Our methods
How we verify Tennessee down payment programs
Every program in this guide is checked against the official source. Here is exactly how, and what each label means.
Where the facts come from
We track 20 Tennessee programs using 37 official sources: the state housing finance agency's program pages, term sheets and income-limit tables, and the city, county and nonprofit pages that run local programs. Amounts, income limits, price limits and rules are taken from those pages, not from other directories or news summaries. Where official sources disagree, we say so on the program's page instead of picking a number.
How often we check
Each program shows the month it was last verified. We recheck the official pages regularly and update a program's status when its funding runs out, a new round opens, or its terms change. Programs that have ended are removed; programs that are closed for now stay listed and are marked closed so you know to check back.
What the labels mean
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Open | Taking applications through participating lenders or the program office. |
| Funding varies | Runs on yearly or limited funds that can run out. Confirm money is available before you apply. |
| Waitlist | Funds are committed; new applicants go on a waitlist. |
| Closed for now | Not taking applications today. Often reopens with the next funding round. |
| Grant | Does not have to be repaid. |
| Forgivable loan | Forgiven over time if you keep living in the home; owed if you sell or refinance early. |
| Deferred loan | No monthly payment, but repaid when you sell, refinance or move out. |
| Repayable loan | Paid back with a monthly payment. |
What we don't do
We don't list a program as a "grant" unless the official terms say it never has to be repaid. We don't publish a program page when its amount or terms can't be confirmed; those stay as short directory entries until the program publishes them. We are an independent guide. We are not a lender or a government agency, and no program pays to be listed.
Spot something out of date?
Program rules change. If a program's status or terms have changed, email leads@tndownpmtassistance.com and we'll recheck it.
