Homeownership for Heroes
Homeownership for Heroes for Tennessee teachers
Full-time K-12 teachers in Tennessee public and private schools now qualify for THDA's 0.5% lower Heroes rate and Heroes Plus down payment help.
Who qualifies
Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and principals employed in a full-time teaching position in a Tennessee public or private school qualify. THDA announced the change on May 5, 2026, during Teacher Appreciation Week.
THDA's lender guide says you must be currently employed in Tennessee and show a license or certification in your profession. THDA hasn't published a teacher-specific document list, so your lender confirms what it needs.
Homeownership for Heroes is a THDA Great Choice home loan (FHA, VA or USDA, 30-year fixed) priced 0.5% below the standard Great Choice rate. Through Heroes Plus you can add one down payment option: a repayable 5% loan up to $15,000, a forgivable 0% loan of $6,000 or $10,000, or up to $25,000 repaid at 0% on a new-build home. You apply through a THDA-approved lender, not through THDA.
Principals: confirm first
THDA's consumer page names principals, but the Heroes section of THDA's lender guide (revised Sept. 21, 2026) doesn't list them yet. If you're a principal, ask a THDA-approved lender to confirm before you lock.
Full-time matters
The rule says a full-time teaching position. Part-time, substitute and non-teaching school roles aren't named, so a lender has to review those case by case. If your job isn't covered, THDA's standard Great Choice loan offers the same down payment options without the 0.5% discount.
Documents to have ready
- Your Tennessee teaching license or certification
- Proof of current full-time employment at a Tennessee K-12 school (your lender specifies the form)
- Recent pay stubs and two years of tax returns
- Homebuyer education certificate for each borrower
Common questions
Do private school teachers qualify?
Yes. THDA's rule covers full-time K-12 teachers in Tennessee public or private schools.
When did teachers become eligible?
THDA announced teacher eligibility on May 5, 2026.
Do I get the same down payment options as first responders?
Yes. Teachers get the same 0.5% rate reduction and the same Heroes Plus options: 5% up to $15,000 (repayable), $6,000 or $10,000 (forgivable) or up to $25,000 on a new build (repayable).
