THDA Great Choice Home Loan
The Great Choice Home Loan program is available for Tennessee first-time home buyers and repeat home buyers through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. Buying a house in Tennessee applies to conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loans. It is a 30-year loan with a fixed interest rate, and the rates fluctuate depending on the market and mortgage lender.
The borrower must make a 3% down payment for the GC97 conventional loan and 3.5% for an FHA or USDA loan accompanied by down payment assistance. No down payment is required in the case of a VA or USDA loan. The borrower needs to have at least a 640 credit score. They must also complete a homebuyer education course and meet THDA income limits that vary by county and household size. The property should meet the purchase price limits of THDA, which may vary across the state.
THDA Homeownership for Heroes
The Housing for Heroes program or 'Homeownership for Heroes' at THDA cuts the interest rate on a mortgage by half of one percentage point for those who serve our country. You need not be a first-time homebuyer to qualify. However, you need to finish a homebuyer education program to be eligible for Tennessee first-time home buyer program. Meeting the Great Choice program income and purchase price limits is mandatory. You must meet the state's minimum credit score requirement of 640. Consequently, the eligible groups are
- Active-duty military, veterans, and National Guard
- State and local law enforcement officers
- EMTs/paramedics
- Firefighters