GEORGIA DREAM · HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE
You serve our community.
A home of your own could be next.
Explore Georgia Dream homebuyer assistance with Lisa Hill, Sherry’s preferred lender. Protectors, educators, nurses, other healthcare workers, and other eligible buyers can ask Lisa about their financing options.
A CLEAR START
Help with the down payment.
Guidance for the next step.
Georgia Dream offers home financing and down payment assistance through participating lenders. The Standard option is available to eligible homebuyers. Lisa can help you review the requirements and compare available loan options.
Standard assistance: 5% of the purchase price or a maximum of $10,000, whichever is less. The amount available depends on the purchase price and your eligibility.
PROTECTORS · EDUCATORS · NURSES
Serve your community? Explore your options.
The Standard option is open to all eligible homebuyers. Protectors, educators, nurses, other eligible industry workers, and active military can also ask Lisa about the separate PEN option. Have her review your position and employer.
Protectors
Public protection and first responder roles. Police, fire, and emergency medical workers can ask Lisa to review their eligibility. Active military is also listed by DCA.
Educators
Educators and eligible employees in education. Ask Lisa how your school, employer, and position fit the program requirements.
Nurses & healthcare workers
Nurses, healthcare providers, and eligible workers in the healthcare industry. If you work in a support role, such as housekeeping or janitorial services, ask Lisa to verify your eligibility.
Employment alone does not qualify a buyer. Income, credit, assets, property, and other program requirements also apply.
YOUR PATH FORWARD
Start with a conversation.
Talk with Lisa.
Tell her about your work and homebuying plans. She can explain the loan options and review the requirements with you.
Understand your financing.
Work with your lender on qualification, required documents, homebuyer education, and the costs you should plan for.
Find your home with Sherry.
Once you understand your financing, Sherry can help you explore homes in Cartersville and North Georgia.
YOUR PROGRAM & LOAN QUESTIONS
Talk with Lisa Hill.
Lisa handles the lending conversation. Sherry helps with the home search. Reach out to Lisa to discuss Georgia Dream, get current program details, and begin the qualification process.
No loan application or financial documents are collected on this page. Lisa will guide you to the appropriate application process.
SHERRY’S PREFERRED LENDER
Lisa Hill
Loan Officer · CrossCountry Mortgage
NMLS #447848
lisa.hill2@ccm.com
Visit Lisa’s lender website
For help finding a home: Call Sherry at (678) 399-4411.
GOOD QUESTIONS
What to know before you apply.
Are Standard and PEN the same option?
No. The 5% assistance, capped at $10,000, featured on this page is Georgia Dream’s Standard option. DCA lists PEN separately for eligible public protectors, educators, healthcare workers, industry employees, and active military. Ask Lisa which option fits your situation and confirm the current terms.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
The flyer includes first-time buyers, buyers who have not owned a home in the past three years, and qualifying buyers purchasing in certain areas. Lisa can review which situation applies to you.
What other requirements apply?
Household income limits, credit requirements, and property requirements apply. The flyer lists a liquid-asset limit of $20,000 or 20% of the sales price, whichever is greater. Homebuyer education is required. Ask Lisa about current guidelines and your individual situation.
Is the assistance a grant?
DCA describes this assistance as a repayable second mortgage, with 0% interest and no monthly payment. It becomes due when you sell, refinance, or no longer occupy the property as your primary residence. Have Lisa explain the loan documents before you commit.
Do healthcare support staff qualify?
For the separate PEN option, DCA’s flyer includes people who work in the listed industries, beyond nurses and other healthcare providers. Eligibility depends on the program’s definitions and your employment. Lisa should check your employer and role, including housekeeping or janitorial work.
Is the line-of-duty benefit part of PEN?
CrossCountry Mortgage offers a separate Line of Duty Death Benefit for eligible first responders. It has its own loan, servicing, age, and enrollment conditions. Do not assume it comes with a PEN loan. Ask Lisa whether it is available with the financing being discussed.
PASS IT ALONG
Know someone who serves?
Help a friend or coworker take the next step. Share this homebuyer assistance page so they can read the details and connect directly with Lisa.
Download the square graphic (PNG)
READ THE SOURCE
The official Georgia Dream flyer.
This Georgia Department of Community Affairs overview explains the Standard, PEN, and CHOICE options. Keep it handy for your conversation with Lisa.
Open the Georgia Dream flyer (PDF)More questions about buying?
Sherry can help you think through location, timing, and what you want in your next home.
Start a conversation with SherryProgram information reviewed November 12, 2026. Amounts, terms, and availability may change. This overview is not a loan approval or commitment to lend. Confirm all terms with your lender. Sherry Payne is a REALTOR® with Asher Realty, not a mortgage lender. You may choose your own lender.
