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Homeownership for Heroes · Sullivan County

First-time homebuyer help in Sullivan County, Tennessee

Sullivan County, about 164,000 people, has its seat in Blountville, while most buyers look in Kingsport and Bristol.

County seatBlountville
Population163,759
Income limit, 3+$114,520
Price limit$500,000

Buying a first home in Sullivan County

Three public districts operate here: Sullivan County Schools, Kingsport City Schools and Bristol Tennessee City Schools. Full-time K-12 teachers in any of them qualify.

Kingsport Police, Bristol Tennessee Police, the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and Kingsport Fire are the main employers. Bluff City homes use the same limit.

Heroes requires current employment in Tennessee. If you work across the state line in Virginia, the job rule wouldn't fit, though a Tennessee veteran could still qualify on military status.

Sullivan County income and price limits

Income, 1–2 peopleIncome, 3+ peoplePurchase price limit
$98,160$114,520$500,000

Sullivan County's limit is $98,160 for 1-2 people and $114,520 for 3+. See the statewide limits or estimate what you can afford.

Other down payment help in Sullivan County

These local programs can sometimes be used on top of, or instead of, the state program. Rules differ, so a loan officer checks which ones combine.

Northeast Tennessee/Virginia HOME Consortium Affordable Home-Ownership Program

Funding varies

Sullivan County, Washington County, Kingsport, Bristol TN, Johnson City, Bluff City (and Bristol VA)

Who
Low- and moderate-income buyers (80% AMI)
Help
$1,000 to $15,000 based on a subsidy analysis
Type
Deferred loan (repaid later)
Income limit
80% AMI (2026 dollar figures not posted; 2021 packet showed $47,700-$48,250 for a family of 4)
First-time buyers only
Yes
Other rules
Homebuyer education before closing; principal residence; minimum buyer investment ($500 in the 2021-22 packet); Jonesborough town limits excluded per 2021-22 packet

Due-on-sale deferred loan. 2021-22 packet terms (10-year, forgiven 20%/yr in years 6-10; price caps $170K-$190K; no ownership in last 12 months) may be outdated. Call Rene' Mann, FTDD, 423-722-5122 before applying.

Verified November 2026 · how we verify

Full guide to this program → See if I qualify →

See every program in Tennessee.

Homebuyer education near Sullivan County

Most down payment programs require a homebuyer education class before closing. These HUD-approved agencies near Sullivan County offer homebuyer classes or pre-purchase counseling:

AgencyCityDistanceServicesLanguagesFormats
Eastern Eight Community Development Corp.Johnson City13 mihomebuyer education class, pre-purchase counselingEnglishFace to Face, Phone, Internet

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 Sullivan County

Eligible local employers include:

  • Sullivan County Schools
  • Kingsport City Schools
  • Bristol Tennessee City Schools
  • Kingsport Police Department
  • Bristol Tennessee Police Department
  • Sullivan County Sheriff's Office
  • Kingsport Fire Department

Bristol Tennessee officers and teachers qualify; Virginia-side employers don't meet the Tennessee employment rule. See every eligible role.

Sullivan County questions

What's the Kingsport income limit?

$98,160 (1-2) and $114,520 (3+).

I teach in Bristol, Virginia. Do I qualify?

The rule requires a Tennessee school. A lender can check other THDA options like Great Choice.

Do Kingsport firefighters qualify?

Yes, firefighters currently employed in Tennessee qualify.

Other areas: Shelby County, Davidson County, Knox County, Hamilton County, Rutherford County, Williamson County, Montgomery County, Sumner County. All counties.