LENDERS
Mortgage lenders
Local banks, national names and Tennessee’s first-time buyer program.
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
These are well-reviewed, established providers serving Sevier County, chosen from their own websites, licensing, years in business and public reviews. Call two or three and compare.
ℹ You are always free to choose any provider. This list is for your convenience and is not an endorsement or a referral for compensation.
Affiliated business disclosure: Will Cupp is a broker with Realty Executives Associates. Realty Executives Associates and Mortgage Investors Group jointly own Riverbend Mortgage, so Realty Executives Associates may receive a financial benefit if you use Riverbend Mortgage. You are not required to use Riverbend Mortgage or Mortgage Investors Group as a condition of buying or selling. Other lenders are available, and it pays to compare rates and fees.
OPTIONS
Affiliated with Will’s brokerage
Realty Executives Associates co-owns Riverbend Mortgage with Mortgage Investors Group. Please read the disclosure above.
AFFILIATED, SEE NOTE
Riverbend Mortgage
East Tennessee
Why it is listed: A mortgage company jointly owned by Realty Executives Associates (Will’s brokerage) and Mortgage Investors Group, launched July 6, 2026. It does not have its own website yet, so this link goes to the launch announcement.
AFFILIATED, SEE NOTE
Mortgage Investors Group
Based in Knoxville
Why it is listed: Independent mortgage banker founded in 1989 with in-house underwriting. It co-owns Riverbend Mortgage with Realty Executives Associates.
OPTIONS
Local and regional banks
Banks with Sevier County offices that list home, lot and construction loans.
LOCAL
Citizens National Bank
East Tennessee bank since 1973
Why it is listed: Local application, approval and closing. Offers conventional, FHA, VA and USDA home loans, plus vacant lot loans, construction loans, home equity loans and lines of credit.
REGIONAL
SmartBank
Lender serving Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Why it is listed: Offers fixed and adjustable loans, jumbo, FHA, VA, Rural Development, renovation, vacant lot and construction to permanent loans.
REGIONAL
Home Federal Bank of Tennessee
Sevierville mortgage office on the Parkway
Why it is listed: Has a Sevierville mortgage office and offers purchase, refinance, construction to permanent and home equity loans.
Will’s tip
Ask a local bank whether it keeps the loan or sells it. Banks that keep loans in house can sometimes be more flexible on unusual mountain properties.
OPTIONS
National lenders
Useful for a second quote to compare rate and fees side by side.
NATIONAL
Chase Home Lending
Nationwide bank
Why it is listed: Home loans from Chase, useful as a comparison quote or if you already bank there.
NATIONAL
Bank of America Home Loans
Nationwide bank
Why it is listed: Home loans from a national bank, useful as a second quote to compare.
NATIONAL
Veterans United Home Loans
Online, nationwide
Why it is listed: A lender focused on VA loans for veterans and service members.
OPTIONS
First-time buyer help
Tennessee’s housing agency offers fixed rate loans and down payment help through approved lenders.
OFFICIAL SOURCE
THDA approved lenders
Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Why it is listed: Great Choice loans and down payment help come through THDA approved lenders. Start here to see the program and find one.
GOOD TO KNOW
Facts worth knowing
Good to know: THDA’s Great Choice loan is a 30-year fixed rate loan for buyers with a credit score of at least 640. Its Great Choice Plus help can add up to $6,000 or $10,000 as a forgivable second loan (forgiven after 10 years), or up to 5% of the price (max $15,000) as a 0% loan you repay. A homebuyer class is required for the down payment help, and income and price limits vary by county.
Good to know: Sevier County set its 2026 property tax rate at $0.87 per $100 of assessed value, down from $1.48, after a reappraisal raised values an average of 75%. Homes are assessed at 25% of appraised value. As an illustration only, a home appraised at $400,000 is assessed at $100,000, so the county share is about $870 a year. Inside Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Pittman Center, a city tax is added on top.
KEEP EXPLORING
Where to next?
Buyer paths
Pick your buying path.
Seller paths
Pick your selling path.
All resources
Back to the directory.
Need a name you can trust?
Will Cupp works with these kinds of providers every week and is glad to talk through who fits your situation. You are always free to choose your own.
Will Cupp, Realtor and Real Estate Broker, Realty Executives Associates. Mobile 865-654-9807. Office 865-983-0011.
This page is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Tax rates, permit rules and programs change; confirm details with the office named before you rely on them. Rental income is never guaranteed. Tennessee Real Estate Commission consumer information · Fair housing
SOURCES
Where these facts come from
Facts, rates and rules on this page were checked against the official sources below in October 2026. Rules and rates change, so confirm before you rely on them.
Photo credits: The photos on this page are by Will Cupp. See more free photos at willcupp.com/free-smoky-mountains-photos.