Frequently Asked Questions

Is AHR a government agency?

No. AHR is a Nashville-based 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. We are a chartered member of NeighborWorks® and we are dedicated to building partnerships with individual families, neighborhood leaders and others who care about and invest in Middle Tennessee. As a NeighborWorks® organization, AHR has access to financial resources, tools and training opportunities that greatly benefit Middle Tennessee residents.

What will I learn by taking the homebuyer education course?

How to select a real estate agent
What a mortgage company or bank will ask of you
How to prepare and stick to a budget
How to repair your credit if necessary
What to expect when looking for, selecting and purchasing a home

I’ve had bad credit and I don’t have much for a down payment. Can I still buy a home?

Financial situations vary from person to person. Contact AHR and ask about our housing counseling program. We can help you sort through your options. Additionally, there are local homeownership assistance programs that might work for you, including homeownership pre-qualification and assessment of my ability to pay, as well as programs offering down payment and closing cost assistance.

Why should I buy instead of rent?

When you rent, you write a monthly check and it’s gone. When you buy, you’re investing in your future. In addition to the personal satisfaction that owning a home brings, there are other benefits to owning your own home.

You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes. During the first half of your mortgage, nearly all of each monthly payment goes to paying interest. This adds up to hefty savings at the end of each year.
You can deduct the property taxes, as well as repairs your insurance does not cover, that you pay as a homeowner.
Over the years, it’s likely that the value of your home will increase – providing financial security for you and your family.

What are the first steps to buying a home?

You already have! AHR’s website provides the resources you need begin the home buying process. For additional information, call our office at (615) 251-0025, ext. 0.

Can I still get a mortgage if I was turned down by a bank or mortgage company?

Yes. Please call Frank Latimer at (615) 251-0143 ext. 222 or email him at flatimer@ahrhousing.org

I can’t afford a home over $200,000. Does AHR have a home for me?

AHR has one-bedroom homes for a $120,000 mortgage and three-bedroom homes for a $180,000 mortgage.