Buying your first home is an exciting milestone but it can also feel overwhelming without the right guidance. As a first-time home buyer, you may qualify for special programs, lower down payment options, and financial assistance designed to make homeownership more affordable than you think.

🏡 First-Time Home Buyer Programs

Many loan programs are specifically created to help first-time buyers get into a home with flexible credit requirements and lower upfront costs. These programs often include options such as FHA, USDA, VA, and conventional loans with reduced down payments. Some buyers are surprised to learn they can purchase a home with as little as 0%–3.5% down, depending on eligibility.

 

💰 Down Payment Assistance

Down payment assistance programs can help cover part—or even all—of your down payment and sometimes closing costs. These programs may come in the form of grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest second mortgages. Eligibility is often based on income, location, or first-time buyer status, and many buyers don’t realize they qualify until they explore their options.

 

📝 First Steps to Buying a Home

The first step in the home buying process is getting pre-approved by a trusted lender. This helps you understand your buying power, monthly payment, and which programs you qualify for. Next, you’ll want to define your budget, choose the right area, and begin viewing homes that fit your needs and lifestyle. From making an offer to closing day, having a knowledgeable local professional by your side ensures a smooth and confident experience.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, the right plan and guidance can make all the difference. With the right programs, support, and strategy, homeownership may be closer than you think.

First Time Home Buyer Homes

$289,900
3 Beds 2 Baths 247057 MLS
New build coming to Baxter approximately 1/2 acre +/- within 8 minutes of Cookeville Boat Dock on Center Hill Lake, 11 minutes to I40 Baxter or less than 15 minutes to I40 Cookeville, the new Target and Home Depot. Convenient to both fishing and shopping! Partially wooded with mature trees. 9' ceilings Split floorplan with open kitchen/living room concept Luxury, (24 hr.) waterproof laminate (over ” thick and durable) Tile bathrooms Plywood, white shaker cabinets with soft close doors and drawers Matte black fixtures Granite countertops Subway tile backsplash Over and under cabinet lighting Crown molding over the cabinets Whirlpool, stainless steel appliances Kitchen Island A sliding barn door separates the kitchen from the laundry room Large laundry room with a pantry closet, coat closet and hot water heater closet. Cabinets over the washer/dryer area for storage Master Bedroom features a large walk-in closet. All closets have motion activated lighting and custom shelving. Master Bath features double vanity sinks and linen closet Bedrooms 2 and 3 have double closet doors and custom shelving. Closets have a motion activated light feature inside. All bedrooms, LR and back porch have a ceiling fan. Both front and back porches are covered and feature cedar tone posts and rails. Matching custom-made cedar tone shutters. Both porches are concrete. 1 year Builder warranty

9670 Cookeville Boat Dock Rd, Baxter

Listing courtesy of Highlands Elite Real Estate LLC.

$219,900
246763 MLS
HARD-TO-FIND PRICE POINT! If you've been looking for an investment property in Cookeville without jumping into a much higher price range, this duplex deserves a closer look. Whether you're an experienced investor or a first-time homeowner ready to become a house hacker, this property offers a unique opportunity to put your home to work for you. This duplex features two distinct units: one offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, while the other provides 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Both sides have separate driveway areas, creating a practical and functional setup for occupants. The property also includes a two-car attached carport, offering the potential for at least one covered parking space for each unit. Unit 1 also features a fenced-in backyard, perfect for pets, children, or enjoying some outdoor space. For the savvy first-time buyer, live in one side while renting the other and potentially use the rental income to help offset your monthly mortgage payment... all while building equity in your own property! For investors, the two-unit configuration provides an opportunity to add an income-producing property to your portfolio in a convenient Cookeville location. With its functional layout, separate parking areas, covered parking, fenced outdoor space, and a price point that's increasingly difficult to find, this property offers plenty of possibilities. Whether you're looking to start investing, expand your portfolio, or make homeownership more attainable, this duplex is worth exploring. Bring your vision and make this property work for you!

450 E Main St, Cookeville

Listing courtesy of Southern Realty Group LLC #2.

$274,929
3 Beds 2 Baths 246537 MLS
INVESTOR / PROJECT OPPORTUNITY – Looking for a property with potential to build equity through renovation and finishing work? This 2.68-acre property offers an opportunity for an investor, contractor, or buyer ready to take on a project and create something of their own. The existing home needs TLC, but the potential is worth exploring. A partially finished basement provides the opportunity to expand the living area and could allow the home to reach approximately 2,400 square feet of finished living space when completed, depending on the final layout and improvements. The acreage gives you room to work with while offering a convenient location just minutes from Baxter city limits and I-40 access, with Cookeville city limits approximately 10 minutes away. That combination of land, potential living space, and accessibility makes this property worth considering for someone looking beyond a typical move-in-ready home. The price reflects the condition and work needed, creating an opportunity for a buyer who can see the potential and is prepared to put in the work. Seller is negotiable and motivated to sell. If you're an investor looking for your next project, a contractor seeking a renovation opportunity, or a buyer willing to trade sweat equity for potential value, take a closer look at what this property could become. Sold as-is. Bring your vision and explore the possibilities!, Baxter

7220 Friendly Rd, Baxter

Listing courtesy of Skender-Newton Realty.

