHA Refinance Options FHA Cash-Out Refinance FHA Streamline Refinance FHA Simple Refinance Featured Article With home values continuing to rise, refinancing makes sense. FHA Refinance Loan Rules Some refinance loans are specifically to get existing borrowers a better deal. But others need to refinance to help avoid further hurting their credit scores or going into loan default because of missed payments. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! Learning Resources Prepare for Your FHA Loan Our library includes mortgage videos, loan calculators, dictionary of loan terms, and homeowner articles. Home Loan Questions and Answers Mortgage Terminology Mortgage Video Library Articles About FHA Loans Mortgage Calculators FHA 101 - Reference Guide Featured Article Get an idea of how the affordability of your new mortgage might really work. Mortgage Calculator Tips Lenders encourage borrowers to use one these calculators to estimate their monthly payments, but you should be running some calculations long before you discuss your mortgage payments with a loan officer. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! FHA.com is a privately owned website, is not a government agency, and does not make loans. First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs in Georgia Mortgage Assistance for Homebuyers for 2026 Atlanta First-Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program The City of Atlanta First-Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance up to $20,000 for income eligible first-time homebuyers (have not owned a home for the last three years). Augusta First-Time Homebuyers Program The City of Augusta First-Time Homebuyers Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance up to $5,000 for income eligible first-time homebuyers (have not owned a home for the last three years). Columbus First-Time Homebuyers Program The City of Columbus First-Time Homebuyers Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance up to $30,000 for income eligible first-time homebuyers (have not owned a home for the last three years). Consumer Credit Counseling Service First Time Home Buyer Workshop Georgia's Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) helps first-time homebuyers by providing free, one-on-one homebuying counseling sessions that explain the mortgage process and what goes into owning a home. Warner Robins First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program The City of Warner Robins First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance up to $5,000 of the home’s purchase price for income eligible first-time homebuyers (have not owned a home for the last three years). First-time homebuyer assistance programs and/or grants were researched by the team at FHA.com. Please note that all programs listed on this website may involve a second mortgage with payments that are forgiven, deferred, or subsidized in some manner until resale of the mortgaged property. FHA.com's compilation is not a complete list, but it can serve as a starting point in your search for the down payment assistance program or grant for your situation. It is up to the consumer to contact these entities and find out the specifics of each program. SEE YOUR CREDIT SCORES From All 3 Bureaus Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your score means. GET STARTED First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs Alabama Birmingham Neighboring Housing Services First-Time Homebuyers Program City of Tuscaloosa Housing Authority First-Time Homebuyers Program Huntsville First-Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) Mobile First-Time Homebuyers Program Montgomery Housing Authority Home Ownership Program Opelika First-Time Homebuyers Program Alaska Alaska Housing Finance Corporation First-Time Homebuyer Programs Fairbanks Neighborhood Housing Services Down Payment Assistance Program Arizona Flagstaff Community Homebuyer Assistance Program Phoenix First-Time Homebuyer Open Doors Program Tempe First-Time Homebuyers Program Arkansas Little Rock First-Time Homebuyers Program California County of San Diego’s First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program Fremont First-Time Homebuyer Program BMP Homes Fresno County's First-Time Homebuyer Program Los Angeles First-Time Home Mortgage Program Moderate Income Purchase Assistance Program Norwalk First Time Home Buyer Program Oakland First Time Homebuyer Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) First-Time Homebuyer Program Colorado Aurora - (HOAP) for First-Time Homebuyers Boulder County DPA for First-Time Homebuyers Colorado Housing and Finance Authority's Homeaccess Program Douglas County Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers Connecticut Bridgeport Down Payment Assistance Program Connecticut Housing Finance Authority First-Time Homebuyer Guide