First Time Home Buyer Programs in Wauwatosa

WHEDA Loan Programs for Wauwatosa First-Time Home Buyers

If you're a first-time home buyer in Wauwatosa, 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.

Wauwatosa First-Time Home Buyer Opportunities

Wauwatosa's housing market offers a mix of suburban comfort and close proximity to Milwaukee, making it an appealing choice for first-time home buyers.

Wauwatosa Housing Market Overview

Approximately 37% of households in Wauwatosa are renter-occupied, representing a substantial base of potential first-time buyers.

As of early 2025, the median home price in Wauwatosa is around $360,000, below the prices in many comparable Milwaukee suburbs, offering attainable options for new buyers while still reflecting the city's high quality of life.

Wauwatosa Demographic Insights

With a median age of 38.4 years, Wauwatosa attracts a diverse mix of young professionals, families, and long-term residents. About 24% of the population is between 25 and 39 years old, a prime demographic for first-time purchases.

Wauwatosa Opportunities for First-Time Home Buyers

With competitive pricing and WHEDA programs offering down payment assistance and favorable loan terms, Wauwatosa is well positioned to help renters become homeowners.

Focusing on outreach to young households and professionals can further strengthen the path to homeownership in Wauwatosa.

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 Milwaukee County, the limit in a non-target area is $110,700 for a 1-2 person household and $127,305 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 Wauwatosa 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: