Next Door Programs® is the largest National Home Buying Program in the United States. Grants and down payment assistance are available for teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, government employees and the military.
Next Door Programs:
7 Differences between Good Neighbor Next Door and Teacher Next Door Part of the Good Neighbor Next Door series
Over the past twelve months, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in home prices. Wonderful news if you already own a home. If you’re home shopping, on the other hand, the search could prove a bit more challenging.
While HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door program offers an amazing opportunity to a fortunate few, we’ve found the Teacher Next Door Program to be more inclusive, less restrictive and provide substantial benefits to thousands of program participants each year.
Here are seven key differences between Good Neighbor Next Door and the Teacher Next Door Program.
1. Half Price Homes (50% off value) – Only Good Neighbor Next Door homes are 50% off.
Although you may purchase any home on the market through Teacher Next Door, including a Good Neighbor home, the 50% discount only applies to the homes selected by HUD for the Good Neighbor Program.
HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door program offers homes at 50% of the current appraised value. If there is a Good Neighbor Next Door home available in your work area, and you meet the other eligibility requirements, you may be able to purchase the home for only $100.00 down, using an FHA loan. Then, you may also use the Teacher Next Door Grant to help pay all or part of your closing cost. 2. Location – Only Good Neighbor Next Door homes are in specific areas. Through Teacher Next Door, you may purchase any home you wish, in the area of your choosing.
Good Neighbor homes are located in revitalization areas, as determined by HUD. When HUD owns a home in these areas, typically through foreclosure, they may choose to make it available for the Good Neighbor Program.
Teacher Next Door is the largest national home buying program in the United States and not operated by HUD. As such, you may purchase any home on the market and are not required to work in the same area as the home.
3. Eligibility – Good Neighbor Next Door is limited to four very specific job titles; Teacher Next Door does not have that restriction. Thus, is much more inclusive.
The Good Neighbor Next Door program requires that all buyers have one of four very specific job titles: Law Enforcement Officer (with arrest powers), Classroom Teacher (Pre-K through 12th grade), Firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician. (EMT) The Teacher Next Door Program offers grants, down payment assistance and other benefits, and is available to all teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, EMT’s, government employees and military personnel. In addition, these same benefits are extended to all public servants that serve in any of these categories, regardless of their job title or function. For example, a school secretary, nursing assistant, or 911 dispatcher.
4. Availability – Good Neighbor Next Door homes are extremely limited in their availability, as you might imagine, being half price. In some states, there are urban areas with several Good Neighbor homes available. Whereas many other states may have zero Good Neighbor homes at any given time. When you bid on a Good Neighbor home, it is a lottery style bid. So, if there are 50 bidders, you will have a 1 in 50 chance of having the winning bid. With Teacher Next Door, there are usually plenty of homes available, because you may choose any home, in any neighborhood.
5. Housing Grants - Teacher Next Door offers participants the opportunity to receive GRANTS and other home buying benefits. Good Neighbor Next Door is not a grant program and HUD does not offer grants for single family home buyers. 6. Down Payment Assistance – Teacher Next Door offers down payment assistance. Good Neighbor Next Door does not.
Teacher Next Door has down payment assistance programs available in all 50 states. These programs may include, Home in Five Advantage, CalPlus, Colorado FirstStep, Texas 5-Star Advantage, Military Heroes, First Home, Chenoa and Unison, just to name a few. When you apply, a Next Door Certified Program Specialist will help you determine which loan and assistance programs will help you receive the maximum benefits. Programs are each structured differently, and eligibility varies by city and state.
7. Additional Restrictions - Good Neighbor Next Door adds the following restrictions, Teacher Next Door does not.
Residency Commitment - If you are the winning bidder on a Good Neighbor home, HUD requires a three-year residency commitment, and the home must be located in the same area where you work. Teacher Next Door does not have any limitations when it comes to residency. First Time Home Buyer Status - Good Neighbor Next Door requires you to be a first-time home buyer, Teacher Next Door does not. First time home buyer typically means having not owned a home in the past three years. While Teacher Next Door does not have this requirement, some of the down payment assistance programs may have this limitation.
Please keep in mind that bidding on Good Neighbor homes is only open for 7 days, and all bids must contain a pre-approval.
To learn more and check current availability of Good Neighbor Next Door homes, you may click the Good Neighbor Next Door link below.
Good Neighbor Next Door
Next Door Program Reviews
Teacher Next Door
Nurse Next Door
Officer Next Door
Firefighter Next Door
Public Servant Next Door
Soldier Next Door
Teacher Next Door and Next Door Program Grant Amounts for 2022 -
With home prices rising, and in keeping with increased Federal loan limits, ($420,000 FHA, $647,200 Conventional) Teacher Next Door has announced that grant amounts have increased for 2022. This applies to all of the Next Door Programs, including Teacher Next Door, Nurse Next Door, Officer Next Door, Firefighter Next Door, Public Servant Next Door and Soldier Next Door.
