11/6/2024: We are not taking applications at this time.

Do you qualify?

1st Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program

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The Down Payment Assistance Program is available to help first-time homebuyers achieve an affordable mortgage payment. To participate in the program, you must purchase a home in the City of La Crosse, qualify for a 30-year fixed mortgage and meet the additional eligibility requirements below. This is available to households at or below 120% County Median Income (CMI). Please review the chart below to see if you are eligible.

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Gross Income	$76,000	$86,900	$97,750	$108,600	$117,300	$126,000	$134,650	$143,350

Before you apply! CHECKLIST

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a first-time homebuyer as defined by HUD.
Have an income of 120% CMI or below.
Maximum total cash asset of $25,000.
Applicant must be able to obtain 30-year fixed rate mortgage financing.
Mortgage interest rate may not be greater than 2% of the national mortgage rate average.
Applicant required to provide a cash contribution of $1,000 or 1% of the purchase price; whichever is greater.
Purchase price may not exceed HUD’s area median purchase price.
Homebuyers must participate in a HUD approved First-time Homebuyer Education Class.
May not be paired with other Down Payment Assistance (DPA) grant or forgivable loan programs.
Ineligible properties include those conveyed with a land contract, rent or lease to own properties, mobile homes, homes that are not located in the City of La Crosse.
Homes must meet the minimum housing quality standards defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

We look forward to helping you become a successful homeowner!

APPLY

Existing Homes HOME/HTF Purchase Price Limit
1-Unit	2-unit	3-unit	4-unit
$242,000	$310,000	$375,000	$465,000

New Homes HOME/HTF Purchase Price Limit
1-Unit	2-unit	3-unit	4-unit
$341,000	$436,000	$528,000	$654,000

TERMS

Sign a 5-year owner occupied deed restriction if the grant amount is between $1-$15,000 and a 10-year owner occupied deed restriction if the grant amount is between $15,001-$25,000.
Grant amounts are based on the applicant’s household income.

Applicants that earn:

80% County Median Income (CMI) or less may be eligible to receive a grant up to 20% of the purchase price;
81-100% CMI may be eligible to receive a grant up to 15% of the purchase price;
101-120% CMI may be eligible to receive a grant up to 10% of the purchase price
Maximum DPA grant is $25,000.

Applicant has 90 days from conditional approval date to provide the City of La Crosse Community Development office with a signed offer to purchase.
Mortgage payments must be affordable to the Buyer. Monthly payments cannot exceed 30% of the applicant’s income. Maximum overall debt to income ratio cannot exceed 43%.
A home inspection must be performed on the property and submitted to the City Community Development Office, to ensure the property is safe and sanitary.