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First-Time Buyer loans in Wisconsin

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Wisconsin can use FHA (3.5% down), conventional 97 (3% down), VA or USDA loans, plus programs from Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). On a $247,400 home, 3% down is about $7,422.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

First-Time Buyer loan snapshot for Wisconsin

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%–3.5%
Minimum credit score580–620
Typical WI home value$247,400
3.5% down on typical home$8,659
20% down on typical home$49,480
Avg. effective property tax1.51%/yr (~$312/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$83,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which Wisconsin programs pair with First-Time Buyer loans?

  • WHEDA Advantage: FHA and conventional first mortgages for first-time and repeat buyers.
  • Easy Close DPA: A second loan for down payment and closing costs.

Details and current limits: Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).

Compare first-time buyer loan options

LoanMin. downMin. creditMortgage insurance
FHA3.5%5801.75% upfront + annual MIP
Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible3%620PMI, removable
VA0%Lender-set (~580–620)None (funding fee)
USDA0%~6401% upfront + 0.35% annual

Who counts as a first-time home buyer?

Under HUD and most agency definitions, you're a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a principal residence in the last three years. Single parents and displaced homemakers who only owned with a former spouse may also qualify.

First-Time Buyer loans in Wisconsin cities

First-Time Buyer in MilwaukeeFirst-Time Buyer in MadisonFirst-Time Buyer in Green BayFirst-Time Buyer in KenoshaFirst-Time Buyer in RacineFirst-Time Buyer in AppletonFirst-Time Buyer in WaukeshaFirst-Time Buyer in Eau ClaireFirst-Time Buyer in OshkoshFirst-Time Buyer in JanesvilleFirst-Time Buyer in West AllisFirst-Time Buyer in La CrosseFirst-Time Buyer in SheboyganFirst-Time Buyer in WauwatosaFirst-Time Buyer in Fond du LacFirst-Time Buyer in BrookfieldFirst-Time Buyer in New BerlinFirst-Time Buyer in WausauFirst-Time Buyer in Menomonee FallsFirst-Time Buyer in GreenfieldFirst-Time Buyer in BeloitFirst-Time Buyer in Oak CreekFirst-Time Buyer in Sun PrairieFirst-Time Buyer in FranklinFirst-Time Buyer in ManitowocFirst-Time Buyer in West BendFirst-Time Buyer in FitchburgFirst-Time Buyer in Mount PleasantFirst-Time Buyer in NeenahFirst-Time Buyer in SuperiorFirst-Time Buyer in Stevens PointFirst-Time Buyer in De PereFirst-Time Buyer in CaledoniaFirst-Time Buyer in MequonFirst-Time Buyer in MuskegoFirst-Time Buyer in WatertownFirst-Time Buyer in MiddletonFirst-Time Buyer in Pleasant PrairieFirst-Time Buyer in GermantownFirst-Time Buyer in South MilwaukeeFirst-Time Buyer in HowardFirst-Time Buyer in Fox CrossingFirst-Time Buyer in OnalaskaFirst-Time Buyer in Wisconsin RapidsFirst-Time Buyer in MarshfieldFirst-Time Buyer in OconomowocFirst-Time Buyer in MenashaFirst-Time Buyer in CudahyFirst-Time Buyer in KaukaunaFirst-Time Buyer in AshwaubenonFirst-Time Buyer in Beaver DamFirst-Time Buyer in MenomonieFirst-Time Buyer in River FallsFirst-Time Buyer in BellevueFirst-Time Buyer in PewaukeeFirst-Time Buyer in WestonFirst-Time Buyer in HartfordFirst-Time Buyer in WhitewaterFirst-Time Buyer in HudsonFirst-Time Buyer in Waunakee

Frequently asked questions

Yes. First-Time Buyer loans are available statewide in Wisconsin through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.