In most states, for example, grant amounts have risen from $4,170.00 to $6,472.00. In higher priced states, such as California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Texas, Utah and Washington, grant amounts have been increased to $8,000.00. Grant amounts may vary based upon where the home is located, the buyer’s individual credit, income, and other factors. Additionally, buyers may be eligible for down payment assistance up to $10,681.00.
Available in all fifty states and DC, Teacher Next Door is the largest national home buying program in the United States, with access over thirty-five different grant and down payment assistance programs. Through the program, you may be able to qualify for a state-specific government program, such as Arizona Home in Five, California CalPLUS, Colorado FirstStep, Iowa IFA, Nevada NHD Home is Possible, Ohio Your Choice, Texas 5-Star Advantage or Utah UHC. Teacher Next Door also utilizes national programs, such as Chenoa Fund, Home Ready and others. When you apply, a Next Door Certified Program Specialist will help you determine which loan and assistance programs will help you receive the maximum benefits.
According to HUD Housing Secretary Marcia Fudge, “A good home shapes nearly every part of our lives.” “I couldn’t agree more.” Says Teacher Next Door National Director, Steve Parks. “This organization has been my life’s work and passion for more than a decade. It is our mission to increase home ownership among teachers and other public servants, support community development and increase access to affordable housing, free from discrimination. As home prices continue to rise, I feel this program is more needed than ever, and I know these benefits mean a lot to the communities we serve.”
In the past twelve months, Teacher Next Door and Next Door Programs have helped over 50,000 applicants. To get more information on the program, read buyer reviews, or to apply, you may visit the official program website at www.TeacherNextDoor.us.
Certified Online Reviews
Most Recent Certified Buyer Reviews
Attentive! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Selinda DowTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Brian Cohrt "Brian made my homebuying experience a wonderful one. From the beginning, he was attentive to my needs. He also made sure that I knew the latest information in regard to my loan. Brian is a very personable, honest person who had my best interest at heart. Any time I had questions or concerns, he was there to answer my questions and address my concerns. Brian is a great choice! I appreciate his dedication to helping me secure my first home! :) " Ebony ConyersSumpter, SC Teacher Next Door Review 8/01/2021
Really Cares! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Paulette CarterTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Sean Baker "Sean is really great! He really cares about the people he works with. Throughout the process Sean responded quickly to any and all questions we had and made sure we understood what was going on-EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! " Kimberly Barfield New Orleans, LA Teacher Next Door Review 8/01/2021
Such a Pleasure! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Sherri PurcellTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Crystal Hoyt "Working with Crystal and Sherri in my home buying process was such a pleasure. They not only understood my needs and wants but truly went above and beyond by helping me close my property in under 4 weeks of getting an offer accepted. Crystal kept me sane, listened to my concerns without passing any judgements and made me feel confident while deciding on options. I want to personally thank crystal and everyone for helping me make my dreams come true!!!" Bianca Harris Fort Lauderdale, FL Teacher Next Door Review 8/01/2021
Very Helpful! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Beatrice "BJ" McLeanTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Steven Ehrlich "Steven was very helpful throughout the whole process. He constantly kept us updated and informed on steps we should be doing, which is everything you’d want during the home buying process." Thomas Nelson Charlotte, NC Teacher Next Door Review 08/01/2021
Awesome! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Swana ThomasTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Brian Cohrt "Brian was awesome. Always on top of everything. Very responsive and timely. He made things easy for me. " Tameeka Jones Brooklyn, NY Teacher Next Door Review 7/31/2021
Thank You! Nurse Next Door Realtor: Brian GentryNurse Next Door Loan Officer: Nick Fountotos "Thanks so much for walking us through the process!" Jacob Beazer Orthello, WA Nurse Next Door Review 7/30/2021
Very Knowledgeable! Nurse Next Door Realtor: Carlos AbelaisNurse Next Door Loan Officer: Jacob Lavoto "Jacob was very knowledgeable and genuinely wanted to help us with the home buying process." Jaymie Smoot Tucson, AZ Nurse Next Door Review 7/30/2021
More Reviews
Congratulations to Albert and Stephanie on your new home in California! We wish you many happy new memories!
Special thanks to TND Preferred Realtor Nancy Troxell Carnahan, and TND Program Specialist, Jesse Frankenfield.
First Time Home-Owner!
My whole experience was very positive. Jose was quick to respond to any questions I had and helped me understand every step in the process. As a first-time homeowner I was extremely glad that I got to work with the Teacher Next Door Program. Caitlin Dauby Granger, IN
Great Program!
Great program! Top-notch communication. Smooth process!DeeDee Robinson Orange Park, FL
Dream Come True!
