CNE Lending is the lending division of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE). We are a local non-profit. CNE has helped more than 3,400 people in Chattanooga buy their first home. We have also helped over 2,800 homeowners in keeping their homes with financial and educational support. Our focus is providing affordable homeownership, financial education, and loans in Chattanooga. Our goal is to help build strong neighborhoods and financial stability for our community.

Where do you offer your services?

We primarily serve the Chattanooga area and surrounding counties. These counties include Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie. If you are unsure if you are within our radius contact our office today for more information.

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to work with CNE?

No! At CNE we are a broker and offer the same, if not more than other mortgage companies. We also offer refinancing options and financial coaching.

What types of mortgage loans do you offer?

We offer a variety of specialized and conventional loan products, including: FHA, THDA, VA, and USDA Loans HomeReady Loans ITIN Loans (for those without a Social Security Number) Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Our loan experts will assist you in finding what loan best fits your needs. We know that there is no one size fits all loan and learning what is best for you can be challenging. Contact our loan counselor today for more information!

How does the Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program work?

Our DPA program can provide up to $25,000 to help cover closing costs and down payments. This serves as a second mortgage that you typically pay back over 30 years at the same interest rate as your first mortgage. Your household income and size will determine if you are qualified.

I don't have a Social Security Number. Can I still qualify for a loan?

Getting a loan without a Social Security Number can feel frustrating and sometimes impossible. We dedicate ourselves to helping you achieve a home loan without the headache. At CNE we offer ITIN Loans for borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Requirements include at least a 20% down payment, one year of tax returns, financial stability, proof of income, and more. For a full list of requirements, contact our team. Just send us a message or call us. We will connect you with the right team member.

Do you offer loans for home repairs?

Yes! We provide low or no-interest loans for important repairs. This includes roofs, HVAC, plumbing, and energy efficiency updates. These loans are available through Tennessee Repair Loan Program. We understand that you can't always plan for home repair emergencies. Whether you need the funds to fix a leaky roof or faulty HVAC our lending experts are here to help.

What is "Housing Counseling"?

Our HUD-certified counselors offer personal coaching. They help you understand credit, manage money, and get ready for the unexpected costs of owning a home. They will help you ask yourself the right questions when making the decision to rent or buy.

Is the Homebuyer Education class required?

For many of our down payment assistance programs, you must complete a homebuyer education course. We offer an online option through eHome America ($100 fee) that you can complete at your own pace. This program helps loan applicants navigate the complexities of lending and homeownership. We discuss things such as: Home ownership preparedness How to calculate your monthly mortgage payment How to calculate property taxes The terms and conditions of the loan you are seeking How to mitigate credit card debt to improve your credit score What makes up your credit profile What the difference is in a personal loan and a home loan These are just a few topics that your course will cover. For more information on course material contact us today!

How can I improve my credit score before applying?

Our financial coaches help you look at your credit report. They create a plan to improve your score, reduce debt, and build a healthy spending plan.

How do I start the process?

The best way to begin is by reaching out to a Loan Officer. You can also schedule an appointment with a Homeownership Coach on our contact page.

What documents will I need to provide?

Generally, you should be prepared to provide: Recent pay stubs (30 days) Last two years of W-2s and Federal Tax Returns Recent bank statements (60 days) Valid Photo ID

How long does the approval process take?

Timelines vary based on the loan product and your readiness, but our team works closely with you to ensure a smooth process.

LENDING FAQ

General Questions

Who is CNE Lending?
CNE Lending is the lending division of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE). We are a local non-profit. CNE has helped more than 3,400 people in Chattanooga buy their first home. We have also helped over 2,800 homeowners in keeping their homes with financial and educational support.

Our focus is providing affordable homeownership, financial education, and loans in Chattanooga. Our goal is to help build strong neighborhoods and financial stability for our community.
Where do you offer your services?
We primarily serve the Chattanooga area and surrounding counties. These counties include Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie. If you are unsure if you are within our radius contact our office today for more information.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to work with CNE?
No! At CNE we are a broker and offer the same, if not more than other mortgage companies. We also offer refinancing options and financial coaching.

Loan Products & Assistance

What types of mortgage loans do you offer?
We offer a variety of specialized and conventional loan products, including:

FHA, THDA, VA, and USDA Loans

HomeReady Loans

ITIN Loans (for those without a Social Security Number)

Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

Our loan experts will assist you in finding what loan best fits your needs. We know that there is no one size fits all loan and learning what is best for you can be challenging. Contact our loan counselor today for more information!
How does the Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program work?
Our DPA program can provide up to $25,000 to help cover closing costs and down payments. This serves as a second mortgage that you typically pay back over 30 years at the same interest rate as your first mortgage. Your household income and size will determine if you are qualified.
I don't have a Social Security Number. Can I still qualify for a loan?
Getting a loan without a Social Security Number can feel frustrating and sometimes impossible. We dedicate ourselves to helping you achieve a home loan without the headache. At CNE we offer ITIN Loans for borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Requirements include at least a 20% down payment, one year of tax returns, financial stability, proof of income, and more. For a full list of requirements, contact our team. Just send us a message or call us. We will connect you with the right team member.
Do you offer loans for home repairs?
Yes! We provide low or no-interest loans for important repairs. This includes roofs, HVAC, plumbing, and energy efficiency updates. These loans are available through Tennessee Repair Loan Program.

We understand that you can't always plan for home repair emergencies. Whether you need the funds to fix a leaky roof or faulty HVAC our lending experts are here to help.

Education & Counseling

What is "Housing Counseling"?
Our HUD-certified counselors offer personal coaching. They help you understand credit, manage money, and get ready for the unexpected costs of owning a home. They will help you ask yourself the right questions when making the decision to rent or buy.
Is the Homebuyer Education class required?
For many of our down payment assistance programs, you must complete a homebuyer education course. We offer an online option through eHome America ($100 fee) that you can complete at your own pace.

This program helps loan applicants navigate the complexities of lending and homeownership.

We discuss things such as:

Home ownership preparedness

How to calculate your monthly mortgage payment

How to calculate property taxes

The terms and conditions of the loan you are seeking

How to mitigate credit card debt to improve your credit score

What makes up your credit profile

What the difference is in a personal loan and a home loan

These are just a few topics that your course will cover. For more information on course material contact us today!
How can I improve my credit score before applying?
Our financial coaches help you look at your credit report. They create a plan to improve your score, reduce debt, and build a healthy spending plan.

Process & Getting Started

How do I start the process?
The best way to begin is by reaching out to a Loan Officer. You can also schedule an appointment with a Homeownership Coach on our contact page.
What documents will I need to provide?
Generally, you should be prepared to provide:

Recent pay stubs (30 days)

Last two years of W-2s and Federal Tax Returns

Recent bank statements (60 days)

Valid Photo ID
How long does the approval process take?
Timelines vary based on the loan product and your readiness, but our team works closely with you to ensure a smooth process.

We can't wait to help you on your pathway to becoming a homeowner!

Click here to register for your eHome America Program . Still have questions? Contact a loan originator here!

GIVE US A CALL