Tennessee Mortgage Loans
Tennessee offers homebuyers strong options across every loan type: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo, with no state income tax stretching your buying power. As a mortgage broker licensed in Tennessee with access to 240+ wholesale lenders, I help buyers across Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and rural Tennessee find the right loan and the best rate.
Discover Tennessee's Iconic Landmarks & Local Mortgage Markets
From the Smoky Mountains to Music City, explore Tennessee's most recognized destinations and learn about home financing opportunities in each region.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America's most visited national park with over 12 million annual visitors, defines East Tennessee's natural grandeur. The park's ancient mountains, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife create a world-renowned tourism corridor from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge, driving the region's thriving vacation rental and second-home market.
Market Focus
Tourism & Vacation Rental Market
Median Home Price: $425,000 (Gatlinburg/Sevierville)
Popular Loans: Conventional, Investment Property, Second Home
Rental ROI: 10-15% annual returns on STRs
Market Advantage: Sevier County vacation rentals generate $35K-$75K annually with Smoky Mountain proximity premium
Regional Insight
Sevier County (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville) median $425K serves tourism/vacation rental market. Gatlinburg cabins $350K-$650K command premium for national park access and ski resort proximity. Pigeon Forge new construction $375K-$525K targets Dollywood visitors and families. Investment property loans require 15-25% down with rental income considered for qualification. THDA FirstHome DPA grants available for primary residences. Conventional loans dominate second-home purchases.
← Swipe to explore Tennessee landmarks →
What loan options are available in Tennessee?
Every buyer's situation is different. Tennessee has competitive programs for first-time buyers, veterans, rural homebuyers, and move-up purchasers alike. Here are the programs I originate:
Tennessee Mortgage Broker
240+ lenders, $1,000 Best Price Guarantee
Learn moreMortgage Pre-Approval
Get pre-approved in 24 hours
Learn moreFHA Loans
3.5% down, flexible credit
Learn moreVA Loans
Zero down for veterans
Learn moreConventional Loans
Competitive rates, PMI removal
Learn moreUSDA Loans
Zero down, rural areas
Learn moreJumbo Loans
Above conforming limits
Learn more“We were renting in Nashville and thought we'd never afford to buy. Emmett showed us that just 30 minutes outside the city in Fairview, we could get a USDA loan with zero down payment. Our mortgage is now less than our old rent, we have a half-acre lot, and we didn't need to save $40,000 for a down payment. This program changed our lives.”
James & Lisa W.
Fairview, Williamson County
What are today's mortgage rates in Tennessee?
Below are today's published 30-year fixed conventional rates. Rates update throughout the day and vary by credit, down payment, and loan size.
Today’s 30-Year Fixed (Conventional) Rate
Conventional – Primary Residence
Rate Assumptions
30 year fixed, $300k loan amount, $400k value, purchase, FICO Credit Score 759, Zipcode 92867
APR & Disclosures
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) shown reflects the cost of credit over the loan term, including applicable fees, and is based on the assumptions above. Your actual rate and APR depend on your credit profile, loan amount, property, occupancy, and other factors. For information purposes only and does not constitute a loan approval or commitment to lend. Rates are subject to change without notice.
Why buy a home in Tennessee?
Tennessee is one of the most buyer-friendly states in the country, combining affordability with quality of life.
No State Income Tax
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, which means more of your paycheck goes toward your mortgage and savings compared to neighboring states.
Affordable Markets
From Nashville suburbs to East Tennessee mountain communities, many areas offer home prices well below the national median with strong appreciation potential.
Diverse Regions
Urban energy in Nashville and Memphis, mountain living in East Tennessee, and USDA-eligible rural communities throughout the state offer something for every lifestyle.
Strong Job Growth
Major employers and new corporate relocations keep Tennessee's economy strong, especially in Nashville, Chattanooga's tech corridor, and the manufacturing hubs across Middle Tennessee.
Military-Friendly
Fort Campbell and multiple military installations make Tennessee a top state for VA loan buyers, with zero-down financing and strong community support for veterans.
USDA Eligibility
Roughly 97% of Tennessee's land area qualifies for USDA zero-down financing, making rural homeownership accessible even near major metros.
Ready to Buy Your Tennessee Home?
Whether you're buying near Nashville, in the Smoky Mountains, or anywhere across the Volunteer State, I'll find you the best rate from 240+ lenders.
From the blog & learning center
Tennessee Home Buying Guides
Jumbo Loan Reserves: Why You May Need Less Than You Think
The generic "6 to 12 months of reserves" answer is often wrong for your situation. Some programs require as little as 3 months for qualifying scenarios.
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Jumbo vs Conforming: Which One Applies to You?
The difference comes down to one number: whether your loan amount is above or below the 2026 conforming limit of $832,750 (or $1,249,125 in high-cost areas).
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USDA Loan Income Limits 2026: How Much You Can Earn and Still Qualify
The 2026 USDA income limit is $112,450 for a 1-4 person household in most of the country, and $148,450 for a 5-8 person household, higher than most people assume.
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Is My Address USDA Eligible? How the Rural Map Actually Works
Roughly 97% of U.S. land area is USDA-eligible, including far more suburbs than people expect. Eligibility comes down to your exact street address, not your zip code.
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USDA vs FHA: Which Is Actually Cheaper?
For buyers who qualify for both, USDA is usually the cheaper loan over time: zero down, a lower upfront fee, and a lower annual fee. FHA wins on flexibility.
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What Credit Score Do You Need for a USDA Loan?
USDA itself sets no minimum credit score, but most lenders require 640 for automated approval. Scores below 640 route to manual underwriting, which is stricter but still possible.
Read more