Georgia Dream PEN
Georgia Dream PEN for firefighters, career and volunteer
Career and volunteer firefighters in Georgia, including fire department EMS, hazmat and arson staff, can get up to $12,500 toward a first home with PEN.
Does your role count?
Employees of local, state or federal fire departments qualify, and so do volunteer firefighters. DCA lists the full range of fire service work: fire suppression, EMS and patient care, hazmat, arson, and disaster and terrorism response.
Your lender collects documentation of your department role for DCA's review. If you work EMS for a private ambulance service rather than a fire department, ask a lender whether your employer fits another category, such as a state-licensed health care facility.
Georgia Dream PEN is the Protectors, Educators and Nurses option of the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, run by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). It gives 6% of the purchase price or $12,500, whichever is less, as a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payment, paired with a state-set 30-year fixed first mortgage. It is not a grant: you repay it when you sell, refinance or stop living in the home.
Volunteers count
Many Georgia departments rely on volunteers. Volunteer firefighters are named in the PEN rules, so your volunteer service can be what qualifies you, even if your paycheck comes from another job. You still need to meet the income, credit and first-time buyer rules.
Shift and overtime income
Household income limits use total income for all adults in the home. Overtime and extra shifts can push you over, so give your lender a full picture early. If you are over, Peach Plus has higher limits.
Paperwork to have handy
- Proof of your fire department role, paid or volunteer (your lender tells you what DCA accepts)
- 30 days of pay stubs from your main job
- Two years of W-2s
- 60 days of bank statements
- Homebuyer education certificate
Questions we hear a lot
Do volunteer firefighters really qualify?
Yes. DCA's PEN rules name volunteer firefighters alongside career fire department employees.
I'm a paramedic with the fire department. Do I count?
Yes. EMS and patient care staff of a local, state or federal fire department are on the eligible list.
What if my income is too high?
Peach Plus allows higher income and prices for FHA or VA loans. Its PEN amount is 4% or $12,500, whichever is less.
