Down payment assistance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
Capital Access Advantage DPA
Deferred loan- Maximum assistance
- $3,000 or $7,000 (Easy Close Advantage) as 0% deferred second
- Income limit
- Up to $158,000 (varies)
- Home price limit
- Up to $481,176
- First-time buyer
- Preferred (some products)
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- •0% deferred - repaid on sale/refi/payoff.
- •Easy Close Advantage offers higher cap with slightly higher first-mortgage rate.
How Wisconsin DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. Wisconsin's Capital Access Advantage DPA pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
Wisconsin's primary statewide DPA is Capital Access Advantage DPA from Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). $3,000 or $7,000 (Easy Close Advantage) as 0% deferred second. Many Wisconsin cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
Some product variants are first-time-buyer only; others are open to repeat buyers. Check the agency page for the current matrix.
Yes. Capital Access Advantage DPA works with these loan types: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Usually no. Deferred and forgivable loans typically have no monthly payment, so most lenders do not include them in your DTI calculation.
Deferred and second-mortgage DPAs are generally repaid in full when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.