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With its many lakes, rivers and state parks, Wisconsin offers an appealing setting for putting down roots. First-time homebuyer programs at both the state and federal levels can help make that goal more attainable. These initiatives are designed to support a wide range of buyers, offering benefits that can reduce upfront costs and improve access to financing. Exploring the available options and their eligibility requirements can help you determine which programs best fit your needs.
You may also want to work with a financial advisor to build a financial plan that aligns your homebuying goals with your broader long-term objectives.
Federal First-Time Homebuyer Programs
FHA Loans
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Pros | – You can secure a 3.5% down payment with a credit score of at least 580 – Backed by the federal government, so lenders impose less strict requirements than they would for conventional mortgages |
| Cons | – Those with credit scores between 500 and 579 can face higher rates and down payments |
| Eligibility | – Credit score of at least 500 |
| Best For | – First-time homebuyers with low-to-moderate income and adequate credit scores |
The FHA loan program stands as one of the most popular first-time homebuyer programs in Wisconsin. So, what is an FHA loan? The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) backs these loans. But local lenders throughout Wisconsin issue them. The arrangement makes lenders more comfortable giving generous loans to people without the best income or credit. So a FICO credit score as low as 580 can help you qualify for an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment.
However, FHA loan qualification isn’t out of the question if your FICO credit score falls below that level. But you may face higher interest rates and a smaller pool of lenders to work with. Still, your rates will likely fall below those linked to conventional mortgages.
USDA Loans
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Pros | – Low-interest loans with no down payments available to those who qualify – Credit score as low as 620 usually secures you the best rates |
| Cons | – You can’t make more than 115% of the median income in the designated area you want to live in |
| Eligibility | – Consider a single-family home in a USDA designated area, and not have household income of more than 115% of the median income for that zone |
| Best For | – low-to-moderate income homebuyers who want to live in parts of rural or suburban Wisconsin |
Wisconsin comprises miles upon miles of pristine rural communities. And you can live there with the help of a low-interest USDA loan and a zero down payment. The United States Department of Agriculture backs these loans to help low- to moderate-income individuals move to designated rural areas. Still, many suburban locations near metropolitan hotspots fall under the USDA’s scope as well. Dozens of counties in Wisconsin fall under the USDA-designated rural zone.
You can use a USDA loan to purchase a single-family home for primary residency in these locales. To qualify, however, you can’t make more than 115% of the median income in the zone you wish to live in.
Although USDA loans are backed by the federal government, most are issued through local lenders. This means lenders are less strict when it comes to qualification requirements. In fact, a FICO credit score of 620 should help you secure a reasonable interest rate with no down payment. But because of these generous rates, you’d have to pay insurance premiums. These usually break down into a 1% upfront charge followed by 0.35% fees throughout the year. As with any mortgage, you’d also pay closing costs. These costs typically range from 3% to 6% of the loan value, but may not exceed 6%.
So if you hear the countryside calling, this is one of the first-time homebuyer programs in Wisconsin that you must check off your list.
VA Loans
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Pros | – Lower interest rates than conventional loans – Zero down payment loans available for those who qualify – No PMI requirement |
| Cons | – VA funding fee – Long appraisal process |
| Eligibility | – Most veterans and current service members qualify |
| Best For | – Veterans or current service members who have satisfactory credit and low-to-moderate income |
Perhaps no one is more worthy of the American dream than those who fought for it. To help make that a reality, the Department of Veterans Affairs developed the VA loan. The department backs these loans, but several mortgage lenders throughout Wisconsin issue them.
To qualify, you must be one of the following:
- U.S. military veteran with a minimum of 90 to 181 days of continuous service (requirement varies based on times of service) or active-duty service member with at least 90 days of continuous service
- National Guard or Reserve member who has served for at least six years or an honorably discharged member
- Un-remarried surviving spouse of a veteran or service member killed in the line of duty or from a service-related incident
VA loans typically carry low interest rates. You can also secure one with no down payment if you have a good credit score and meet other qualifications. In addition, the VA sets a limit on how much lenders can charge in closing costs.
But despite these benefits, you’d face a VA funding fee. This charge can stretch from around 1.25% to 3.3%, depending on the size of the down payment, and whether this is your first time using the program, among other factors.
Good Neighbor Next Door Program
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Pros | – Flat 50% discount off the listing price of a home in a revitalization area – Allowed to sell home after three years |
| Cons | – Competitive selection process – You must live in your home as primary residence for at least three years |
| Eligibility | – Qualification open to K-12 teachers, EMTs, police officers and firefighters |
| Best For | – Eligible public servants with low-to-moderate income |
Every community owes a debt of gratitude to the teachers, police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) that serve them. Unfortunately, some neighborhoods lack these professionals as permanent residents. To turn this around, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors the Good Neighbor Next Door Program.
It provides first-time homebuyers in Wisconsin with a 50% discount off the listing price of a home in a “revitalization” area. Wisconsin is home to a few of these zones.
To qualify, you must undergo a pre-approval process through a Good Neighbor Next Door agent. This individual helps you find listings. However, securing a listed home in the program is quite competitive. In some areas, homes are only listed for a few days. And selection is granted via a random lottery. But the Good Neighbor Next Door program claims your agent will help you find a listing in case you don’t get a bid. But if you do score the discount, you have to stay in your home as the primary resident for at least three years. You can sell it afterward.
