First-time buyers in Tennessee have real help available — and most people never find out they qualify. This pillar is the local-first guide: THDA's Great Choice loan and down-payment assistance, the homebuyer education step, and the mistakes that trip up first-timers, all explained factually by a licensed lender that originates these loans.
These are programs with eligibility rules, not guaranteed approvals or rate offers. We confirm the current county income and purchase-price limits against your real numbers when you pre-qualify, so you know exactly what you can use.
In this guide
Every topic in First-Time Buyers, each answered on its own page.
THDA Great Choice loan
Tennessee's flagship first-time-buyer program and its Great Choice Plus down-payment help.
Read moreDown-payment assistance in Tennessee
The TN programs that help with cash to close, and who is eligible for each.
Read moreFirst-time buyer mistakes to avoid
The avoidable missteps — from skipping pre-approval to draining the down payment.
Read moreHomebuyer education in Tennessee
Why THDA requires a course, what it covers, and which approved options satisfy it.
Read more
Financial mistakes to avoid before closing
What not to do between approval and the closing table — new debt, big deposits, job changes — and why each one can stall your loan.
Read moreReady to see your real numbers?
Get pre-qualified in about 10 minutes — a soft credit check to start, no impact to your score, and no obligation.
Michael Hernandez, Branch Manager · Pacific Bay Lending Corp NMLS #192103 · Equal Housing Lender. Homes shown are public listings for illustration of what's available in this range — not an offer to make a loan on, or sell, a specific property. This is not a commitment to lend; all loans subject to credit approval, program guidelines, and underwriting.