First-time homebuyer help in Washington County, Tennessee
Washington County, roughly 141,000 residents, pairs Jonesborough as its seat with Johnson City as its largest city.
County seatJonesborough
Population141,199
Income limit, 3+$112,840
Price limit$500,000
Buying a first home in Washington County
Washington County Schools and Johnson City Schools are the two public districts. Full-time K-12 teachers in either meet the rule.
Johnson City Police, the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Johnson City Fire employ most local first responders.
Washington shares its income limit with Carter and Unicoi counties. At $96,720 / $112,840 it's below the state's middle, so add up household income carefully, including a spouse's pay.
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packet terms (10-year, forgiven 20%/yr in years 6-10; price caps $170K-$190K; no ownership in last 12 months) may be outdated.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.
Most down payment programs require a homebuyer education class before closing. These HUD-approved agencies near Washington 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 Washington County
Eligible local employers include:
Washington County Schools
Johnson City Schools
Johnson City Police Department
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Johnson City Fire Department
Johnson City firefighters and police qualify with proof of current Tennessee employment and certification. See every eligible role.
Washington County questions
What's the Johnson City income limit?
$96,720 (1-2) and $112,840 (3+).
Does Jonesborough use the same limit?
Yes, all of Washington County uses one limit.
Does my spouse's income count?
THDA counts household income under its rules; your lender figures the total.
