First-Time
Homebuyer Loans

Updated May 2024
Are you interested in purchasing your first home? If you answered "yes" you may qualify for down payment assistance through the Southwest Wisconsin Housing Region's first-time homebuyer program.

• Maximum loan ammount of up to 10% of the purchase price
• Funds are offered at 0% interest
• No payments are made on the loan until the home is sold, refinanced, or is no longer the primary residence of the loan recipient
• No land contracts allowed - must be simple fee title
• Funds can include small rehabilitation repairs on the new home

Eligibility Requirements:

• The home must be located in Trempealeau, Monroe, Richland, Lafayette, Jackson, Vernon, Grant, Green, La Crosse, Crawford or Iowa county.
• Applicants must be first-time homebuyers
• Applicants must be income-eligible (see below)
• Must provide a cash contribution of at least $1,000 towards the home purchase
• Must qualify for a conventional loan through a reputable lender (we cannot qualify you for a mortgage)
• Must participate in 6 hours of Homebuyer Education

Household Income Limits

Eligible homeowner must have a total household income at or less than 80% of the county median income.

To apply for down payment assistance

1. Download an Application

2. Mail the completed application to the agency serving your county. A list of counties and staff contacts is available on the right-hand side of this page.