Updated 1/26/2026

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

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

  • A grant

  • A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

  • Repayable

  • Deferred

  • Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Wisconsin

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

  • Assistance: Provides a second mortgage loan of up to 6% of the purchase price to cover down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 10-year fixed-rate loan. The interest rate is the same as your first mortgage (it is not 0%). Monthly payments are required.

  • Eligibility: First-time and repeat homebuyers using a WHEDA Advantage Conventional or FHA first mortgage.

  • More Information: WHEDA Easy Close

WHEDA Capital Access Advantage Program

  • Assistance: Provides a fixed $7,500 loan for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 0% interest deferred loan. No monthly payments are required. The loan must be repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (and repeat buyers in targeted areas) using a WHEDA first mortgage. Income limits apply.

  • More Information: WHEDA Capital Access

City of Milwaukee Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides forgivable grants:
    • Standard: Up to $5,000.

    • Targeted Area: Up to $7,000 if purchasing within the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) boundary.

  • Terms: Forgivable grant. You must live in the home for 5 years to have the grant fully forgiven.

  • Eligibility: Current City of Milwaukee residents (or those willing to move in) purchasing a primary residence. Income limits apply (approx. $70k+ for a family of 2).

  • More Information: Milwaukee Homebuyer Assistance

City of Janesville Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Provides loans of up to $15,000 (increased from $10k) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable 0% loan. Forgiven over 5 years of continued occupancy.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Janesville city limits; household income must be at or below 80% of County Median Income.

  • More Information: Janesville Homebuyer Assistance

Rock County Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Offers 0% interest loans up to $8,000 (increased from $5k).

  • Terms: Deferred loan. Repayment is deferred until sale, transfer, or if the property ceases to be the primary residence.

  • Eligibility: Qualified buyers purchasing in Rock County (excluding the cities of Beloit and Janesville, which have their own funds).

  • More Information: Rock County Housing Assistance

City of La Crosse First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Provides a tiered grant of up to $25,000 (based on income level).
    • Income <80% AMI: Up to 20% of purchase price (max $25k).

    • Income 81-100% AMI: Up to 15% of purchase price.

  • Terms: Requires a 5 to 10-year deed restriction (depending on the amount). If you stay for the full term, you do not repay it.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing in La Crosse.

  • More Information: La Crosse Homebuyer Assistance

City of Madison Down Payment Assistance Programs

  • Assistance: Provides up to $35,000 (updated from older limits) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Deferred 0% interest loan. No monthly payments. Repaid upon sale, transfer, or refinance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within the City of Madison. Administered by the City and local partners.

  • More Information: Dane County Homebuyer Assistance

Housing Resources, Inc.

  • Services: Administers various grant funds (including the "Down Payment Plus" FHLB grant) for homebuyers in Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, and other counties.

  • Assistance: Often helps access grants of up to $6,000 - $10,000.

  • More Information: Housing Resources, Inc.

NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region

  • Green Bay: Offers loans typically ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 for closing costs.

  • Blackhawk Region (Beloit/Rock): Offers counseling and access to local DPA funds.

  • More Information: NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region

Updated 1/26/2026

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

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.