First-time homebuyer help in Hamilton County, Tennessee
In Hamilton County, about 391,000 residents, THDA's Heroes loan pairs a lower rate with a choice of down payment help.
County seatChattanooga
Population390,833
Income limit, 3+$117,133
Price limit$500,000
Buying a first home in Hamilton County
Hamilton County Schools is the public district countywide, covering Chattanooga, East Ridge, Soddy-Daisy, Red Bank and Collegedale.
Chattanooga Police, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Chattanooga Fire and Hamilton County EMS are all large employers of eligible workers. EMTs and paramedics are named in the program, so county EMS crews are covered.
Marion and Sequatchie counties share Hamilton's exact income limit, which helps if you're comparing homes across the line.
Inside Chattanooga city limits; approved homebuyer education within 12 months of closing; at least $1,000 of buyer's own funds; professional home inspection; approved lender
0% deferred second mortgage, no payments, forgiven at end of 30 years; repaid if sold or cash-out refinanced. Guidelines revised 05.08.2026. Explicitly stacks with THDA. Contact Megan Miles, (423) 643-7440.
Low- to moderate-income buyers of single-family primary residences in Hamilton County
Help
$10,000 to $50,000
Type
Repayable loan (monthly payments)
Income limit
80% AMI
Other rules
Min credit 660, max DTI 45%, buyer contributes at least $1,000, eHome America homebuyer education
Launched July 13, 2026. 30-year second mortgage at the first-mortgage rate, no prepayment penalty. Source is a news release; CNE contact cnelending.homes, 423-402-8978.
Most down payment programs require a homebuyer education class before closing. These HUD-approved agencies near Hamilton County offer homebuyer classes or pre-purchase counseling:
Source: HUD housing counseling agency list. Not every class is accepted by every program.
Not sure which class your program accepts? A loan officer who offers Tennessee programs tells you which class counts, and can start your pre-approval at the same time. Check my eligibility
Who can use the program in Hamilton County
Eligible local employers include:
Hamilton County Schools
Chattanooga Police Department
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Chattanooga Fire Department
Hamilton County EMS
Hamilton County EMS paramedics qualify under the EMT and paramedic rule with their license or certification. See every eligible role.
Hamilton County questions
What's the Chattanooga income limit?
$101,854 for 1-2 and $117,133 for 3 or more.
Do Hamilton County EMS staff qualify?
Yes, EMTs and paramedics currently employed in Tennessee qualify.
Is there help for a new build in Collegedale?
Heroes Plus offers up to $25,000 on newly built homes, repaid at 0% over 15 years.
