See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 28, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Jackson, TN (2026)
Jackson is the largest city in West Tennessee and the county seat of Madison County, serving as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and commerce. With a median home price of around $270,000, Jackson offers affordable homeownership compared to many Tennessee metros. Buyers here can access the THDA Great Choice Plus program for up to $15,000 in down payment assistance, The Housing Fund for up to $35,000 in affordable DPA loans, and the Jackson Housing Authority Homeownership Voucher Program for qualifying participants. Habitat for Humanity Jackson TN Area also builds affordable homes for income-qualifying families. By combining state and local programs, Jackson homebuyers can potentially stack significant assistance to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
City Programs in Jackson
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Housing Authority Homeownership Voucher Program | Grant | Monthly mortgage subsidy for up to 15 years | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Monthly mortgage subsidy for up to 15 years
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Tennessee
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THDA Great Choice Home Loan | Government-Insured Mortgage | 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage used with FHA, VA, USDA-RD or conventional financing (up to 96.5% financing on FHA, 100% on VA/USDA-RD); optional Great Choice Plus DPA of 5% of price up to $15,000 (amortizing) or $6,000/$10,000 (deferred, forgivable after 10 years) | Yes | View → |
| THDA Great Choice Plus - Amortizing Option | Repayable Loan | Up to 5% of the purchase price, maximum $15,000 | Yes | View → |
| THDA Great Choice Plus - Deferred Option | Forgivable Loan | $6,000 forgivable second mortgage | Yes | View → |
| THDA Homeownership for Heroes | Government-Insured Mortgage | 0.50% interest rate reduction on a THDA Great Choice Home Loan (FHA, VA or USDA-RD only); optional Great Choice Plus DPA of up to 5% of price (max $15,000) amortizing, or $6,000/$10,000 deferred and forgivable | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage used with FHA, VA, USDA-RD or conventional financing (up to 96.5% financing on FHA, 100% on VA/USDA-RD); optional Great Choice Plus DPA of 5% of price up to $15,000 (amortizing) or $6,000/$10,000 (deferred, forgivable after 10 years)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the purchase price, maximum $15,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $6,000 forgivable second mortgage
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- 0.50% interest rate reduction on a THDA Great Choice Home Loan (FHA, VA or USDA-RD only); optional Great Choice Plus DPA of up to 5% of price (max $15,000) amortizing, or $6,000/$10,000 deferred and forgivable
- First-time only:
- Yes
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity Jackson TN Area Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable mortgage with 0% interest | Yes | View → |
| The Housing Fund Down Payment Assistance | Repayable Loan | Up to $35,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable mortgage with 0% interest
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $35,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Review income limits for Madison County under the THDA Great Choice program and The Housing Fund. THDA limits for Madison County are approximately $83,800 for 1-2 person households and $90,580 for 3+ person households.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. THDA requires a homebuyer education course from a THDA-certified counselor. The Jackson Housing Authority also offers homeownership financial literacy training at 125 Preston Street, Jackson, TN 38303. Call (731) 422-1671 for class schedules.
Step 3: Contact a local housing partner. Reach out to The Housing Fund to discuss DPA loan options up to $35,000, or contact Habitat for Humanity Jackson TN Area at 1668 N Parkway, Jackson, TN 38301 if you qualify for their homeownership program.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a THDA-participating lender such as Leaders Credit Union in Jackson to get pre-approved for a Great Choice Home Loan with down payment assistance.
Step 5: Find a home within program price limits. Shop for homes within THDA purchase price limits for Madison County and any additional limits set by your DPA program.
Step 6: Submit your application and close. Your lender will coordinate DPA funds from THDA and any additional assistance from The Housing Fund or other programs. Expect the process to take 30 to 60 days from contract to closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Jackson, TN?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay using these programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Jackson?+−
Are there programs specifically for veterans or first responders in Jackson?+−
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