Do I need 20% down to buy my first home?

No. Many first-time buyers qualify with much lower down payments depending on the loan program. Options like FHA, conventional, and USDA loans allow for flexible down payment requirements.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

It depends on the loan type, but many buyers qualify with lower credit scores than they expect. The best approach is to review your situation and determine what options are available.

How do I know how much house I can afford?

Your budget is based on your income, debts, credit, and loan options. This is one of the first things we clarify in your Homebuying Game Plan.

When should I get pre-approved?

Before you start looking at homes. Getting pre-approved early helps you understand your budget and makes your offer stronger when you find the right home.

Can I qualify without perfect income or job history?

Yes. Many loan programs allow for flexibility depending on your situation. The key is structuring the loan correctly from the start.

What loan options are available for first-time buyers?

Common options include conventional loans, FHA loans, USDA loans, and in some cases VA loans. The right option depends on your financial profile and goals.

How long does the homebuying process take?

It varies, but most buyers can go from pre-approval to closing in 30–45 days once they’re under contract.

What’s the first step to buying a home?

Start with a clear plan. Understanding your numbers, loan options, and next steps before house hunting makes the entire process smoother and more predictable.

First-Time Homebuyer Programs · East Tennessee

Your First Home is
Closer Than You Think.

In East Tennessee, first-time buyers have more options than most people realize — low down payments, flexible credit, and grants that can cover your entire down payment. Jeff makes the process simple, clear, and actually manageable.

☎ Call to Get Started Call (865) 420-4639

✓Down payments as low as 3.5%

✓580+ credit score options available

✓$0 down with Down Payment Grant

First-time homebuyers in Knoxville and Maryville TN

Helping East Tennessee Buyers Since Day OneKnoxville · Maryville · Alcoa · Farragut & Beyond

Low Down Payment Options

Flexible Credit Requirements

Gift Funds Welcome

$0 Down Grant Available

First-Time Buyer Specialist

Why Now is the Right Time

First-Time Buyers Have More Power Than They Know

Most people assume buying a home requires a huge down payment and perfect credit. That’s simply not true — especially in East Tennessee, where loan programs designed specifically for first-time buyers give you real options even if you’re starting from scratch.

Whether you’ve been renting for years or you’re just starting to think about homeownership, one 15-minute call can tell you exactly where you stand and what you qualify for today.

Every mortgage payment builds equity. Every month you rent, that equity goes to someone else’s balance sheet. The sooner we figure out your path, the sooner you start building wealth — not your landlord’s.

☎ Call to Get Pre-Qualified →

☎ (865) 420-4639

First-Time Buyer Fast Facts

Min. Down Payment (FHA)3.5%

Min. Credit Score (FHA)580+

Down Payment GrantUp to 100% covered

Gift Funds AllowedYes ✓

Seller ConcessionsUp to 6%

Max DTI RatioUp to 56%

Loan Types AvailableFHA, Conv, USDA, VA

Average Closing Timeline30–45 days

Loan Programs

4 Ways to Get Into Your First Home

Jeff will match you to the right program in one conversation — no guesswork, no jargon, no pressure.

FHA Loan

From “Just Looking” to Keys in Hand

Jeff breaks the homebuying process into simple, manageable steps so you always know exactly what’s happening and what’s next.

Free 15-Min Strategy Call

Call (865) 420-4639 and Jeff’s team will review your credit, income, and goals — then tell you exactly which programs you qualify for and what your monthly payment would look like.

Get Pre-Approved

A solid pre-approval letter means sellers take you seriously. Jeff gets you approved fast so you can shop with confidence and not lose the house you love.

Find Your Home

Shop knowing exactly what you can afford. Jeff stays available throughout your search — evenings and weekends — so you never miss a deadline when the right home appears.

Close & Celebrate

Jeff manages the entire loan process from contract to closing so you can focus on the exciting part — moving into your very first home.

Down Payment Grant

Pay $0 Out of Pocket on Your First Home.

