First Time Home Buyer in WisconsinIf you are looking to buy your 1st home, you've come to
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Today’s Rates for First Time Homebuyers in Wisconsin
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Mortgage rates are at 3.00% for the 30 year fixed loan program and at 2.56% for the 15 year fixed. As for variable rates, the 5/1 ARM rate currently stands at 4.56%. Check out FHA and VA rates as well if you are doing low or no down payments.
Wisconsin First Time Home Buyer Checklist
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Decide on your loan program options. If you're moving to an eligible area, you may qualify for a zero down payment loan through USDA. Veterans may be eligible for VA loans, which do not require cash down. The content in the paragraphs below should give you an idea of where you may fall.
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Get familiar with your credit score. Your credit should fall somewhere above 600, but few lenders accept scores in the high 500s. If your credit score needs a boost, work on improving it before you try to take out a mortgage. Once annually, you're able to request a free credit report from the three major credit bureaus.
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Shop interest rates from different lenders in your part of Wisconsin. Choose one who not only provides a great offer, but carries a high rating from the Better Business Bureau.
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Get pre-approved. Once you've picked a lender, provide income documentation with your last two pay stubs and tax returns from the past two years.
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Determine a budget. You could be pre-approved for a loan amount that is bigger than you had anticipated, but do not base affordability on the sum provided. Remember - pre-approvals are not guaranteed, and only you know what you can truly afford.
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Begin home shopping. Be sure to avoid making extravagant purchases, taking out new installment loans, or anything else that could weaken your financial standing. Lenders will check your accounts again before closing your loan.
Low Down Payment Loans Through FHA
If you’re a first time home buyer without a lot to put down, a Wisconsin FHA loan may accommodate you. FHA loans are backed by the government and designed to help home buyers with limited upfront funds receive financing.
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Down payment: 3.5%
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Minimum acceptable credit score: 580 (varies)
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Mortgage insurance: Upfront (1.75% loan amount) and monthly
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Property guidelines apply and are verified via home inspection
You can find additional information about FHA loans on the Wisconsin page of the FHA website.
No Down Payment Loans Through USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture backs home loans for zero down to Wisconsin home buyers looking to move to or live in rural areas. Find out if your buying city is eligible by searching the USDA's property map. Note that popular areas like Green Bay, Madison and Milwaukee are not eligible.
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Down payment: None required; financing up to 102% available depending on home appraisal
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Minimum acceptable credit score: 620
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Mortgage insurance: Upfront (2% loan amount) and monthly
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Income maximums apply
Wisconsin Grant and Assistance Programs
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) offers down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible borrowers through the Easy Close Advantage program. Funds come from a second mortgage and may cover down payment funds, closing costs, and home buying education dues.
WHEDA also provides the WHEDA Tax Advantage program. While it does not include mortgage financing, this tax credit allows participants to save up to $2,000 in federal withholding per year, freeing up more cash per paycheck to go toward a mortgage payment. The tax credit may even be used by borrowers who do not secure a loan through WHEDA. There are no geographic limits so participants buying in popular cities like Madison, Green Bay, and Milwaukee are eligible.
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