Buying a first home can be intimidating, but the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, or WHEDA, offers programs to make it easier for first-time home buyers.

Qualified veterans and people buying in lower-income federally designated target areas can qualify for WHEDA programs, too.

National first-time home buyer programs

For residents in all 50 states, these national loan programs allow low and sometimes even no down payments.

Conventional mortgage

Best for:

Low down payments, limited mortgage insurance premiums

WHEDA first-time home buyer programs

Programs offered by WHEDA are available to first-time home buyers and in some cases to repeat buyers. Some programs allow borrowers to accept down payment assistance. There are income and purchase price limits, as well as a limit to how much an applicant can receive in down payment assistance.

WHEDA highlights and eligibility requirements

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for first-time home buyers, repeat buyers and veterans.

  • Down payment and closing cost assistance available; income limits apply.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Minimum 620 credit score, in most cases.

  • Home buyer education required for most programs.

Your next step

You know the basics of first-time home buyer programs available in Wisconsin. If you want to dig into the specifics, visit the WHEDA website.

WHEDA doesn't approve loan applications or lend money; instead, it relies on a network of participating lenders. If one of the above home buyer programs looks like a good fit or you need help deciding which option is best, reach out directly to a participating lender for more information.