Our Down Payment Grant covers the full 3.5% FHA minimum down payment — and it never has to be repaid. No second lien, no income limits, no tricks. First-time and repeat buyers with a 640+ credit score may qualify on any eligible property in Tennessee.

See Full Grant Details →

Down payment
out of pocket

Jeff Morgan, First-Time Homebuyer Specialist — Maryville TN

Jeff Morgan
NMLS# 2737554 · Equity Smart Home Loans

Why Work With Jeff

A Loan Officer Who Coaches, Not Just Closes

Jeff spent 20 years coaching people through hard things — running a fitness and sports performance business with his wife before becoming a loan officer. He brings that same patient, clear, step-by-step approach to every first-time buyer he works with.

No mortgage jargon. No pressure. Just honest answers about what you qualify for and what the smartest path forward looks like.

✓Plain-language guidance — Jeff explains every step so you always know exactly what’s happening
✓Evenings & weekends available — because home shopping doesn’t stop at 5pm
✓Grant program expertise — Jeff knows which buyers qualify and gets them to the closing table
✓Local East Tennessee expert — based in Maryville, serving Knoxville, Alcoa, Farragut & beyond
✓No pressure, ever — if now isn’t the right time, Jeff will tell you that too

☎ Call Jeff Now →

☎ (865) 420-4639

Common Questions

First-Time Buyer FAQs

With an FHA loan, the minimum is 3.5% with a 580+ credit score. On a $300,000 home that’s $10,500 — but our Down Payment Grant can cover it entirely, bringing your out-of-pocket cost to $0. Conventional loans start at 3% for qualifying buyers. Jeff will show you all your options on the first call.

FHA loans allow credit scores as low as 580 for the 3.5% down option. Conventional loans typically start at 620. If your score isn’t quite there yet, Jeff can walk you through a game plan to get it where it needs to be — often in as little as 30–60 days.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on unverified information — it doesn’t carry much weight with sellers. Pre-approval means Jeff has reviewed your actual income, credit, and assets and issued a formal letter. In a competitive market, pre-approval is essential. Jeff provides pre-approvals, not just pre-qualifications.

It depends on your credit score, down payment, and long-term plans. FHA is typically better for lower credit scores and smaller down payments. Conventional can save money long-term if you have 620+ credit and a 5–20% down payment, because PMI eventually drops off. Jeff will run the numbers for your exact situation and show you both options side by side.

Closing costs are fees associated with processing and closing your loan — typically 2–4% of the purchase price. They include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, and prepaid items like taxes and insurance. On an FHA loan, sellers can contribute up to 6% of the purchase price toward your closing costs, which can significantly reduce or eliminate what you pay at closing.

Yes — FHA loans allow 100% of the down payment to come from gift funds provided by family members. There are specific documentation requirements for gift funds, but Jeff handles all of that. This is one of the most common ways first-time buyers get into their first home.

From accepted offer to closing, most loans close in 30–45 days. Getting pre-approved before you start shopping is the single biggest factor in a smooth, fast process. Jeff’s streamlined pre-approval takes 1–2 business days once you submit your documents.

Ready to Find Out What You Qualify For?

One free 15-minute call will tell you exactly which programs fit, what your monthly payment would look like, and whether the grant can cover your down payment. No cost, no obligation, no pressure.

☎ Call to Get Started Start My Application

☎ (865) 420-4639

Serving Knoxville · Maryville · Alcoa · Farragut · Lenoir City · Oak Ridge & all of East Tennessee

Your First Home isCloser Than You Think.

First-Time Buyers Have More Power Than They Know

4 Ways to Get Into Your First Home

From “Just Looking” to Keys in Hand

Pay $0 Out of Pocket on Your First Home.

A Loan Officer Who Coaches, Not Just Closes

First-Time Buyer FAQs

Ready to Find Out What You Qualify For?

Your First Home is
Closer Than You Think.