1.THDA Great Choice Plus (Statewide) ✔️ Up to 5% of purchase price (max $15,000) ✔️ Can be used for down payment + closing costs ✔️ Two options: - Deferred $6,000 (0% interest, no monthly payment) - Amortized second mortgage🔹 Must pair with THDA Great Choice loan 2.THDA Homeownership for Heroes (For Military, Veterans, First Responders) ✔️ Reduced interest rate (0.5% lower) ✔️ Can combine with Great Choice Plus ✔️ VA, FHA, USDA, Conventional eligible ✔️ No first-time buyer requirement for vets 3.THDA HFA Advantage Plus (Conventional Buyers) ✔️ 3% down conventional option ✔️ Can pair with DPA similar to Great Choice Plus ✔️ Income limits apply ✔️ Great for buyers who don’t want FHA 4.The Housing Fund (Middle TN / Nashville Area) ✔️ Up to $35,000 ✔️ For down payment + closing costs ✔️ 10–15 year repayment ✔️ Income + location based 5.City of Memphis Homebuyer Assistance ✔️ Up to $25,000 or 10% of purchase price ✔️ Forgivable after 5–10 years ✔️ Must buy in Memphis ✔️ Income + occupancy rules 6.Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE) ✔️ Up to $25,000 ✔️ Second mortgage or forgivable options ✔️ Chattanooga + surrounding counties ✔️ Income + purchase price limits 7.USDA Rural Development (0% Down) ✔️ 100% financing (no down payment) ✔️ Rural eligible areas ✔️ Income limits apply ✔️ Often combined with seller concessions 8.VA Loan (0% Down for Veterans) ✔️ No down payment required ✔️ No monthly PMI ✔️ Can still pair with some local grants ✔️ Best option for eligible military buyers 9.Local County & City Housing Authority Grants Examples: - Clarksville Housing Authority - Knoxville Affordable Housing - Nashville MDHA (Often forgivable grants, Highly location + income specific) 10. Employer-Based & Nonprofit Programs Examples: - Hospital systems - Teachers programs - Credit union housing grants - Church & nonprofit housing programs (Can range from $2,500–$15,000+)

Hello, I’m Omni Mandela. My husband and I are planning to buy a house this year and would like to learn more about the buying process and equity. We currently have a realtor, but I’m interested in understanding how loans work, down payment assistance programs, and other related topics.