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Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Home Buyers:

Here's what you need to know to get started if you’re looking at buying in the Badger State.

Average Home Prices in Wisconsin

As of July 2025, the median sale price for a single-family home in Wisconsin is $342,600.

Average home price:

  • Milwaukee: $235,00
  • Green Bay: $277,500
  • Madison: $434,000

Source: zillow.com/home-values

Average Home Size in Wisconsin

The average size for a single-family home in Wisconsin is approximately 1,816 square feet.

Average home size:

  • Milwaukee: 1,786 square feet
  • Green Bay: 2,035 square feet
  • Madison: 1,966 square feet

Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/

Wisconsin State Taxes

  • Wisconsin has four income tax brackets ranging from 3.50% to 7.65%, depending on income and filing status.
  • The average effective property tax rate in Wisconsin is approximately 1.59%—one of the highest in the U.S.
  • The sales tax rate in Wisconsin is 5% with some counties adding additional tax.

How Much Can You Afford in Wisconsin?

Recommended
Monthly Payment:
$750.00

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$750.00
$1050
$1350

Affordable Home Prices With Your Recommended Payment

$107,844.08 house with $9,804.01 down. (10%)

$117,648.09 house with $19,608.02 down. (20%)

$127,452.10 house with $29,412.02 down. (30%)

These examples use the loan term provided and assume a fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate of 6%.

Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance Programs

National Homebuyers Fund FHA Program

This down payment assistance program helps buyers get into a home with little to no upfront cost, offering up to 101.5% financing through an FHA first mortgage and a second lien.

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More about this program
  • FHA loan covers 96.5% of the purchase price
  • Second lien covers 3.5% or 5% for down payment or closing costs
  • Minimum credit score: 600 (660 for manual underwriting)
  • No first-time buyer requirement
  • No max DTI with DU/LP approval
  • Homebuyer education required (Fannie Mae HomeView – free online)
  • Non-occupant co-borrowers allowed
  • Eligible properties: Single-family homes, duplexes (2 units), PUDs, condos (agency approved), townhomes, manufactured homes allowed (except single-wides)

National Community Lending Program

This program supports low- to moderate-income buyers with down payment assistance and flexible financing to make homeownership more accessible.

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More about this program
  • 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage
  • Second lien offers up to 4% for down payment assistance
  • Max LTV/CLTV: 97% / 105%
  • Income limit: Up to 140% of area median income (AMI)
  • Minimum credit score: 660
  • DTI: Lesser of 50% or AUS approval
  • Eligible properties: Single-family detached or attached homes, single-family homes with accessory units (must be zoned single-family), PUDs and condominiums, rural properties (must be residential in nature)

WHEDA Advantage Conventional

A flexible option for buyers in Wisconsin that doesn’t require you to be a first-time homebuyer. Designed to make homeownership more accessible with broad property eligibility and low upfront cash requirements.

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More about this program
Highlights
  • Property must be in Wisconsin and owner-occupied for the life of the loan
  • Available for purchase or WHEDA-to-WHEDA refinance
  • 30-year fixed rate
  • Eligible property types: single-family, condos, 2–4 units, manufactured (double-wide)
  • Minimum credit score: 620
  • No borrower funds required (except 2–4 units: 3% down + 6 months reserves)
  • Must meet household income limits
  • Can combine with WHEDA DPA programs
  • Home buyer education required for first-time buyers; landlord education for 2–4 units

WHEDA Advantage FHA

Aimed at buyers who meet FHA guidelines and want to take advantage of WHEDA’s support. This option also allows use of WHEDA’s DPA to meet FHA’s investment requirement.

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More about this program

Highlights

  • Property must be in Wisconsin and owner-occupied for the life of the loan
  • Purchase only (no refinance)
  • 30-year fixed rate
  • Eligible property types: single-family, 2-unit, HUD-approved condos
  • Minimum credit score: 640
  • 3.5% borrower investment required (WHEDA DPA can satisfy this)
  • Must meet household income limits
  • Can combine with WHEDA DPA programs
  • Home buyer education required for first-time buyers; landlord education for 2-units

WHEDA Easy Close Advantage DPA

A down payment assistance option that pairs with a WHEDA first mortgage, giving buyers extra flexibility to cover upfront costs.

