See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 10, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Manitowoc, WI (2026)
Manitowoc is a lakeside city on the western shore of Lake Michigan in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, known for its maritime heritage and manufacturing economy. With a median home price around $195,000, Manitowoc is one of the most affordable housing markets in eastern Wisconsin. Homebuyers here benefit from several local and regional programs. The Lakeshore CAP Home Buyer Program provides down payment assistance for income-eligible households in Manitowoc County. The NE Wisconsin CDBG Homebuyer Assistance program offers 0% interest loans covering up to 50% of the required down payment. Partners for Community Development provides 0% interest deferred loans for down payment and closing costs. Combined with WHEDA state loan programs offering up to 6% of the purchase price, Manitowoc buyers can stack significant assistance toward their home purchase.
County Programs in Manitowoc County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE Wisconsin CDBG Homebuyer Assistance (Brown County) | Deferred Loan | Up to 50% of required down payment (not to exceed 10% of purchase price) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 50% of required down payment (not to exceed 10% of purchase price)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downpayment Plus Program (FHLBank Chicago) | Grant | Up to $6,000 (3:1 match of buyer contribution, max $6,000) | No | View → |
| Lakeshore CAP Home Buyer Program | Grant | Down payment assistance for eligible households | Yes | View → |
| Manitowoc County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase with no-profit pricing and 0% interest mortgage | Yes | View → |
| Partners for Community Development Homebuyer Assistance | Deferred Loan | 0% interest deferred loan for down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $6,000 (3:1 match of buyer contribution, max $6,000)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Down payment assistance for eligible households
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with no-profit pricing and 0% interest mortgage
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- 0% interest deferred loan for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most programs serving Manitowoc require household income at or below 80% of the area median income and that you have not owned a home in the past three years.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Contact Lakeshore CAP at 920-682-3737, which offers HUD-approved homebuyer education and counseling in Manitowoc County. Completing their program opens access to down payment assistance.
Step 3: Explore your program options. Lakeshore CAP provides down payment assistance for Manitowoc County buyers. The NE Wisconsin CDBG program offers 0% interest loans for up to 50% of the required down payment. Partners for Community Development offers 0% interest deferred loans. Your housing counselor will help determine which programs you qualify for.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a WHEDA-approved lender or a local institution like UnitedOne Credit Union at 920-684-0361 or Bank First in Manitowoc, which offer mortgage products for the area.
Step 5: Find a home in Manitowoc within your budget and any applicable program limits. Your real estate agent and housing counselor can help you identify properties that meet program requirements.
Step 6: Submit your applications. Once you are under contract, your lender and housing counselor will help you apply for the DPA programs you qualify for. Funds are typically applied at closing toward your down payment and closing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Manitowoc?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can purchase with these programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Can I use Manitowoc County Habitat for Humanity?+−
What are the estimated closing costs for buying a home in Manitowoc?+−
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