THDA help for Tennessee buyers · As of 10-28-2026

How a THDA loan works, step by step

From your first question to the keys, in seven steps. The order is the same for most buyers; the dates are set by your lender and THDA.

From a first question to the keys: the quiz, the class, a THDA-approved lender, an offer, closing.

In a picture

Seven steps, in order. Your lender and THDA set the dates, not this page.

1. Start with a question. Ask what you want to know about buying. A question is a fine place to begin, and nobody needs an account for it.1Start with aquestion2. Take the short quiz. A few taps show which THDA routes may fit and which may not. It is education, not a decision.2Take the shortquiz3. Take the homebuyer class. Some THDA help asks for a THDA-approved homebuyer course first. Ask your lender when the certificate is due.3Take thehomebuyer class4. Pick a THDA-approved lender. Only a THDA-approved lender can tell you where you stand. THDA lists them on its own site, and we do not rank them.4Pick aTHDA-approvedlender5. Ask for a pre-approval. The lender looks at your whole file and tells you what you may be able to borrow. Nothing on AskResi is a pre-approval.5Ask for apre-approval6. Make an offer on a home. With your lender's letter in hand, a real estate agent can help you write an offer on a home that fits the program.6Make an offer ona home7. Close and get the keys. At closing you sign the loan papers, pay the cash to close, and the keys are yours. Your lender walks you through what to bring.7Close and getthe keys
1. Start with a question. Ask what you want to know about buying. A question is a fine place to begin, and nobody needs an account for it.1Start with aquestion2. Take the short quiz. A few taps show which THDA routes may fit and which may not. It is education, not a decision.2Take the shortquiz3. Take the homebuyer class. Some THDA help asks for a THDA-approved homebuyer course first. Ask your lender when the certificate is due.3Take the homebuyerclass4. Pick a THDA-approved lender. Only a THDA-approved lender can tell you where you stand. THDA lists them on its own site, and we do not rank them.4Pick aTHDA-approvedlender5. Ask for a pre-approval. The lender looks at your whole file and tells you what you may be able to borrow. Nothing on AskResi is a pre-approval.5Ask for apre-approval6. Make an offer on a home. With your lender's letter in hand, a real estate agent can help you write an offer on a home that fits the program.6Make an offer on ahome7. Close and get the keys. At closing you sign the loan papers, pay the cash to close, and the keys are yours. Your lender walks you through what to bring.7Close and get thekeys
The steps in order. The same list is in the table below.
Show the same facts as a list
StepWhat happens
1. Start with a questionAsk what you want to know about buying. A question is a fine place to begin, and nobody needs an account for it.
2. Take the short quizA few taps show which THDA routes may fit and which may not. It is education, not a decision.
3. Take the homebuyer classSome THDA help asks for a THDA-approved homebuyer course first. Ask your lender when the certificate is due.
4. Pick a THDA-approved lenderOnly a THDA-approved lender can tell you where you stand. THDA lists them on its own site, and we do not rank them.
5. Ask for a pre-approvalThe lender looks at your whole file and tells you what you may be able to borrow. Nothing on AskResi is a pre-approval.
6. Make an offer on a homeWith your lender's letter in hand, a real estate agent can help you write an offer on a home that fits the program.
7. Close and get the keysAt closing you sign the loan papers, pay the cash to close, and the keys are yours. Your lender walks you through what to bring.

What this rests on

Each line below was read at thda.org on the date shown.

  • Great Choice Plus and Homeownership Heroes need a THDA-approved homebuyer course. 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

Am I ready?
Four taps on the steps before a lender: income, class, credit and plans. 4 questions, about 2 minutes

Start the quiz

Last checked 10-28-2026 · Source: THDA's own site (thda.org)

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