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More about this program

Highlights

  • Available with WHEDA Conventional or FHA loans
  • Loan amount: minimum $1,000, maximum 6% of purchase price
  • 10-year fixed-rate second mortgage with monthly payments
  • Interest rate matches the first mortgage

Churchill Mortgage is an approved lender for these down payment assistance programs. Contact us today to see if you qualify!

Frequently Asked Questions

Check our FAQs for responses to our most popular questions from Wisconsin home buyers.

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How Much Should I Budget for Closing Costs in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin home buyers typically spend 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price on closing costs. On a $350,000 home, plan to budget roughly $7,000 to $17,500.

You will receive your estimated closing costs from your Home Loan Specialist in a Loan Estimate after you apply for your home loan, and final closing costs in your Closing Disclosure document provided before your official closing day.

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What Are the Most Popular Home Loan Types in Wisconsin?

Home buyers in Wisconsin have access to a variety of mortgage options tailored to different financial situations and homeownership goals. The most commonly utilized loan types include:

  • Conventional Loans – Fixed‑rate mortgages ideal for buyers with strong credit and at least 3–5% down.

  • FHA Loans – Backed by the Federal Housing Administration; require just 3.5% down and flexible credit guidelines.

  • VA Loans – No‑down‑payment options for eligible veterans, active‑duty service members, and select spouses.

  • USDA Loans – 100% financing for qualified buyers in rural areas, with income and location limits.

  • WHEDA Loans - Exclusive to Wisconsin residents, these loans are offered through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. They provide affordable fixed-rate financing, down payment assistance options, and programs for both first-time and repeat buyers, all while requiring the home to be owner-occupied.
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How Can I Find a Trusted Local Wisconsin Realtor to Work With?

Churchill Mortgage's experienced Home Loan Specialists work closely with a network of trusted, local real estate agents across the state of Wisconsin. Just ask for a referral and we'll provide you with a professional who is committed to finding the right home for you.

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How Do Schools Rank in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin schools are generally considered above average compared to the rest of the U.S. The state consistently earns strong marks for high school graduation rates and student achievement.

  • Overall Ranking: Wisconsin typically places in the top 15–20 states nationally for K-12 education.

  • Strengths: High graduation rates (around 90%), solid test scores, and a wide range of well-rated public and private schools.

  • Top Districts: Areas such as Madison, Brookfield, and Whitefish Bay often receive high marks for academic performance and resources.

  • Higher Education: The University of Wisconsin system is also nationally recognized, with UW–Madison ranking among the top public universities.

For more information and to see how your local schools rank, visit the Wisconsin DPI Report Card website.

Reviews from Wisconsin Home Buyers

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Most of the process is done through a website and via email and phone communication, but having a brick and mortar location where you can actually talk to your loan officer in person is still so important. These guys still have that, on top of being good client advocates. Thank you guys for helping me make this happen!"

Clair S.
West Allis, WI
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Nathan was patient, informative, helpful, awesome, always on point. Great Experience!"

Marianne G.
Racine, WI
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"The process for us was a bit of a roller coaster but thanks to Mike everything worked out perfectly and on time. I don’t want to only thank Mike though as he has such a wonderful Team, big shoutout to Emily, and a huge thanks to everyone at Churchill for helping us make a dream come true."

Aaron F.
West Allis, WI

4.9 / 5

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Top Rated Mortgage Lender

Served over 100,000+ happy homeowners!

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Wisconsin Branch Locations

Delafield, WI

414-562-6510

Visit the Branch Website

383 Williamstowne, Ste 3

Churchill Loan Officers in Wisconsin

Conforming and high balance allowed. Cooperative housing not eligible. Not all applicants will qualify. Not a commitment to lend. Other restriction or limitations to any program may apply.

This calculator is being provided for educational purposes only. The provided values for interest rates are examples only and do not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms & offers. The results are estimates that are based on information you provided and may not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms. The information cannot be used by Churchill Mortgage to determine a customer's eligibility for a specific product or service. All financial calculators are provided by a third-party and are not controlled by or under the control of Churchill Mortgage. Churchill Mortgage is not responsible for the content, results, or the accuracy of information.

These calculations are hypothetical examples designed to for illustration purposes only. Consult a Home Loan Specialist for more specific information regarding payments, terms, etc.

As a responsible lender, Churchill Mortgage is committed to the principles outlined in federal and state lending laws ensuring all potential borrowers have access to the same information, services, and opportunities throughout the home loan process.