What down payment assistance programs are available in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin offers the WHEDA Easy Close DPA (up to 6% of purchase price), WHEDA Capital Access DPA ($7,500 at 0% interest with no monthly payments), and the Downpayment Plus grant (up to $10,000 forgivable). USDA and VA zero-down loans are also available.

How much down payment assistance can I get in Wisconsin?

The WHEDA Easy Close DPA provides up to 6% of the purchase price. The Capital Access DPA provides up to $7,500 at 0% interest with no monthly payments. The Downpayment Plus grant offers up to $10,000 forgivable over 5 years.

Is the WHEDA Capital Access DPA still available in 2026?

The Capital Access DPA relaunched January 15, 2026 with limited funding — only 78 loans available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once funds are exhausted, the program closes until new funding is approved. Contact Travis Goltz immediately to check availability.

Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance & Grants 2026

Name: Travis Goltz - Granite Bank Mortgage
Address: Champlin, MN, 55316, US
Telephone: (763) 360-4507
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance Programs — 2026

These are the primary programs available to Wisconsin homebuyers in 2026. The Capital Access DPA just relaunched with limited funding — first-come, first-served. The sooner you start, the more options you have.

Conventional — First-Time & Repeat

WHEDA Advantage Conventional

30-Year Fixed Rate

Wisconsin's primary conventional loan program through WHEDA. Available to both first-time and repeat buyers. Can be paired with WHEDA's Easy Close DPA for down payment and closing cost assistance. Works for single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and 2–4 unit properties.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income and purchase price limits apply · Primary residence only · WHEDA homebuyer education course · Must use WHEDA-approved lender

FHA Option

WHEDA Advantage FHA

3.5% Down / Paired with DPA

A 30-year fixed-rate FHA loan through WHEDA with lower credit score requirements. Can be combined with the Easy Close DPA to satisfy or reduce the 3.5% minimum down payment. Strong option for buyers with less-than-perfect credit.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income limits apply · First-time buyer preferred but not always required · Homebuyer education course · WHEDA-approved lender required

WHEDA Easy Close DPA

Up to 6% of Purchase Price

Wisconsin's most-used down payment assistance program. Provides $1,000 to 6% of the purchase price as a 10-year fixed-rate second mortgage with monthly payments. Available to first-time and repeat buyers who qualify for a WHEDA first mortgage. The higher the purchase price, the more assistance available.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income limits match first mortgage · Must pair with WHEDA Advantage Conventional or FHA · No additional application required

Zero Payment DPA — Limited Supply

WHEDA Capital Access DPA

Up to $7,500 at 0% Interest

A 30-year silent second mortgage at 0% interest with no monthly payments. Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage. Relaunched January 2026 with limited funding — only 78 loans available on a first-come, first-served basis. Act fast if you qualify.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Lower income limits than Easy Close · Must pair with WHEDA first mortgage · Property address required to reserve funds · Limited availability

Statewide Grant

Downpayment Plus® Program

Up to $10,000 Forgivable

Administered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago through local lenders. Provides up to $10,000 in grant assistance forgivable over 5 years of owner occupancy. Available statewide to buyers meeting income guidelines. Requires a minimum $1,000 borrower contribution.

Key RequirementsIncome at or below 80% AMI · $1,000 minimum own funds · Primary residence · Must work with a participating local lender · Homebuyer education required

Zero Down

USDA & VA Zero Down

0% Down Payment

USDA Rural Development covers eligible properties in rural Wisconsin — many areas outside Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay qualify. VA loans offer zero down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members statewide with no mortgage insurance.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · USDA: eligible rural area · VA: military service eligibility · Income limits apply · Primary residence only

Not sure which programs apply to you? That's exactly what a free 15-minute call is for.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Do You Qualify?

Most buyers are surprised to find they meet the requirements. Here's what lenders look at.

📊

Credit Score

Most MHFA programs require a 620 minimum. If your score needs work, there are still paths forward.

620+ for most programs

💵

Household Income

Income limits vary by program, household size, and county. Moderate and above-average incomes often still qualify.

Varies by program

🏠

First-Time Buyer Status

Defined as not having owned a home in the past 3 years. Programs like Step Up don't require this.

