Downpayment Plus® Program in Appleton, WI
How the Downpayment Plus Program Works
This program is designed to bridge the gap between your savings and your dream home. Here are the key program details you need to know:
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Significant Assistance: Eligible homebuyers can receive up to $10,000 in down payment assistance.
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Flexible Fund Usage: The funds can be used for down payment or closing costs.
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Compatible with Most Mortgages: You can use this grant alongside several available programs, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
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Forgivable Grant: The grant is forgivable over a 5-year period, meaning if you stay in the home for at least five years, you do not have to pay it back!
Program Requirements
To ensure these funds go to those who need them most, there are a few straightforward requirements:
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Primary Residence: The homebuyer must live in the home as their primary residence.
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Minimum Contribution: The homebuyer must contribute at least $1,000 of their own funds toward the purchase.
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Preparation: Homebuyer education and counseling is required pre-purchase to ensure you are ready for the responsibilities of owning a home.
Act Fast: Funds Are Limited
Grants like the Downpayment Plus Program are highly sought after in the Appleton and Green Bay markets. Funds are limited, so call to learn more today.
The Jeff Anklam Team is ready to walk you through the eligibility requirements and help you secure your funding before it runs out.
Contact The Jeff Anklam Team Today:
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Branch Manager: Jeffrey Anklam (NMLS #279966)
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Phone: 920.750.5001 or 920.362.0159
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Website: WMCFoxValley.com
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Office Location: Waterstone Mortgage, 119 N. McCarthy Rd. Suite F, Appleton WI 54913
Disclaimer: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Licensee Exempt. Waterstone Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #186434) is a wholly owned subsidiary of WaterStone Bank SSB (NASDAQ: WSBF). All loan requests are subject to credit approval as well as specific program requirements and guidelines. For some programs, income and property restrictions may apply. Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.
First-Time Homebuyer
Choosing the right loan program is crucial to achieving your homeownership dreams. We offer a variety of first-time homebuyer loans in [state].
Conventional Mortgage Loans
Conventional loans are mortgage loans offered by non-government sponsored lenders.
These loan types include:
- Fixed Rate Loans
- Adjustable Rate Loans (ARMs)
- Jumbo / Construction Loans
- Reverse Mortgage
FHA Loans
FHA mortgage loans are issued by federally qualified lenders certified by the U.S. Federal Housing Authority, a division of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. FHA loans are an attractive option, especially for first-time homeowners.
FHA Loans:
- Generally easier to qualify for than conventional loans.
- Lower down payment requirements.
- Cannot exceed statutory loan limits.
WHEDA/ First Time Home Buyer
WHEDA (Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority) offers first-time homebuyer loan programs with competitive rates, down payment assistance, and flexible qualifying guidelines for eligible Wisconsin buyers. Income and purchase price limits apply. Contact us to learn if you qualify.
Reverse Mortgage
A Reverse Mortgage (HECM) allows eligible homeowners age 62 or older to convert home equity into accessible funds, with no required monthly mortgage payments. Repayment is deferred until the home is sold or the borrower moves or passes away. FHA-insured. HUD counseling required
USDA Loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a variety of programs to help low to moderate-income individuals living in small towns or rural areas achieve homeownership. The Rural Housing Service (RHS) helps qualifying applicants, who cannot receive credit from other sources, purchase modestly priced homes as their primary residence.
USDA Loans are an attractive option because:
- Minimal closing cost
- Low or no down payment
USDA loans can be used toward the purchase and renovation of a previously owned home or a new construction. Families must be able to pay their monthly mortgage, homeowner’s insurance and property taxes.
VA Mortgage Loans
Designed to offer long-term financing to American veterans, VA mortgage loans are issued by federally qualified lenders and are guaranteed by the U.S. Veterans Administration. The VA determines eligibility and issues a certificate to qualifying applicants to submit to their mortgage lender of choice. It is generally easier to qualify for a VA loan than conventional loans.
Here’s how it works:
- 100% financing without private mortgage insurance or 20% second mortgage.
- A VA funding fee of 0 to 3.3% (this fee may be financed) of the loan amount is paid to the VA.
- When purchasing a home, veterans may borrow up to 100% of the sales price or reasonable value of the home, whichever is less.
- When refinancing a home, veterans may borrow up to 100% of reasonable value in order to refinance where state law allows.
Estimate Your Monthly Payments
Understanding your potential mortgage payments is a crucial step in the home-buying process. Our easy-to-use Mortgage Calculator helps you estimate your monthly payments, so you can plan your finances with confidence. Simply enter your loan details and let our calculator do the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the income limits for a WHEDA loan in Appleton (2025)?
A: For 2025, the WHEDA income limit for a 1-2 person household in Outagamie County (Appleton) is approx. $111,500. In Brown County (Green Bay), it is approx. $107,000. These limits change annually, so please contact us for the exact current figures.
Q: How much down payment assistance can I get?
A: The WHEDA Easy Close program can provide a second mortgage of up to 6% of the purchase price to cover your down payment and closing costs.
Q: Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use WHEDA?
A: Not always. You can use the “WHEDA Advantage” loan if you are a repeat buyer, provided you meet the income and purchase price limits for the county.