Are you a first time home buyer? Lender looking for down payment assistance? Are you having trouble paying your mortgage? Interested in Partnership Opportunities?

Please Note: We anticipate down payment funding becoming available June 2008. Check this site periodically to learn if funds are available and for directions to completing the lender package.

Since 2000, DCHA has administered the Dane County First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program Funds are generally provided through Dane County's HOME funds from the Department of Housing & Urban Development (CDBG). Dane County became an "entitlement" community in 1998. This designation based on population annually brings funds tot Dane County for a range of community housing purposes including down payment assistance.

DCHA funds for Down Payment Assistance are modest and availability is limited. When available, DCHA dollars can be "stacked" with other community program dollars depending on fund availability and program guidelines. DCHA usually receives contracts from the County Executive's Office in March/April. However in 2007, DCHA received its contracts in Spring/Summer 2007.

DCHA Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program Guidelines

Eligible Area:   Properties located within the Dane County Urban County Consortium.
Visit www.countyofdane.com/plandev/community/cdbg/participate_community.asp to view the participating communities.
Income Eligibility: Gross household income from all sources may not exceed 80% of County Median Income, (CMI), per HUD guidelines adjusted for household size. DCHA will accept income verification from the lenders loan file.
First Time Buyer: Participation is limited to first-time homebuyers or those who have not owned a home in the last three years. In addition, a person who formerly owned a home with a spouse and now is purchasing on his/her own may also be eligible for DCHA funds.
Maximum Loan: The minimum loan amount is $1,000. The maximum loan amount is $10,000. In order to stretch the dollars, loan amounts will vary based on whether or not the transaction can close without DCHA funds.
Home Buyer Education: Home Buyer Counseling provided by DCHA is required. Course dates/schedule can be found at under "Are you a first time buyer".
Loan Conditions:
  • The Down Payment loan becomes due and payable when borrower sells the property or terminates occupancy as primary residence or upon cash-out refinance.
  • The loan bears no interest.
  • Payment is deferred until the home is sold or borrower changes primary residence or upon cash-out refinance.
  • No payments are required while these conditions are met.
Home Inspection: The DCHA will perform a HUD Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspection, including assessment of potential lead paint hazards before closing. The HQS inspection is not a substitute for a property inspection by a licensed home inspector, which is also required.
Eligible Costs: All customary closing costs standard to the industry, and any "prepaids" (home inspection, credit report, mortgage insurance, hazard insurance). No cash back to borrower.
Minimum Down: Borrower must contribute a minimum of 1 percent of the purchase price to the transaction.
Eligible Properties: Single-family homes, condominiums or ½ duplex in the participating municipalities of the Dane County Housing and Community Development Partnership.
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