Sean, Thank you so much for working with all the teams and making my dream come true to buy my own home. The whole process would not have occurred without you running interference and running with the ball. You are great and thank you again for all you did and it was a great pleasure working with you. Best regardsClarine UsherMetairie, LA
Every Step!
Brian was there every step of the way with both advice and reassure. We couldn't have asked for a better guide.Donna WillifordWest Columbia, SC
Fantastic!
Samantha was fantastic throughout the whole process. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and remained in constant contact with me throughout., including evenings and weekends. I am certainly going to recommend her to anyone that I come across who is in the market for a mortgage. She and Danielle are the absolute best. Christopher PringleNewark, NJ
They walked us through the whole process which was great as I am a first-time buyer and had no clue what to do.Rachel WoodMesa, AZ
A Breeze!
Hi, I just wanted to say working with Ryan and April was a breeze. They were very helpful, always willing to answer the phone calls of a nervous first time home buyer!Gabrielle PenaMiami, FL
Read 100's of Reviews
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Congratulations to the Mcclinton family on your beautiful new home! We hope you enjoy many happy new memories! Britney is a nurse in the Durham, NC area. It was our please to work with her and to give back to someone who does so much for others!
Reviews
Amazing Experience!
"Working with Samantha was such an amazing Experience! As a first-time home buyer, saying I was a bit lost was an understatement. Sam was extremely clear, so I knew exactly what to expect before anything happened. She made sure I felt comfortable at every point. Her communication skills were top-notch throughout the entire process. I could not be happier with my choice. Samantha killed it!"
Kelsey ChenowethDamascus, MD
Above Expectations!
"Brian went above my expectations. He dealt with all my questions...and I had a lot. He walked be through the process of buying a home, gave advice, was knowledgeable, patient and helped me even when it was past "business hours" to get things accomplished. Danielle was also a God send. I'm so grateful! I actually have a home now thanks to this team! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
Melissa MelendezOrlando, FL
American Dream!
"The American dream is to own your own home and I'm so thankful to Sean and his Team for helping make this a reality for me! They made the process smooth and simple. They were always available and responsive if I had any questions and were able to work with the unique challenges of my situation. 10/10 would recommend to anyone!
Carissa HawesLexington, KY
"The team was absolutely amazing. I have never worked with a team of professionals that was supportive as with The Teacher Next Door Program. I always felt respected and treated with dignity from the first phone call to the last walk through. I was educated along the way and I was given choices in my process. This is important because I didn't feel pressured to just sign something or just say yes to anything. Sheff always made himself available to me. I really felt like I had a team working with me, with my interests first instead of feeling rushed or pressured to sign papers just to close another deal. I will always recommend The Teacher Next Door Program to any teacher. HUGS AND SHOUT OUTS TO SHEFF, APRIL, KYRA & anyone who had a helping hand in my process. Thank you all,
Pan Green Uniondale, NY
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"Brian and him team were excellent!"
Jessica Ulmer Spartanburg, AR
"When I started the journey to buy a home, I did not have much faith that I would qualify for anything. I am a single mom, school teacher living on a budget, and didn't have any credit history. Samantha Wallace mentored me through the home buying process and gave me the confidence that I needed to keep moving forward in perusing my family's dream home. She advised me through every step necessary in order for me to qualify for an affordable option that met my needs. For an entire year she called me once a week and touched base; never rushing or giving up on me. Sometimes her phone calls were business oriented, sometimes she was offering advice, and sometimes she was just a friend offering me emotional support because the home buying process is stressful. I am so happy to announce that my family now owns our dream home. I feel like Samantha made it all happen. I will forever be grateful for her and all the things she has done for my family. Samantha Wallace is a dream maker!"
Wendi Pittman Springdale, AR
"Jose was extremely knowledgeable and made the process so painless and easy to understand."
Mary Badgerow Gainsville, FL
"Smooth Transaction. Very professional."
Juan Dallas, TX
"Overall great experience! Definitely made the home buying process easy."
"Samantha was great to work with. She was fast & efficient, In this fast paced market that we are in right now, it’s very important for me to be able to get a quick response. She was always available - even on the weekends. Although we were several states away, this process was seamless I look forward to working with Samantha in the future.
Esther LigonDetroit, MI
Teacher Next Door’s stated mission is to increase home ownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing, free from discrimination. So why is home ownership so important? The following research from multiple sources speak clearly to the importance of home ownership in America:
While it’s true that home ownership will not solve every problem, we are proud to do our part to help families across America realize their dream of becoming homeowners.
Housing GRANTS and down payment assistance is currently available for teachers, school employees, nurses and healthcare workers, law enforcement, firefighters, government employees and military families. For a complete list of available programs you may visit www.teachernextdoor.us/Home.Buying.Programs.APPLY NOW
Research contributed by Garrett Helminski.