THDA questions, answered
The questions buyers ask first about THDA loans, answered in plain words. Each answer says what may fit; a THDA-approved lender gives the final word.
The question most buyers ask first: do I have to have never owned a home? Not always.
The 3-year rule, as a flow
If you have not owned and lived in a home in the last 3 years, you may meet the first-time buyer rule. If you have, other routes may still work. As of 10-28-2026.
Show the same facts as a list
| Step | Answer |
|---|---|
| Owned and lived in a home, last 3 years? | No: May meet the first-time rule. Yes: Targeted area, qualified military and spouse, or ask a lender. |
Is AskResi a lender?
No. AskResi explains the rules in plain words. Only a THDA-approved lender can tell you where you stand, and we do not rank lenders or take a fee from one.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Not always. THDA looks back at the last 3 years, and a repeat buyer may still fit in a targeted county or area, or as qualified military and spouse. A lender confirms which route may apply.
What is the 3-year test?
A buyer who has not lived in a home they owned in the last 3 years may be a first-time buyer under THDA's rule. Repeat buyers may also be eligible in a targeted county or area, or as qualified military and spouse. THDA lists 43 counties as targeted, and designated areas in additional counties.
Is there a minimum credit score?
THDA's minimum credit score is 640. A lender looks at the rest of your file too, so a score alone does not decide anything.
Is there down payment help?
THDA lists down payment help in four sizes with its loans. Some of it is forgivable and some is a loan. Which one may fit depends on the loan and the home, so ask a THDA-approved lender.
Do I have to take a class?
Great Choice Plus and Homeownership Heroes need a THDA-approved homebuyer course. Ask your lender when your certificate is due.
Are there income and price limits?
Income and purchase price limits depend on the county and the size of the household. Limits change, so check with a THDA-approved lender for the current ones in your county.
What is a targeted county?
THDA lists 43 Tennessee counties as targeted, and designated areas in additional counties. In a targeted county or area, a buyer who has owned before may be eligible.
Can I use THDA help on any home?
Not always. The home has to fit the program, and the rules differ for things like new construction, more than one unit and manufactured homes. A lender can tell you whether a home may fit.
How do I start?
Take the short first-time buyer quiz, then read the step-by-step page. When you are ready, ask a THDA-approved lender. No account is needed to read or to take a quiz.
Does a quiz result mean I am accepted?
No. A result says "may fit", "may not fit" or "ask a lender". It is education. Only a THDA-approved lender can look at your file and tell you where you stand.
What happens to my email if I give it?
Nothing arrives until you confirm. We never sell it, and we share it with a lender or another agent only if you ask us to.
Where do I see THDA's own rules?
On thda.org. Every page here says when we last checked it and links the THDA page it rests on. If THDA's page and ours ever differ, THDA's page decides.
What this rests on
Each line below was read at thda.org on the date shown.
- A buyer who has not lived in a home they owned in the last 3 years may be a first-time buyer under THDA's rule. Repeat buyers may also be eligible in a targeted county or area, or as qualified military and spouse. THDA lists 43 counties as targeted, and designated areas in additional counties. As of 10-28-2026.
- THDA's minimum credit score is 640. As of 10-28-2026.
- Great Choice Plus and Homeownership Heroes need a THDA-approved homebuyer course. As of 10-28-2026.
- Income and purchase price limits depend on the county and the size of the household. As of 10-28-2026.
- THDA lists 43 Tennessee counties as targeted, and designated areas in additional counties. As of 10-28-2026.
What this page holds back
Any figure marked "As of" was checked at thda.org on that day. The price limit, the county income limits and other amounts are not printed here until a person has checked them. They change, and they depend on your county and household.
Limits vary by county and change. Ask a THDA-approved lender. THDA's own limits page.
Check where you stand
Myth busters: buying in Tennessee
Four true-or-false cards. Quick, and easy to share. 4 questions, about 2 minutes
- Am I ready? (4 questions, about 2 minutes)
Last checked 10-28-2026 · Source: THDA's own site (thda.org)