Martha Reina blog

Clear information for buying a home in Atlanta, Georgia.

I share practical guides about assistance programs, home-buying steps and the details worth understanding before you make a decision.

Published articles

Start with these reads

Each article is meant to help you understand your options before you speak with a lender or make an offer.

Buyer assistance March 21, 2026 7 min read

Down payment assistance in Atlanta: how Georgia Dream’s 5% can help if you are starting in Spanish

If terms like down payment, cash to close and closing costs still feel unfamiliar, this guide helps you understand how Georgia Dream’s 5% works and what to review before buying in Atlanta.

Georgia Dream publishes a standard assistance amount of 5% of the purchase price or up to $10,000, whichever is lower.

For metro Atlanta, the official page lists a maximum purchase price of $550,000.

The assistance lowers the cash you bring to closing, but it is still a 0% second loan with no monthly payment.

This article is for buyers who want to reduce upfront cash without losing sight of how the full process works.

Read article

Loan types April 25, 2026 8 min read

Conventional, VA, FHA or USDA: which home loan is right for you in Atlanta

When you start looking for a home in Atlanta, four types of loans keep coming up. Each one has different rules, costs and target buyers. This guide explains how each one works and when it makes sense to use it.

Conventional accepts credit scores from 620 and charges PMI below 20% down; that insurance disappears once you reach 20% equity.

VA requires no down payment or PMI for veterans, surviving spouses and active reservists, with a minimum score of 640.

FHA allows entry from 500 credit score and 3.5% down, but mortgage insurance can last the life of the loan if you put less than 10% down.

An article for buyers who want to understand which loan type fits their profile before talking to a lender.

Read article