10 Best Lenders for Doctor Mortgages in Tennessee
Physicians and dentists buying homes in Tennessee face challenges like high student loan burdens, variable income during training, and tight relocation timelines. Physician mortgage loans are designed to bridge these gaps—offering no-down-payment options, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and underwriting catered to medical professionals. Whether you’re finishing your residency at Vanderbilt, heading to Memphis, or relocating to Knoxville, here are the top lenders—now updated, reordered, and refreshed with the latest data.
1. Alliant Credit Union
Alliant’s Medical Professional Loan Program stands out for its flexibility.
- 100% financing up to $1.25M, 95% to $1.5M, and 90% to $2M
- No PMI, supports condos, second homes, and construction loans
- No time limit since training ended
- Student loans excluded if deferred ≥12 months or using income-driven plans
2. Green State Mortgage
- 0% down up to $1M, 5% to $1.75M, 10% to $2.5M
- No PMI
- Accepts townhomes, condos, and non-warrantable properties
- Can close before employment begins if ample reserves are available
3. First Horizon Bank
- 100% financing up to $1.5M; 95% to $2M; 90% to $2.5M
- No PMI
- Condos allowed
- Closing up to 6 months before job start
4. Liberty Federal Credit Union
- 100% up to $970,800; 95% to $1.5M; 90% to $2M
- No PMI
- Offers credit repair, rate-match guarantee, and closing gift cards
5. Fifth Third Bank
- 0% down up to $1M; 5% to $1.5M; 10% to $2M
- Accepts 1099 income, excludes deferred student loans
- Multiple physician loans allowed
6. Truist Bank (replacing Bell Bank)
Truist offers a physician-focused mortgage program with the expertise to support doctors through transition periods.
- Physician Mortgage Loans compliant with specialized underwriting
- No PMI, and flexible down payment options (details may vary)
- Contact: Suzy Savod (NMLS #505434) for program specifics and application assistance
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- 100% up to $1M; 97% to $1.25M; 95% to $1.5M; 90% to $2M
- Gift funds accepted; excludes student loans deferred ≥12 months
- Accepts 1099 income without a full two-year history
8. First Citizens Bank
- 100% up to $1M; second-home and construction financing available
- Flexible student loan treatment
- Non-permanent residents eligible
- Requires credit score ≥680
9. BCU
BCU offers robust physician-specific portfolio options.
- Up to 100% financing, with no PMI required
- Student loans may be excluded from DTI calculations
- Provides home equity, bridge, and construction loan options
- Contact: Jonathan Brozek, NMLS #850168
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10. Genisys Credit Union
Genisys provides generous loan limits for those needing high-LTV physician loans.
- 0% down up to $1.5M; 10% to $2M; 15% to $2.5M; 20% to $4M+
- No adjustments required for condos or new construction
- Supports bridge and construction loans under the same terms as purchase
- Often requires no reserves and offers competitive rates
- Contact: Donald White, NMLS #407289
Comparison Snapshot
| Rank | Lender | Max 0% Down | Max Loan | PMI Required | Highlights |
| 1 | Alliant Credit Union | Up to $1.25M | $2M | No | Flexible, no training limit, 2nd homes & construction |
| 2 | Green State Mortgage | $1M | $2.5M | No | Great for 1099 & early contract closings |
| 3 | First Horizon Bank | $1.5M | $2.5M | No | Strong for seasoned physicians |
| 4 | Liberty FCU | $970.8K | $2M | No | Rate-match, credit repair, closing perks |
| 5 | Fifth Third Bank | $1M | $2M | No | Self-employed and multi-loan friendly |
| 6 | Truist Bank | Varies | Varies | No | Physician program via Suzy Savod |
| 7 | Academy Bank | $1M | $2M | No | Gift funds, 1099s, flexible DTI |
| 8 | First Citizens Bank | $1M | $3M+ | No | Supports build and second homes |
| 9 | BCU | – | $2.15M | No | Strong student loan treatment |
| 10 | Genisys CU | $1.5M | $4M+ | No | High LTV, bridge and construction loans |
Final Thoughts
The next six months of the housing market in Tennessee will bring both opportunities and challenges for physicians. Inventory is rising, mortgage rates remain volatile, and lenders are tightening standards in some areas while expanding physician-specific programs in others. For doctors, the good news is that physician mortgages remain one of the most powerful tools to bridge the gap between high student loan balances, new employment contracts, and strong future earning potential.
That said, not every bank—or broker—truly understands the physician profile. Many realtors default to recommending a local broker or large national bank that doesn’t specialize in physician mortgages, which can cost you time, money, and even jeopardize your closing. The lenders highlighted here are specifically vetted for Tennessee and have physician-focused programs that remove PMI, allow 0–5% down, and recognize your contract income before you start working.
The key is not just choosing the right bank, but working with a trusted physician mortgage specialist—someone who knows the underwriting details, the timing issues, and how to position your application so you can close smoothly. The difference between a standard preapproval and a physician-loan preapproval can mean winning a home in today’s competitive market.
If you’re a physician planning a home purchase in Tennessee, lean on lenders and specialists who are experienced in working with doctors—not just the referral list from your agent. Doing so ensures you’ll get the right loan, the right terms, and the confidence to focus on your new home and your career.
