Is the down payment the one thing holding you back from buying in De Pere? You are not alone. Many first-time and move-up buyers feel ready to own but worry about upfront cash. The good news is you have options, from grants and forgivable loans to zero-down mortgages and local resources that can help close the gap.

In this guide, you will see the main types of down payment help, the loans that allow little or no money down, and where to look in De Pere and Brown County. You will also get a simple checklist and a step-by-step plan to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Down payment assistance basics

Down payment assistance, or DPA, reduces the cash you need to close. It can come from state agencies, local governments, lenders, employers, and nonprofits. Most programs target primary residences and have income, price, and location limits.

Grants and forgivable second mortgages

• Grants: One-time funds that do not require repayment. These often target first-time buyers or households under certain income limits.
• Forgivable seconds: A small second mortgage that is forgiven after you live in the home for a set period, often 3 to 15 years. If you sell early, you may have to repay a portion. These are popular because they lower upfront costs while encouraging stability.

Low- or no-interest second mortgages

Some assistance comes as a second loan with low or no interest. It may be due when you sell or refinance, or it may have a monthly payment. It increases buying power, but you must be comfortable with the terms and how it may affect future refinancing.

Employer, nonprofit, and partner programs

Certain employers and nonprofits offer help with down payment or closing costs. Availability changes and funding is limited, so ask your HR team and local housing agencies if there are active programs near your workplace.

Mortgage Credit Certificates

A Mortgage Credit Certificate, or MCC, is a federal tax credit issued by a housing agency. It can reduce your federal tax bill and improve monthly affordability. It does not give cash at closing, and you need enough tax liability for the benefit to matter. Check whether MCCs are available through Wisconsin or local programs.

Gift funds and seller help

Gift funds from family are commonly allowed on many loan types with a gift letter. Seller concessions can pay some closing costs or buy down your interest rate. Most conventional loans do not allow seller credits to cover the minimum down payment, so confirm details with your lender.

Zero- and low-down mortgage paths

Several first-mortgage options reduce or eliminate the down payment. You can pair some of these with DPA through approved lenders.

FHA loans: 3.5 percent down

FHA loans typically require about 3.5 percent down for qualified borrowers and accept documented gift funds and certain DPA sources. Learn more about FHA basics through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at the main HUD website.

VA loans: zero down for eligible service members

If you are a veteran, active-duty service member, or a qualifying surviving spouse, a VA loan may allow you to buy with no down payment in many cases. Review eligibility and program details on the VA Home Loan program page.

USDA loans: zero down in eligible areas

USDA loans offer zero-down financing for income-eligible buyers purchasing in approved areas. Parts of the De Pere area may qualify, but it depends on the exact address. Use the USDA Rural Development resources to check address eligibility and program rules.

Conventional loans: as low as 3 percent down

Certain conventional programs allow 3 percent down for qualifying buyers and often require mortgage insurance. Many will accept approved DPA funds and gift money. Requirements vary, so ask your lender which options fit your income and the property you want.

Mortgage Credit Certificates

MCCs are issued through state or local housing agencies and can be combined with a mortgage to improve after-tax affordability. Check whether a Brown County or Wisconsin program offers MCCs before you apply.

Wisconsin and De Pere programs to know

WHEDA statewide options

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority is a primary source for affordable mortgage products and down payment help across the state. WHEDA works through approved lenders and sets income and purchase price limits for its programs. Visit WHEDA for the latest loan products, DPA offerings, eligibility guidelines, and the lender network.

City of De Pere and Brown County resources

Local governments sometimes use federal funds to support homebuyers. These funds can come through HOME or CDBG allocations and may be offered as down payment or closing cost assistance when funding is available. Programs change by year and budget cycle. Check the City of De Pere official site and Brown County government pages for current offerings, application steps, and timelines.

Nonprofits and housing counseling

Nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity affiliates, sometimes offer affordable ownership pathways that reduce or replace a traditional down payment. Many programs require homebuyer education through a HUD-approved counseling agency. You can search for classes and counseling providers using HUD’s housing counseling locator.

Federal Home Loan Bank grants via local lenders

Member banks of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago may access limited grant funds for eligible buyers. These are often offered on a first-come basis through participating banks and credit unions. Ask local lenders whether they participate in FHLB programs and how to apply. You can learn about the bank’s role at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago website, then confirm availability with your lender.

