If you are thinking about taking that big step of buying a home, you will want to visit the website ireversesell.com.  This website is full of good common sense information about ways to make the process easier and more successful.

Ireversesell.com offers good general information to help you think about what location you are interested in.  You will have to consider drive times to and from work and the quality of the schools in the area, among other things.  If you have these qualifications decided on, it will be an easier process once you contact a realtor.

This website also has specific information about purchasing a home in Tennessee and possible monetary help available.  I would definitely recommend checking out this website to gather advice about buying a home.
http://www.ireversesell.com/2009/03/23/tennessee-home-buyers.html