Required for some only

💰

Own Contribution

Some programs require as little as $1,000 from your own savings. Gift funds are often allowed.

As low as $1,000

The only way to know for certain is to review your specific situation.

Find Out What I Qualify For

See What Wisconsin Programs You Qualify For

There are multiple assistance programs available in Wisconsin and the right combination depends on your income, credit, and situation. Fill out the form and Travis will review your options personally.

                    Typical assistance in Wisconsin: $1,000 – $10,000+
                    WHEDA Easy Close DPA goes up to 6% of purchase price — the higher your purchase price, the more you can get
                

Free, no obligation — no commitment required to find out what's available
Programs can stack — WHEDA Easy Close DPA can cover your entire down payment
Direct access to Travis — not a call center, a real mortgage professional reviews your file
Fannie Mae approved lender — direct access to conventional products that pair with state assistance

"I was on the verge of giving up, but Travis walked me through the WHEDA program and we stacked the Easy Close DPA on top. I had no idea I could get that much help. Closed in 33 days."

— Ceara, First-Time Homeowner in Minnesota

Check Your Wisconsin Options

Free · No obligation · Takes 2 minutes

Travis Goltz — Minnesota Mortgage Lender, Branch Manager Granite Bank

Why Work With Travis for Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance?

Not every lender is approved to offer WHEDA programs. Knowing which programs exist, how to stack the Easy Close DPA with a WHEDA first mortgage, and when to use the Capital Access DPA before funds run out is the difference between a smooth closing and leaving thousands on the table.

Travis works with Wisconsin buyers statewide — from Milwaukee and Madison to Green Bay, Appleton, and beyond. Wisconsin roots, nationwide reach.

Fannie Mae Approved Seller: Direct access to conventional products that pair with MHFA assistance.
120-Year Bank Backing: The stability and flexibility of Granite Bank behind every loan.
Direct Access: You get Travis's number. Not a 1-800 call center.
No Surprises: Transparent on costs, timeline, and program requirements from day one.
Licensed in All 50 States: Wisconsin roots, nationwide reach.

Check My Eligibility Call (763) 360-4507

Travis Goltz · NMLS #351337 · Branch Manager, Granite Bank NMLS #405434 · Member FDIC · Equal Housing Lender

Common Questions About Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to qualify for WHEDA? +

No. The WHEDA Advantage Conventional and Easy Close DPA programs are available to both first-time and repeat buyers. You don't need to be buying your first home to take advantage of Wisconsin's primary assistance programs.

What's the difference between Easy Close DPA and Capital Access DPA? +

Easy Close DPA gives you up to 6% of the purchase price as a 10-year second mortgage with monthly payments. Capital Access DPA gives you up to $7,500 at 0% interest with no monthly payments — repaid only when you sell or refinance. Capital Access has stricter income limits and very limited funding (only 78 loans available as of January 2026). If you qualify for Capital Access, it's often the better deal. Travis will tell you which one fits your situation.

Can I stack WHEDA with other programs? +

In many cases yes. The Downpayment Plus® grant (up to $10,000 forgivable) can sometimes be layered with WHEDA programs depending on your lender and location. Local programs in cities like Milwaukee and Madison also exist. Travis will identify which combinations work for your specific county and purchase price.

What credit score do I need for Wisconsin programs? +

Most WHEDA programs require a minimum 620 credit score for the Advantage Conventional loan, and 640 for some FHA options. If your score is below that, Travis can help you identify steps to improve it so you don't miss out on the programs you're targeting.

What are the income limits for Wisconsin programs? +

Income limits vary by program, household size, and county. The Capital Access DPA has lower limits than the Easy Close DPA. Milwaukee and Madison typically have higher limits than rural Wisconsin counties. The only way to know your specific eligibility is to review your situation directly.

Why does the Capital Access DPA have limited availability? +

The Capital Access DPA is funded through WHEDA's budget and has a fixed number of reservations available each funding cycle. As of January 2026, only 78 loans are available. Once those are reserved, the program closes until new funding is approved. This is why getting pre-approved quickly matters if you want this option.

Wisconsin Down PaymentAssistance & Grants