WHEDA Loans
in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s own first-time buyer program. A steady 30-year fixed loan, plus down payment help built to go with it. One of the strongest packages in the state, and John helps Dane County buyers use it.
What is a WHEDA loan and how does it help buyers in Wisconsin?
Quick answer: WHEDA is the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. A WHEDA Advantage loan is a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage that pairs with down payment assistance. Capital Access gives $3,050 to 3% of the price as a silent 0% loan with no monthly payment; Easy Close gives $1,000 to 6% as a repayable 10-year second. It is one of the strongest first-time buyer packages in Wisconsin, and John connects Dane County buyers with participating lenders.
· · Serving Madison, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Verona, Waunakee & DeForest
Wisconsin's own homebuyer program
WHEDA is Wisconsin’s housing authority, which means the state built these programs specifically for buyers here. The magic is the combination: a stable 30-year fixed first mortgage, the WHEDA Advantage, paired with down payment assistance designed to plug right into it. For a lot of Dane County buyers, that pairing is the difference between waiting and owning.
State-backed
WHEDA Advantage is a 30-year fixed-rate loan built for Wisconsin buyers.
Down payment help
Pair it with Capital Access or Easy Close assistance for your down payment and costs.
First-timer strong
One of the strongest first-time buyer packages in the state.
Local fit
Works across Madison, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, DeForest, Verona, and Middleton.
Capital Access vs Easy Close
WHEDA offers two flavors of down payment assistance, and the right one depends on whether you want the lowest monthly cost or the most help up front. Here is the plain-English comparison.
Capital Access Advantage
- Between $3,050 and 3% of the purchase price
- A silent second loan at 0% interest
- No monthly payment
- Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage
- Best for keeping your monthly cost low
Easy Close Advantage
- Between $1,000 and 6% of the purchase price
- A 10-year second mortgage
- Repaid in equal monthly installments
- Charged at the same rate as your first mortgage
- Best when you want more help up front
Not sure which fits? It comes down to your budget and how long you plan to stay. John and a WHEDA-participating lender weigh both against your numbers so you keep the most money where it matters.
What's required
Typical requirements
- Minimum credit score around 620 (conventional) or 640 (FHA)
- Income within WHEDA limits for your county and household size
- Purchase price within program limits
- A homebuyer education course
- Home used as your primary residence
How it fits together
- A WHEDA Advantage 30-year fixed first mortgage
- Plus Capital Access or Easy Close for the down payment
- Delivered through a WHEDA-participating lender
- Can make a competitive offer possible with limited savings
- John lines the assistance up with your home search
Get into a Dane County home
with help from WHEDA.
With homes selling at a median of 8 days, being pre-approved with WHEDA and knowing your assistance option keeps you ready to move. John and a participating lender set it up.
From pre-approval to keys
Talk through your goals
John learns your budget and timeline and points you to a WHEDA-participating lender.
Get pre-approved
The lender confirms your credit, income, and which WHEDA options you qualify for.
Choose your assistance
Weigh Capital Access against Easy Close for the lowest cost given your plans.
Complete homebuyer education
A short course is typically required and helps you buy with confidence.
Find the home and offer
John builds an offer that wins in a low-inventory market across Dane County.
Close and move in
Your first mortgage and assistance close together, and you get your keys.
How John helps you use it
Local, hands-on, and lender-agnostic
John works with a wide range of lenders across Dane County, so he is not tied to any single one. That means he can match you to the WHEDA-participating lender and the assistance option that actually fit your scenario, weigh Capital Access against Easy Close for your budget, and line the help up with your home search across Madison, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, DeForest, Verona, and Middleton. The right setup for your neighbor may not be the right one for you, and finding your fit is exactly the point.
Explore other loan programs
Conventional Loans
As little as 3% down for buyers with solid credit.
FHA Loans
3.5% down and flexible credit while you build.
USDA Loans
$0 down for eligible rural and suburban areas near Madison.
Downpayment Plus
Up to $10,000 forgivable toward down payment and costs.
Movin’ Out
Homeownership help for households with a disability.
All Programs
See every buyer loan program side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WHEDA loan?
What credit score do I need for WHEDA?
What is the difference between Capital Access and Easy Close?
Do I have to repay WHEDA down payment assistance?
Are there income and price limits for WHEDA?
Can WHEDA help first-time buyers in Madison?
Let's put WHEDA
to work for you
A short conversation and a WHEDA-participating lender tell you exactly how much help you qualify for. Then John lines it up with the right home.
WHEDA loan terms, assistance amounts, credit minimums, and income and purchase-price limits are set by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and participating lenders and change over time. Capital Access Advantage provides $3,050 to 3% of price as a silent 0% second; Easy Close Advantage provides $1,000 to 6% as a repayable 10-year second. Local market figures reflect South Central Wisconsin MLS (SCWMLS) Dane County data as of June 2026 and are examples, not a quote. Confirm current terms with a WHEDA-participating lender. Integrity Homes helps you compare programs and win the right home; it does not originate loans.