$274,929
3 Beds 2 Baths 1352181 MLS
INVESTOR / PROJECT OPPORTUNITY - Looking for a property with potential to build equity through renovation and finishing work? This 2.68-acre property offers an opportunity for an investor, contractor, or buyer ready to take on a project and create something of their own. The existing home needs TLC, but the potential is worth exploring. A partially finished basement provides the opportunity to expand the living area and could allow the home to reach approximately 2,400 square feet of finished living space when completed, depending on the final layout and improvements. The acreage gives you room to work with while offering a convenient location just minutes from Baxter city limits and I-40 access, with Cookeville city limits approximately 10 minutes away. That combination of land, potential living space, and accessibility makes this property worth considering for someone looking beyond a typical move-in-ready home. The price reflects the condition and work needed, creating an opportunity for a buyer who can see the potential and is prepared to put in the work. Seller is negotiable and motivated to sell. If you're an investor looking for your next project, a contractor seeking a renovation opportunity, or a buyer willing to trade sweat equity for potential value, take a closer look at what this property could become. Sold as-is. Bring your vision and explore the possibilities!

7220 Friendly Rd, Baxter

Listing courtesy of Skender-Newton Realty.

$224,900
3 Beds 1 Baths 1350669 MLS
Don't miss your chance to own this incredible home in the heart of Cookeville! Opportunities like this at such an amazing price don't come along often, and this one checks all the boxes whether you're searching for your forever home, your next investment property, or a fantastic rental opportunity. Offering over 1,200 square feet of comfortable living space, this charming home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, and a partially finished basement that provides endless possibilities for additional living space, a recreation room, home office, workout area, or extra storage. Recent updates give this home exceptional value and peace of mind, including all new electrical and plumbing, all new flooring, fresh drywall throughout the kitchen, and brand-new windows everywhere except the front of the home. The kitchen comes complete with appliances, making your move even easier and allowing you to settle in from day one. Outside, you'll find an impressive detached garage offering approximately 1,000 square feet of space--perfect for multiple vehicles, a workshop, hobbies, equipment storage, or even the ultimate workspace you've always wanted. The location simply cannot be beat! Nestled right in the heart of Cookeville, you're only 2 minutes from Historic Downtown Cookeville where you'll enjoy local restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and community events. Spend weekends exploring Cane Creek Park just 3 minutes away with walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and outdoor recreation. Need to travel? Nashville International Airport (BNA) is just a little over an hour away, making business trips and vacations incredibly convenient. Homes offering this combination of updates, location, versatility, and affordability are becoming harder to find. Schedule your private showing today before another buyer beats you to this outstanding opportunity!

52 Columbia St, Cookeville

Listing courtesy of Elevate Real Estate.

$224,900
3 Beds 1 Baths 246300 MLS
Don't miss your chance to own this incredible home in the heart of Cookeville! Opportunities like this at such an amazing price don't come along often, and this one checks all the boxes whether you're searching for your forever home, your next investment property, or a fantastic rental opportunity. Offering over 1,200 square feet of comfortable living space, this charming home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, and a partially finished basement that provides endless possibilities for additional living space, a recreation room, home office, workout area, or extra storage. Recent updates give this home exceptional value and peace of mind, including all new electrical and plumbing, all new flooring, fresh drywall throughout the kitchen, and brand-new windows everywhere except the front of the home. The kitchen comes complete with appliances, making your move even easier and allowing you to settle in from day one. Outside, you'll find an impressive detached garage offering approximately 1,000 square feet of space—perfect for multiple vehicles, a workshop, hobbies, equipment storage, or even the ultimate workspace you've always wanted. The location simply cannot be beat! Nestled right in the heart of Cookeville, you're only 2 minutes from Historic Downtown Cookeville where you'll enjoy local restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and community events. Spend weekends exploring Cane Creek Park just 3 minutes away with walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and outdoor recreation. Need to travel? Nashville International Airport (BNA) is just a little over an hour away, making business trips and vacations incredibly convenient. Homes offering this combination of updates, location, versatility, and affordability are becoming harder to find. Schedule your private showing today before another buyer beats you to this outstanding opportunity! , Cane Creek / Upperman

52 Columbia St, Cookeville

Listing courtesy of Elevate Real Estate.

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