💰 Down Payment Assistance
The money most buyers never claim
Every year, down payment assistance goes unused because buyers don’t know it exists. WHEDA — the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority — offers second-mortgage assistance that can cover down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers, paired with a WHEDA first mortgage. Income and purchase-price limits apply.
Is this you?
Down Payment Assistance tend to be a great fit for…
- First-time buyers (and repeat buyers in WHEDA-targeted areas)
- Households within WHEDA income and purchase-price limits
- Buyers who qualify on income but are short on savings
- Anyone told “come back when you’ve saved more”
Questions buyers actually ask
Down Payment Assistance: straight answers
How does down payment assistance work in Wisconsin?
WHEDA offers assistance as a second loan alongside a WHEDA first mortgage — Easy Close DPA carries a small monthly payment, and Capital Access DPA is structured for lower-income buyers with a deferred payment. Kayla handles the pairing and the paperwork for you.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get WHEDA assistance?
Not always. WHEDA’s first-time buyer definition is not owning a home in the last three years, but repeat buyers in targeted areas and veterans may qualify too. Income and purchase-price limits apply and vary by county and household size.
Is down payment assistance free money or a loan?
It’s a loan — a second mortgage, either with a modest monthly payment or deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage, depending on the program. Kayla will walk you through exactly what your version costs, in plain English, before you commit.
Keep exploring
Conventional Loans
The workhorse of home financing — flexible terms, competitive costs, and down payments as low as 3% for first-time buyers.
Learn more →FHA Loans
The first-time buyer favorite — 3.5% down, friendlier credit requirements, and forgiving guidelines for real-life finances.
Learn more →VA Loans
For those who served — $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and some of the strongest terms in all of lending.
Learn more →Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is not affiliated with, or acting on behalf of or at the direction of, FHA, VA, USDA, HUD, or any other government agency. Down payment assistance programs are offered by their sponsoring housing agency; income and purchase-price limits apply and eligibility is not guaranteed.
Not sure if down payment assistance are right for you?
That’s literally what Kayla is for. One conversation, all your options side by side, zero pressure to move forward.