Who qualifies: common criteria

Although each program is unique, you will see a few common themes:

• Income limits: Many programs use household income caps based on area median income.
• First-time buyer status: Often required, usually defined as no homeownership in the past three years, though exceptions exist.
• Purchase price caps: Some programs limit the maximum purchase price.
• Property rules: Most programs require a primary residence and may exclude certain property types.
• Homebuyer education: Many programs require a HUD-approved course before closing.
• Credit and debt: Minimum credit score and debt-to-income guidelines apply and vary by lender and program.

What you need: documents checklist

Here is a simple list to prepare before you apply:

• Government-issued ID and Social Security numbers for borrowers.
• Pay stubs for the past 30 days and recent W-2s or 1099s.
• Federal tax returns for the past two years, if required by your lender.
• Bank statements for the last two to three months.
• Employment and income verification documents.
• Homebuyer education certificate, if the program requires it.
• DPA forms, as provided by the program administrator or lender.
• Gift letter and documentation for any gift funds.

How to get started in De Pere

Follow these steps to build a clear plan and avoid last-minute surprises:

1. Outline your budget. Decide what monthly payment feels comfortable before you start shopping.
2. Talk to an experienced local lender. Ask which loan types you qualify for and which DPA programs they actively process, including any WHEDA, FHLB, or local grants.
3. Check program pages. Review WHEDA for statewide options and the City of De Pere and Brown County sites for local offerings.
4. Confirm USDA eligibility by address. Use USDA Rural Development resources to check if the property location is eligible for zero-down USDA financing.
5. Complete homebuyer education early. If required, schedule a class through a HUD-approved provider using the HUD counseling search tool.
6. Reserve funds. Many grants are first-come, first-served. Ask your lender how to lock in assistance before you write an offer.
7. Align your offer strategy. Coordinate seller credits, appraisal realities, and any second-mortgage terms so your offer is strong and compliant with program rules.

Smart ways to combine help

Some buyers layer a low-down loan with a WHEDA or lender-administered DPA. Others use gift funds plus seller credits to cover closing costs. The right mix depends on your income, credit, and property location.

A few tips help you keep it simple:

• Keep your documents clean. Large deposits or undocumented gifts can slow approvals.
• Know the rules on layering. Not all programs can be combined. Your lender must confirm compatibility.
• Understand forgiveness and recapture. If a second mortgage is forgivable over time, ask what happens if you sell or refinance early. Some programs require repayment or have tax implications.

Quick resource list for De Pere buyers

• WHEDA statewide mortgage programs and lenders: review current offerings on the WHEDA website.
• FHA basics and HUD-approved counseling: explore resources on HUD’s site.
• VA home loans for eligible service members and spouses: read program details at the VA Home Loan page.
• USDA zero-down financing and address eligibility: start with USDA Rural Development.
• City programs and planning contacts: check the City of De Pere site.
• County-level housing resources: visit the Brown County government portal.
• Homebuyer education and counseling: find providers with HUD’s counseling locator.
• Lender-delivered grants: ask about availability tied to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and member institutions.

Buying a home in De Pere is within reach when you know where to look for help. With the right loan, smart use of assistance, and a clear plan, you can move from research to keys in hand. If you want a local advisor to help you line up programs, compare options, and write a clean offer, connect with Matt Jorgenson Real Estate LLC. We will walk you through your choices and help you buy with confidence.

FAQs

How do down payment assistance programs work in De Pere?

• DPA reduces the cash you need to close through grants, forgivable seconds, or low-interest second loans, often with income, price, and location limits set by agencies like WHEDA and local governments.

What zero-down loans are available near De Pere, Wisconsin?

• VA loans for eligible service members and spouses, and USDA loans in approved areas, can offer zero down. Confirm details on the VA Home Loan page and check address eligibility with USDA Rural Development.

Does De Pere, WI qualify for USDA zero-down financing?

• It depends on the exact property address and your income. Use USDA Rural Development resources to verify property eligibility for the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.

Can I use gift funds for my down payment in Brown County?

• Yes, many FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans allow gift funds with proper documentation, including a gift letter. Your lender will explain program-specific requirements.

Where can I find first-time homebuyer education near De Pere?

• Search the HUD-approved directory for local classes and counseling using the HUD counseling locator. Many DPA programs require proof of completion.

Does Wisconsin offer Mortgage Credit Certificates in Brown County?

• MCC availability can vary by state and local agency. Check for current offerings through WHEDA and reach out to local housing contacts at the City of De Pere and Brown County.