Up to $20,000 per household | $10M total fund
Buying a home in DeKalb just got more attainable! HomeStart offers upfront-financial assistance for down payments, eligible closing costs, and interest rate buy-downs. Income eligible DeKalb County employees may receive up to$25,000 in downpayment assistance.
How It Works
HomeStart provides forgivable, deferred-payment loans to help income-qualified buyers bridge the gap between what they’ve saved and what they need to close on a home in DeKalb County.
Funds are issued as a silent second mortgage subordinate to their primary mortgage lender. So long as the property remains owner-occupied for the 10-year compliance period, 100% of the loan is forgiven. If the borrower moves or sells the property during the compliance period, they must repay the total loan amount.
A promissory note and land use restriction agreement (LURA) are recorded on the property at closing, and remain on the property until the end of the compliance period.
Who is Eligible
- Income-qualified homebuyers purchasing a home in DeKalb County as their primary residence
| HUD INCOME LIMITS (effective May 1, 2026)* | ||||
| # Persons | 60% AMI | 80% AMI | 100% AMI | 120% AMI |
| 1 Person | $49,500 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $99,000 |
| 2 Persons | $56,580 | $75,440 | $94,300 | $113,160 |
| 3 Persons | $63,660 | $84,880 | $106,100 | $127,320 |
| 4 Persons | $70,680 | $94,240 | $117,800 | $141,360 |
| 5 Persons | $76,380 | $101,840 | $127,300 | $152,760 |
| 6 Persons | $82,020 | $109,360 | $136,700 | $164,040 |
| 7 Persons | $87,660 | $116,880 | $146,100 | $175,320 |
| 8 Persons | $93,300 | $124,400 | $155,500 | $186,600 |
*Updated by HUD annually
- Funding Available:
- Households earning up to and including 100% AMI: $20,000
- Households earning 101%–120% AMI: $15,000
- DeKalb County employees
- Must meet program income and purchase price thresholds
When can you Apply?
Applications are anticipated to open in Fall 2026.
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Complete the interest form below to be notified when applications open, then submit your full application through our portal with required income documentation and property information.