Keep in mind this is not a mortgage. It is a discount. You can cover the remaining balance with a USDA, VA, FHA loan or any other mortgage you qualify for.
Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Pros | – Several options including some that don’t require a credit history – Flexible repayment terms – Cancellable PMI – Closing costs can be covered from multiple sources |
| Cons | – Some options require moderate credit scores |
| Eligibility | – Income limits for homes in some areas, but this requirement is waived for property in targeted areas |
| Best For | – Low-to-moderate income individuals who can’t secure a mortgage elsewhere |
Those who can’t secure a mortgage elsewhere may find some solace through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Established by the federal government, these entities aim to make homeownership a reality for low-income individuals. So if income and poor credit hinder you from securing a mortgage, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are among the first-time homebuyer programs in Wisconsin to explore.
The HomePossible program through Freddie Mac requires no credit history. Freddie Mac works with local lenders to issue low-interest loans with a 3% to 5% down payment. You also have to take out mortgage insurance. However, you can cancel it after your loan balance falls below 80% of its appraised value. And unlike with most mortgages, you can cover down payments with money from family or from employer-assistance programs.
One of Freddie Mac’s most popular options is the 97 LTV loan with a 3% down payment. You can also take out a 15- to 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Or you can take out various adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).
Qualification depends on income limitations, which vary by location. However, lenders waive these limits if you use a loan to purchase property in “underserved” areas.
Fannie Mae offers similar loans through its HomeReady Program. However, you’d need a FICO credit score of at least 620 to secure a loan with a down payment as low as 3%.
Native American Direct Loan Program (NADL)
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Pros | – Low closing costs and credit score requirements – Small funding fee |
| Cons | – Limited to a small group of borrowers |
| Eligibility | – You must be a service member or veteran who also is one of the following: a Native American enrolled in an American Indian tribe or Alaskan Native village, or a tribe that holds an MOU with the VA; a Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian; or the spouse of an eligible person. |
| Best For | – Native American service members and veterans with low to moderate income |
If you’re a Native American who’s served in the United States military or a non-Native American veteran married to a Native American, the VA can also help you finance a home. The Native American Direct Loan Program (NADAL) sponsors mortgages with low interest rates and very generous credit history requirements.
However, they must finance a home on Federal Trust Land, Alaska Native Corporation and other niche locations designated by the VA.
As with traditional VA loan requirements, you can take out one of these loans with a zero down payment. The VA also requires no PMI.
Wisconsin First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Pros | – Low-interest mortgages – Down payment assistance |
| Cons | – Need good credit – Strict income limits |
| Eligibility | – Meet income, house size and credit requirements set by lenders |
| Best For | – Wisconsin residents with little-to-moderate income |
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) functions as a state housing finance entity. It works with private lenders throughout Wisconsin to provide mortgages with below-average Wisconsin mortgage rates.
The agency also manages down payment assistance programs and an online first-time homebuyer education course. In fact, this course is required to qualify for a loan. It aims to arm you with all the knowledge you’ll need to be a prepared first-time homebuyer. You’ll also need to meet some income limits and other requirements depending on the type of WHEDA loan you’re considering.
Once you take this course, you can find a WHEDA-registered lender who can offer you different mortgage options.
One of them is the First-Time Home Buyer Advantage (FTHB) home loan. These low-interest loans cater to first-time homebuyers, veterans and those eyeing homes in federally designated target areas.
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a good FICO credit score (Most loans require a score of at least 620)
- Meet income limits (Varies by county)
- Property must be your primary residence
- Purchase single-family home (Duplex requires landlord counseling)
WHEDA also offers an FHA Advantage loan with less strict requirements. You don’t even need to be a first time homebuyer in Wisconsin. However, you likely would need a minimum credit score of 620. You can use this 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage to purchase single-family homes. However, you and other occupants must meet combined income limits which vary by county.
Furthermore, WHEDA offers the Veterans Affordable Loan Opportunity Rate (VALOR) loan. Available to eligible veterans, this 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage offers rates that fall below those tied to WHEDA Advantage loans. To be eligible for one, you must be a U.S. military veteran who has been honorably discharged or released. You must also meet all of the WHEDA Advantage loan requirements.
As you can see, requirements for WHEDA loans may be somewhat stricter than those of federally sponsored first-time homebuyer programs. However, the program itself offers additional benefits to those who qualify.
Bottom Line
Buying a first home in Wisconsin may seem complicated, but a variety of federal and state programs can make the path more affordable and manageable. From low-down-payment loans to targeted assistance for veterans, public servants and rural buyers, many options exist to match different financial situations. The most important step is comparing programs carefully and confirming eligibility requirements before applying. Completing required education courses and working with a trusted lender or financial advisor can also help you avoid costly mistakes.
Tips for House Hunting in Wisconsin
- If you want financial planning guidance throughout the mortgage process, a financial advisor can help. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- Keep looking. This review focused on federal and state-run programs. However, many local government agencies sponsor first-time homebuyer programs for their residents. So keep digging.
- Use all available resources. Purchasing a home can be a complex task especially when you factor in all the numbers. There’s more to it than taking out a mortgage. You also have to consider down payments, closing costs and other factors. To help you do the math, we’ve developed our mortgage calculator. It helps you zero in on the real price of purchasing a home.
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