First Time Home Buyer Programs in La Crosse

WHEDA Loan Programs for La Crosse First-Time Home Buyers

If you're a first-time home buyer in La Crosse, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) offers specialized loan programs to make homeownership more attainable. These programs provide favorable mortgage options, down payment assistance, and educational resources tailored to your needs.

La Crosse First-Time Home Buyer Opportunities

La Crosse's housing market offers strong opportunities for first-time buyers, blending affordability, community amenities, and a robust local economy.

La Crosse Housing Market Overview

About 53% of households in La Crosse are renter-occupied, indicating substantial potential demand for affordable entry into homeownership.

As of mid-2025, the typical home value in La Crosse is around $241,500, roughly 39% below the national median of $396,900, offering an accessible entry point for first-time home buyers.

La Crosse Demographic Insights

With a median age of about 29, La Crosse is one of Wisconsin's younger cities, and more than 33% of residents are between 20 and 34, a prime homebuying demographic.

La Crosse Opportunities for First-Time Home Buyers

High renter rates combined with affordable home prices make La Crosse an ideal candidate for WHEDA programs, which offer down payment assistance, competitive rates, and flexible credit guidelines.

Targeted outreach to younger households and renters can help convert interest into successful first-time purchases, strengthening the city's homeownership base.

WHEDA Loan Options

WHEDA provides two primary mortgage options:

WHEDA Advantage Conventional Loan:

A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage available for single-family homes, condominiums, and 2-4 unit properties.
Minimum credit score: 620.

WHEDA Advantage FHA Loan:

A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration, suitable for single-family homes, 2-unit properties, and HUD-approved condominiums.
Minimum credit score: 640.

Explore WHEDA Loans Contact a Loan Expert

Questions about Down Payment Assistance? Call us at 608-834-5000 for more information.

Down Payment Assistance

Down Payment Assistance (Easy Close)

We offer WHEDA's Easy Close down payment assistance. Easy Close provides loans from $1,000 up to 6% of the home's purchase price. It's a 10-year fixed-rate second mortgage with an interest rate that matches your first mortgage rate.

CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION

608-834-5000


Eligibility Criteria

Income Limits: Household income must fall within limits varying by size and county. In La Crosse County, the limit in a non-target area is $107,400 for a 1-2 person household and $123,510 for a 3+ person household.

Purchase Price Limits: The maximum purchase price for a single-family home in a non-target area is $544,232.

Home Buyer Education: Completion of a pre-purchase education course is required. For 2-4 unit properties, landlord education is also mandatory.

Owner Occupancy: The property must be your primary residence throughout the WHEDA loan term.

Steps to Get Started

Embarking on the journey to homeownership in La Crosse is a significant milestone. With WHEDA's tailored programs and support, you can navigate this process with confidence and ease.

Steps to Apply

  • Pre-Approval: Contact us, a WHEDA-approved lender to assess your financial eligibility.

  • Home Buyer Education: Complete the required pre-purchase course.

  • Property Search: Work with a real estate professional to find a qualifying home.

Get Expert Assistance

  • Consult local mortgage experts for personalized guidance.

  • Understand all available WHEDA loan options and benefits.

  • Receive a detailed loan comparison to choose the best fit.

Count On Yourself To:

  • Get a pre-approval letter before looking, this way you're ready to make an offer when you find the right home and you won’t fall in love with a house that you can’t afford.

  • Keep your Real Estate Agent & Educated Mortgage Services informed of any questions or concerns as they develop.

  • Be honest with your real estate agent and Educated Mortgage Services to prevent any hold ups that may arise in the process

  • Provide any additional required documentation in a timely manner. By doing so, many of the details are taken care of early in the process so you can comfortably concentrate on any last-minute details or events that require your attention.

  • Enjoy purchasing your home, but do remain objective throughout -- to make the business decisions that are best for you.

Helping First-Time Home Buyers & Homeowners Across Wisconsin

At Educated Mortgage Services, we provide expert mortgage solutions for first-time home buyers and all home purchasers across Wisconsin. Whether you’re looking for a low down payment option through WHEDA’s first-time home buyer programs or a conventional loan, we offer tailored financing solutions to meet your needs.

WHEDA loans provide affordable pathways to homeownership with down payment assistance and competitive rates, making it easier for first-time buyers to transition from renting to owning. Additionally, we offer conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loan options for those looking to refinance or purchase a new home.

Below are some of the cities we serve, but we aren't limited to these locations: