Georgia Dream PEN
Georgia Dream PEN for teachers and school employees
Georgia teachers, bus drivers, aides, Pre-K, Head Start and college employees can get up to $12,500 toward a first home through Georgia Dream PEN.
Does your role count?
The educator category is broad. It covers employees of a state-recognized or accredited local, city or county school board, including Head Start, Pre-K, elementary and high school teachers and all other school or board of education employees. School bus drivers for an accredited system count even if the busing is outsourced.
Employees of accredited private school systems qualify too, as do employees of accredited colleges and universities (including University System units eligible for the Teachers Retirement System). Your lender collects proof of your job for DCA's review.
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.
Certified teachers outside a school board
State-certified Head Start, Pre-K and day care teachers who do not work for a school board can qualify if they hold a current Georgia certification. So can Sylvan and Total Learning Center employees with a current teaching certificate. The certification must be current when DCA underwrites the loan.
Not just classroom teachers
Paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, custodians, front office staff, counselors and central office employees all work for a board of education, so they fall under the same rule. If you are not sure, check your eligibility and a lender will confirm.
Paperwork to have handy
- Proof of employment with your school, district or college (your lender tells you what DCA accepts)
- Current Georgia certification, if you teach at a Head Start, Pre-K or day care outside a school board
- 30 days of pay stubs and two years of W-2s
- 60 days of bank statements
- Homebuyer education certificate
Questions we hear a lot
Do private school teachers qualify?
Yes, if the private school system is state-recognized or accredited. Employees of accredited post-secondary schools qualify as well.
I drive a school bus for a contractor. Do I count?
Yes. DCA includes school bus drivers for an accredited system even when the busing is outsourced.
Is the money a grant for teachers?
No. PEN is a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payment that you repay when you sell, refinance or move out.
