Hey there! If you're thinking of buying a home for the first time, and haven't saved up for a down payment, you still might be able to get it done.

Before I jump into the programs, let me briefly explain how down payment assistance works.

How it works

Down payment assistance comes in two forms: a grant, or a loan

A grant doesn't require repayment.

A loan does require repayment, but there are 3 different ways:

Monthly repayment. This is where they charge you interest and a monthly payment until the loan is paid off

Silent second. This is where they don't charge you interest, they don't charge you monthly payments, they just require that you pay it back when you sell the home.

Forgivable. This is where they forgive the loan as long as you meet certain criteria. A common requirement is that you live in the home as your primary residence for a set number of years. Once you've completed the timeframe, they forgive your loan and you don't need to pay it.

Approved lenders only

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's jump in! Below are the local programs available to help make homeownership more accessible.

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) – Easy Close Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Provides up to 6% of the purchase price for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 0% interest second loan, repaid over 10 years.

  • Eligibility: First-time and repeat homebuyers using a WHEDA mortgage; income limits vary by county and household size.

  • More Information: WHEDA Easy Close

WHEDA – Capital Access Advantage Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $7,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Terms: No monthly payments; repaid upon sale, refinance, or mortgage payoff.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers who meet income and credit requirements; income limits based on AMI.

  • More Information: WHEDA Capital Access

City of Milwaukee – Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable after a set period.

  • Eligibility: Homebuyers purchasing within Milwaukee city limits; income limits based on HUD guidelines.

  • More Information: Milwaukee Homebuyer Assistance

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

City of Janesville – Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Provides loans of up to $10,000 for first-time homebuyers.

  • Terms: Loans are forgiven over five years of continued occupancy.

  • Eligibility: Applicants must meet income limits and complete a HUD-certified homebuyer counseling program.

  • More Information: Janesville Homebuyer Assistance

Rock County – Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Offers 0% interest loans up to $5,000 for down payment and eligible costs.

  • Eligibility: Qualified buyers purchasing in Rock County, excluding Beloit and Janesville.

  • More Information: Rock County Housing Assistance

City of La Crosse – First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Helps first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance to achieve affordable mortgage payments.

  • Eligibility: Contact the City of La Crosse’s Planning and Development Department for details.

  • More Information: La Crosse Homebuyer Assistance

Dane County – Down Payment Assistance Programs

  • Assistance: Offers various programs to assist first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.

  • Eligibility: Varies by program; contact the city for details.

  • More Information: Dane County Homebuyer Assistance

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

Additional Resources

Housing Resources, Inc.

  • Services: Provides grants and assistance programs for homebuyers in Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dane, Rock, Green, and Jefferson counties.

  • More Information: Housing Resources, Inc.

NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region

  • Services: Offers down payment assistance and homebuyer education programs in Rock County and surrounding areas.

  • More Information: NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region

Program availability and terms can change, so it's essential to verify the most current information directly with the administering agencies.

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.