So, you're considering homeownership. You probably feel overwhelmed and excited all at once. Don't worry those feelings are natural. After all, buying a home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make.

DCHA wants to help guide you through the home buying process. We are convinced that homebuyer education is a critical first step. That is why we partner with industry professionals to offer 16 pre-purchase education courses per year. The goal is to help you become an informed consumer able to buy a home on terms you can afford. Please call 224-3636 x20 to register for a session today.

Upon completion of DCHA's six-hour pre-purchase course you will receive a Certificate of Completion. The DCHA First Time Homebuyer course meets the education requirement for most first time homebuyer down payment and closing cost programs in Dane County. Depending on your income, you may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance. However, regardless of your income, pre-purchase education is a good idea. You will gain valuable financial knowledge and skills that you can put to use as you are buying your first home and throughout the lifecycle of homeownership.

In addition to DCHA courses, you also have the opportunity to receive homeownership education sponsored by the Homebuyers Roundtable of Dane County.

In addition, one-on-one pre-purchase education and counseling is also available at Dane County Housing Authority and on a limited basis through Commonwealth Development.

Down Payment and Closing Cost Programs

Down payment and closing cost programs are available in Dane County through local governments, non-profits, WHEDA and the South Central Wisconsin Realtors Association. These programs are primarily available to households with incomes below 80% of the area median income.

It is important to understand that down payment and closing cost program funds are applied for through your lender. During the mortgage loan approval process your lender submits application(s) if you are eligible. Visit www.homebuyersroundtable.org/buying/dpa.html for a complete list of down payment and closing cost programs, area median income guidelines and other Dane County home buying resources.