See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 9, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Fond du Lac, WI (2026)
Fond du Lac is a midsized city at the southern tip of Lake Winnebago in east-central Wisconsin, with a median home price around $230,000. While the city does not operate its own down payment assistance program, buyers in Fond du Lac can access several strong nonprofit and state options. ADVOCAP offers a deferred down payment assistance loan for income-eligible first-time buyers in Fond du Lac County. NeighborWorks Green Bay provides 0% interest deferred loans of up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs. At the state level, WHEDA offers the Capital Access DPA with up to $7,500 and the Easy Close DPA with up to 6% of the purchase price. The Downpayment Plus Program through FHLBank Chicago adds up to $10,000 in forgivable grant assistance. By combining nonprofit and state programs, Fond du Lac buyers can significantly reduce their upfront homebuying costs.
City Programs in Fond du Lac
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NeighborWorks Green Bay Down Payment Assistance | Deferred Loan | Up to $15,000 (standard loans up to $7,000; enhanced loans up to $15,000) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 (standard loans up to $7,000; enhanced loans up to $15,000)
- First-time only:
- No
State Programs in Wisconsin
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WHEDA Advantage Conventional Loan | Government-Insured Mortgage | Low down payment first mortgage (as low as 3% down) | Yes | View → |
| WHEDA Advantage FHA Loan | Government-Insured Mortgage | Low down payment first mortgage (3.5% down) | Yes | View → |
| WHEDA Capital Access DPA | Deferred Loan | $7,500 (0% interest, deferred second mortgage) | No | View → |
| WHEDA Easy Close DPA | Repayable Loan | Up to 6% of purchase price | Yes | View → |
| WHEDA Tax Advantage (Mortgage Credit Certificate) | Tax Credit | Up to $2,000 per year in federal tax credits | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Low down payment first mortgage (as low as 3% down)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Low down payment first mortgage (3.5% down)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- $7,500 (0% interest, deferred second mortgage)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 6% of purchase price
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Tax Credit
- Amount:
- Up to $2,000 per year in federal tax credits
- First-time only:
- Yes
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADVOCAP Down Payment Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | Varies (0% interest deferred second mortgage) | Yes | View → |
| Downpayment Plus Program (FHLBank Chicago) | Grant | Up to $6,000 (3:1 match of buyer contribution, max $6,000) | No | View → |
| Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | 0% interest mortgage for affordable homeownership | No | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Varies (0% interest deferred second mortgage)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $6,000 (3:1 match of buyer contribution, max $6,000)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- 0% interest mortgage for affordable homeownership
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Review income limits for available programs. ADVOCAP serves low-to-moderate income households. NeighborWorks Green Bay programs are available to households at or below 120% AMI. WHEDA state programs have their own income and purchase price limits by county.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. ADVOCAP requires an 8-hour homebuyer education program covering mortgages, inspections, and working with real estate professionals. Contact ADVOCAP at 920-922-7760 or 800-631-7760 to enroll. Most other programs also require homebuyer education.
Step 3: Contact a local housing partner. Reach out to ADVOCAP at 920-922-7760 for their down payment assistance program and financial readiness meeting, where they will review your credit score and help design a savings plan. NeighborWorks Green Bay also serves Fond du Lac County and can be reached through their website.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a WHEDA-approved lender to explore state loan products like the WHEDA Advantage Conventional or FHA Loan. Ask your lender about the Downpayment Plus Program through FHLBank Chicago, which is accessed through participating lenders.
Step 5: Find a home in Fond du Lac. Most programs require the property to be owner-occupied. Homes must meet applicable housing quality standards.
Step 6: Submit your applications. Apply to the programs that fit your situation. Gather proof of income, a signed purchase agreement, and your homebuyer education certificate. ADVOCAP will guide you through their application process during your financial readiness meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Fond du Lac?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
What if I have very low income?+−
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