Johnson City, TN · Tri-Cities Region

VA, FHA, USDA & Conventional Loans — Johnson City, TN

Serving the Tri-Cities region. I'll tell you exactly what you can afford, what it costs, and how soon you can buy — before you commit to anything. NMLS# 2776469.

Call 253-431-2630
Sam Timlick, Mortgage Loan Officer, Johnson City TN
NMLS# 2776469
Licensed TN & VA
5-Star Google Reviews
Marine Corps Veteran
Top Flite Home Loans

Here's what you can count on.

Marine Corps Veteran
VA loans are my specialty — because I've been there.
Local Tri-Cities Resident
I live here, raise my family here, and know the market.
VA & USDA Specialist
The two zero-down programs most buyers underuse.
First-Time Buyer Friendly
Plain-English guidance and zero pressure.
Direct Cell Access
Call or text me — not a 1-800 call center.
Quick, Dependable Pre-Approvals
So you can move fast and write competitive offers.
Honest Advice
I'll tell you if the smart move is to wait.
Not sure where to start? Take the 30-second quiz →
From one veteran to another

A Marine handling your VA loan.

I served in the Marine Corps, and I’ve used the VA home loan benefit myself. I know what it’s worth — and I see how often eligible buyers leave it on the table or get talked into something more expensive.

If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, I’ll walk you through exactly what you’ve earned: zero down payment for those who qualify, no monthly mortgage insurance, and a process I run like a mission — squared away, on time, no surprises.

Explore VA loans → Book a free call

Sam Timlick is a Marine Corps veteran. He and Top Flite Financial, Inc. are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.

$0
Down payment for eligible veterans & active-duty buyers.
No PMI
VA loans carry no monthly mortgage insurance.
USMC
A Marine Corps veteran who has used the benefit firsthand.

Every major loan program, clearly explained.

Most buyers don't know what they qualify for until someone sits down and shows them. That conversation happens before we do anything else — and it costs nothing.

VA Loans

Zero down payment for veterans and active-duty military. One of the best loan programs available, and one of the most underused. As a Marine Corps veteran, I know this program inside and out — and I make sure every eligible buyer uses it.

Conventional Loans

The most common loan for buyers with solid credit and stable income. Flexible terms, competitive rates, and no mortgage insurance with 20% down. The workhorse of the Tri-Cities market.

FHA Loans

Lower down payment requirements and flexible credit guidelines. A strong option for first-time buyers or anyone building their financial footing. More of the Tri-Cities buys with FHA than most people realize.

USDA Loans

Zero down payment for buyers in eligible areas — which covers a large portion of the Tri-Cities region. Communities like Elizabethton, Limestone, Jonesborough, and Mosheim are frequently USDA-eligible. Most buyers don't know this option exists.

Refinancing

Lower your payment, shorten your term, or access equity. I'll run the numbers and tell you honestly whether it makes sense for your situation — even if the answer is not yet.

Get a ballpark before you call.

Plug in some numbers to see what a payment might look like. Then call me — I'll give you the real figure based on your actual situation.

Estimated Monthly Payment
Principal & Interest
Est. Property Tax
Est. Insurance
Est. PMI
Est. Total Payment

Illustration only — these are sample figures, not an offer, quote, or locked rate, and not a commitment to lend. The rate shown is a sample you can change; actual rate, APR, taxes, insurance, and eligibility vary by situation and are set only after a full review. Contact Sam Timlick for real numbers based on your file. NMLS# 2776469. Equal Housing Lender.

What is your rent actually costing you?

Every month you rent, that money is gone. Sam Timlick, mortgage loan officer in Johnson City, TN, built this tool to show Tri-Cities renters exactly what they could have built instead.

Your rent could buy
~$221,000 home
in the Tri-Cities at current rates

Illustrative only. Assumes 5% down, 6.8% rate, 3% yearly appreciation, and a ~6% cost to sell. Owning also carries property tax, insurance, and upkeep that aren't fully shown here. Talk to Sam for your real numbers.

Rent paid — gone forever
$84,000

Equity you'd build instead
$56,200
That's a full college fund — and it's yours.
Rent paid
Equity built

Johnson City's mortgage loan officer who stays in it with you.

I'm Sam Timlick — a mortgage loan officer in Johnson City, TN. I served in the Marine Corps and was proud to do it. That service mindset didn't go away when I got out — I just found a new place to apply it. Helping someone navigate the biggest financial decision of their life, making sure they understand exactly what they can afford, what it costs, and what their options are — that's service.

My wife and I chose the Tri-Cities and we're here for the long haul — our fourth baby is on the way and we couldn't imagine raising our family anywhere else. East Tennessee has something that's hard to put into words: the mountains, the outdoor recreation, the kindness of the people, the food, the slower pace that lets you actually enjoy your neighbors and your life. We love it here, and nothing makes me happier than helping other families plant deep roots in this place too.

That's why I'm not here for one transaction. I want to know your family, understand your goals, and be the person you call for years — whether it's your first home, a refinance, or your next move.

Read my weekly newsletter — The Mortgage Marine Weekly →

5
Loan programs: VA, FHA, USDA, Conventional, Refi
TN & VA
Licensed in Tennessee and Virginia
5★
Google reviews from Tri-Cities buyers
USMC
Marine Corps veteran — VA loan specialist

Real buyers. Real closings. Real results.

From Johnson City to Elizabethton, Kingsport to Mosheim — here's what Tri-Cities buyers say about working with Sam Timlick.

★★★★★

"Working with Samuel Timlick at Top Flite made my first time buying a home so easy! He answered every question I had and helped walk me through the process!"

Emily Stephens
Google Review · Johnson City, TN
★★★★★

"Sam was great! He was very responsive throughout the process and made sure everything closed on time."

Isaiah Olson
Google Review · Tri-Cities, TN
★★★★★

"I had a great experience working with Sam Timlick throughout the loan process. He was professional, responsive, took the time to explain every step clearly, which made the entire process much less stressful. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable mortgage lender."

Jeremy Roberts
Google Review · Tri-Cities, TN
★★★★★

"I had the pleasure of working with Sam Timlick on a recent closing, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding Mortgage Loan Officer. Sam was incredibly responsive, professional, and truly dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved. He consistently went above and beyond — not only addressing my needs as the agent but also taking exceptional care of my clients. Communication was always prompt, clear, and proactive. In this business, having a reliable and attentive lender can make or break a deal, and Sam proved to be an invaluable partner."

Vicki J. Nelson, Realtor®
Weichert Realtors, Saxon Clark · Google Review
★★★★★

"Sam Timlick is my go-to for loan help for my clients. He is very knowledgeable. He meets with clients and teaches them all about loans and what to do to be prepared to get a loan. He responds quickly to my messages and helps clients promptly. If you need a mortgage loan, Sam Timlick is the guy to call! He is kind and great at what he does!"

Elizabeth Pigeon
Keller Williams · Google Review

Reviews are from real clients and reflect their individual experiences. Your experience may vary.

What happens after you call.

No obligation. No pressure. Just clarity on where you stand and what your options are.

1

We talk — 15 to 20 minutes.

Tell me where you are: buying timeline, rough income, any credit concerns, what type of home you're thinking about. I ask the questions that matter.

2

I run your numbers and show you the full picture.

What you can afford. What the monthly payment looks like. What programs you may qualify for. What it actually costs to close — to the dollar.

3

You get a Loan Estimate — in writing.

Not a verbal quote. A federal disclosure that commits me to those numbers. That's when you know the offer is real.

4

We close — on time, without surprises.

I communicate throughout the process so you and your agent always know where things stand. And I'm there long after closing day for anything that comes up.

A lender your clients will thank you for.

Your reputation is on the line every time you refer a lender. Sam Timlick, mortgage loan officer in Johnson City, TN, partners with agents across the Tri-Cities who need a lender that closes on time and takes care of their clients.

I close on time.

Deals die at the closing table when the lender isn't prepared. I manage the file proactively so there are no last-minute surprises for you or your client.

You'll always know where things stand.

I keep you in the loop at every stage — not just when there's a problem. Prompt communication is non-negotiable on my end.

I take care of your clients.

I treat every buyer you send me like family. I educate them, answer their questions, and make sure they feel confident — which reflects well on you.

Fast pre-approvals.

When your buyer needs to move quickly, I'm ready. I can turn pre-approvals fast so your clients can write competitive offers without waiting.

★★★★★
"I had the pleasure of working with Sam Timlick on a recent closing, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding Mortgage Loan Officer. Sam was incredibly responsive, professional, and truly dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved. He consistently went above and beyond — not only addressing my needs as the agent but also taking exceptional care of my clients. Communication was always prompt, clear, and proactive. In this business, having a reliable and attentive lender can make or break a deal, and Sam proved to be an invaluable partner."
Vicki J. Nelson, Realtor®
Weichert Realtors, Saxon Clark

Pick a time that works for you.

30 minutes, no cost. I'll tell you exactly where you stand and what your options look like — before you commit to anything.

What you can afford
Which loan programs fit your situation
Total cost to close — no surprises
How soon you can buy
Free 30-Minute Call

Talk to Sam Timlick

Mortgage Loan Officer · Johnson City, TN
NMLS# 2776469

or
Call / Text: 253-431-2630 stimlick@tfhomeloans.com

Questions I hear from buyers every week.

These are the real questions — the ones people ask before they're ready to talk numbers.

Your buying power depends on your income, debts, credit score, and the loan program you qualify for. I run a full affordability analysis during a free consultation — giving you a real number based on your actual picture, not a ballpark from a calculator. Use the estimator above to get a rough idea, then call me for the real figure.
Your monthly payment includes principal, interest, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and mortgage insurance if applicable. I build a complete payment breakdown for every buyer so there are no surprises at closing.
Total cash to close includes your down payment plus closing costs — typically 2–5% of the loan amount. VA and USDA loans can reduce or eliminate the down payment for buyers who qualify. I walk every buyer through a Loan Estimate that shows the exact numbers before they commit to anything.
It depends on where you are today — credit, savings, income, and any prior financial history. Some buyers are ready immediately. Others need 30, 60, or 90 days. I give every buyer an honest timeline based on their actual situation. A short call is all it takes to find out.
Yes — two programs offer zero down for buyers who qualify. VA loans for veterans and active-duty military. USDA loans for buyers in eligible areas, which covers a large portion of the Tri-Cities region including many communities in Carter, Greene, Hawkins, and Sullivan counties. Most buyers don't know how much of this area is USDA-eligible.
Communities like Elizabethton, Jonesborough, Gray, Limestone, Telford, Chuckey, Mosheim, Bluff City, and Roan Mountain frequently fall within USDA property-eligible boundaries. I verify USDA eligibility at no cost as part of any buyer consultation.
No — early is better. Buyers who talk to me 60 to 90 days before they're ready almost always end up in a stronger position than those who call after they've already found a house. There's no obligation and nothing to lose. The earlier we talk, the more options you have.
Often, yes. Tennessee buyers may qualify for down payment assistance — including programs through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) — that can help cover part of your down payment or closing costs. The amounts and terms are set by the program and change over time, and not every buyer or property qualifies. I'll walk you through what's currently available, whether you're eligible, and how it fits your loan. And if you qualify for a zero-down VA or USDA loan, that's worth checking first. See your Tennessee down payment options →
It depends on the program. FHA loans can work with scores around 580. Conventional loans usually want about 620 or higher for the best terms. VA and USDA loans have no government-set minimum, though individual lenders set their own. A lower score doesn't always mean no — it often just changes your options. If you're not sure where you stand, a free, no-pressure look is exactly what that's for.
A pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate based on what you tell me — good for a ballpark. A pre-approval is stronger: I verify your income, assets, and credit, so you and your agent know exactly what you can offer and sellers take your offer seriously. When you're ready to shop in the Tri-Cities, a solid pre-approval is what makes your offer competitive.
Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio — your monthly debts compared to your gross monthly income. Many programs typically look for a back-end ratio around 41–45%, though FHA, VA, and USDA can allow higher with strong compensating factors. The honest answer is that it depends on your full picture, not one number. I'll run yours and tell you where you stand — and if paying down a single balance would meaningfully change your options, I'll tell you that too.

Serving buyers across Tennessee and Virginia.

Sam Timlick is licensed in Tennessee and Virginia and works with buyers across the entire state — with a focused presence in the Tri-Cities region and surrounding East Tennessee communities.

Johnson City, TN Kingsport, TN Bristol, TN/VA Elizabethton, TN Jonesborough, TN Blountville, TN Bluff City, TN Limestone, TN Telford, TN Chuckey, TN Roan Mountain, TN Mosheim, TN Morristown, TN All of Tennessee All of Virginia

Ready to find out what you actually qualify for?

No obligation. One conversation. I'll tell you exactly where you stand and what your options are — before you commit to anything.

Call / Text: 253-431-2630

The best clients I've ever worked with came from someone saying, "you should call Sam." If you know someone buying a home — first home or fifth — I'd be honored if you passed my name along. I'll treat them like family.

Call / Text Book a Call