Fairfield First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program New Haven Down Payment/Closing Costs Assistance for First Time Homebuyers Norwalk First Time Home Buyer Program SmartMove Connecticut Delaware First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Program District of Columbia Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) Florida Boca Raton First-Time Homebuyers Program Clearwater First-Time Homebuyers Program Coral Springs First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program Daytona Beach First-Time Homebuyers Program Deerfield Beach First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program Delray Beach First-Time Homebuyers Program Duval County Home Sweet Home Program Fort Lauderdale First-Time Homebuyers Program Gainesville First-Time Homebuyers Program Jacksonville First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program Lakeland First-Time Homebuyers Program Miami First-Time Homebuyer Program Orlando First-Time Homebuyer Program Palm Bay First-Time Homebuyers Program Panama City First-Time Homebuyers Program Pensacola and Escambia County First-Time Homebuyer Program (SHIP) State Housing Initiative Partnership St. Petersburg Purchase Assistance Program Tallahassee Lenders' Consortium First-Time Homebuyer Program Tampa First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program Titusville First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program West Palm Beach First-Time Homebuyers Program Georgia Atlanta First-Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program Augusta First-Time Homebuyers Program Columbus First-Time Homebuyers Program Consumer Credit Counseling Service First Time Home Buyer Workshop Warner Robins First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program Hawaii County of Kaua’i Home Buyer Loan Program Idaho Idaho First-Time Homebuyer Programs Illinois Aurora First-Time Homebuyers Program Chicago First-Time Homebuyers BNAH Program City of Rockford First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program Decatur First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program Illinois Housing 1stHomeIllinois Program Kane County First-Time Homebuyer Program Peoria First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program Springfield Home Ownership Program Indiana City of Bloomington Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program Evansville First Time Homebuyer Program Gary Indiana First Time Homebuyer Programs Indiana Home Solution Program Indianapolis Housing Agency Homeownership Program Iowa FirstHome Plus Homes for Iowans Kansas Kansas First-Time Homebuyers Kentucky Cities of Florence, Bellevue, Ludlow, Erlanger and Newport Homebuyer Assistance Program Homebuyer Assistance Program Louisiana Delta 100 Program Kenner First Time Homebuyers Assistance Program MRB Home Maine First Home Loan Program Maryland Prince George's County Purchase Assistance Program (PGCPAP) Massachusetts City of Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program Lowell HOME Program MassHousing Down Payment Assistance ONE+ Boston First Time Homebuyer Program Michigan City of Lansing Down Payment Assistance Program Michigan First-Time Homebuyers Program Minnesota Saint Paul Citywide Down Payment Assistance Program Start Up The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency Homebuyer Assistance Mississippi Mississippi First-Time Homebuyer Programs Missouri CAASTLC Housing Assistance Springfield Down Payment Assistance The City of Columbia Homeownership Assistance Program Montana City of Billings - MT First Time Home Buyer Program Nebraska City of Lincoln NeighborWorks First-Time Homebuyer Program Nebraska First-Time Homebuyer Programs Nevada Henderson Neighborhood Services First Time Homebuyer Program New Hampshire City of Nashua First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program New Hampshire First-Time Homebuyer Programs New Jersey Atlantic City Down Payment Assistance Program New Mexico FIRSThome New York Nassau County First-time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Program Schenectady First Time Home Buyer’s Program North Carolina DHA Homeownership Program North Dakota FirstHome Program Ohio Columbus American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) Program Oklahoma Edmond First-Time Homebuyers Program Lawton First-Time Homebuyers Program Oklahoma City First-Time Homebuyers Program Stillwater First-Time Homebuyers Program The Homeownership Program Pennsylvania First Time Homebuyers Education Montgomery County First Time Homebuyers Program Philadelphia First-Time Homebuyers Program Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority First-Time Homebuyers Program Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program Rhode Island Cranston First Time Homebuyer Programs RI Housing First Time Homebuyer Loan South Carolina Charleston First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program Homebuyer Assistance Program Rock Hill First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program or HDCRH SC Housing Homebuyer Program Spartanburg First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program South Dakota South Dakota First-Time Homebuyers Program Tennessee City of Chattanooga Down Payment Assistance Program City of Clarksville's First-Time Homebuyer Program Texas City of Abilene First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program City of Arlington Homebuyers Assistance Program City of Austin Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) City of Beaumont Down Payment Assistance Program City of Bryan Down Payment Assistance Program City of Dallas First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program City of Denton Homebuyers Assistance Program City of El Paso First-Time Homebuyer Program City of Fort Worth First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Program (HAP) City of Frisco Down Payment Assistance Program City of Galveston First-Time Homebuyers Program City of Grand Prairie Buying Power Program City of Houston First-Time Homebuyers Program City of Irving Down Payment Assistance Program City of Killeen First-Time Homebuyers Purchase Assistance Program City of Laredo First-Time Homebuyers Program City of McKinney First-Time Homebuyers Purchase Assistance Program City of Mesquite Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP) City of Midland First-Time Homebuyers Purchase Assistance Program City of Plano First-Time Homebuyers Assistance & Educational Program City of San Angelo First-Time Homebuyers Program (HAP) City of San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 120) City of San Marcos First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Program City of Texarkana First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA) Homes for Texas Heroes Program Utah City of Provo Home Purchase Plus Program Weber County First Time Homebuyer Program West Jordan First-Time Homebuyer Grant Vermont Vermont First-Time Homebuyers Program Virginia City of Chesapeake HOME Program City of Portsmouth Come HOME Program Washington Office of Housing Down Payment Assistance West Virginia West Virginia First-Time Homebuyers Program Wisconsin City of Milwaukee Home Down Payment Assistance Program Home-Buy the American Dream Wyoming Wyoming First-Time Homebuyers Program Compare FHA Rates Explore your options for an FHA Purchase, Streamline Refinance, or Cash-Out Refinance Loan. GET STARTED! Start Now You may qualify for a 3.5% down payment loan. Today's FHA Rates National Averages These figures are for information purposes only. Average rates are subject to change without notice. 30-Year FHA Fixed 6.30 % 1-week change 0.04 ↑ 1-year change -0.22 ↓ 4-week average 6.28 % 1-year average 6.13 % This product uses the FRED® API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. 2025 Government Shutdown The federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025 ended on November 12, 2025. The 43-day federal shutdown was the longest in history. Borrower Update: What does the end of the government shutdown mean for your home loan? LEARN MORE Top Mortgage Questions Our mortgage team has answers for these and other frequent homebuyer questions. Are There Programs to Help Buyers With the Down Payment? What are the FHA Requirements for Rental History? How Do I Dispute Something on My Credit Report? MORE FAQs Frequently Asked Questions Monitor Your Credit It's important to monitor your credit well in advance of any major credit application, especially before applying for an FHA home loan. SEE YOUR SCORE Good credit = a low down payment Building a Home? An FHA One-Time Close loan can finance the construction, lot purchase, and permanent loan, all wrapped up in a single mortgage and closing. AVAILABLE NOW Brought to you by FHA Reverse Mortgage Are you over the age of 62? See how you can get tax-free income with no monthly payments. LEARN MORE More Links of Interest About FHA.com Contact Our Team Our Privacy Policy Terms of Use FHA Foreclosures FHA Lenders 2026 FHA Limits for Your Site Site Map Copyright © 1997 - 2026 FHA.com is a privately owned website, is not a government agency, and does not make loans. Neither FHA.com nor its advertisers charge a fee or require anything other than a submission of qualifying information for comparison shopping ads. Follow Us Are You Looking to Buy or Refinance a Home? Ideal for First-Time Homebuyers Low 3.5% Down Payment Requirements Credit Score Requirements as Low as 580 FHA loans are one of the top loan types in America for first-time homebuyers. Many people who can afford the monthly mortgage payments and have reasonable credit will qualify. Down payment assistance may be available in your area.