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FIRST TIME HOME BUYER PROGRAMS

Meet the Mortgage Team and get started, today.

First Time Home Buyers in Illinois & Wisconsin

If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Wisconsin or Illinois, Blackhawk Bank can help. We offer a variety of first-time homebuyer programs with down-payment assistance.

Our programs and availability vary by state. Some options include Wisconsin’s WHEDA Loan, Illinois’ IHDA Grant and the Federal Home Loan Bank program. We invite you to learn more about each of these first-time homebuyer loans here.

WHEDA Loan

If you’re looking for an easy and effective first time homebuyer program, a WHEDA loan may be right for you. The WHEDA Advantage Home Loan features low monthly mortgage payments, a small down payment and closing cost assistance. You also benefit from a fixed interest rate.

The WHEDA program is designed to save you money now and in the future.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be a home buyer with sufficient credit and income to support a monthly mortgage loan
  • Participate in a qualified homebuyer education program to support your future success
  • Plan to use the property that your loan will apply to as your primary place of residence
  • Purchase a single family home or a duplex – the latter may have additional requirements

Those who qualify for a WHEDA loan may also qualify for the First Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Advantage home loan. FTHB is offered exclusively as a first-time homebuyer loan for qualified buyers. Eligibility is determined through the WHEDA process and confers other benefits.

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) reserves the right to change or modify this program at any time. For the most current and up-to-date program details, please visit WHEDA’s website.

IHDA Grant and Loan Program

Looking for first-time homebuyer grants? The IHDA program, available exclusively in Illinois, combines a mortgage loan with favorable terms and a grant that can be applied to your down payment. You receive a fixed interest rate on the loan and a grant for assistance.

With the IHDA program, you have a choice of a Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Affairs, or conventional loan type. This allows you to customize your home buying approach based on your background and the location of the property to be purchased.

To be eligible for this Illinois grant, you must be a first-time homebuyer who can:

  • Minimum contribution amounts may apply
  • Meet IHDA’s  income and purchase price limits
  • Adhere to IHDA’s credit requirements
  • Agree to live in the new home as your primary residence
  • Attend homeownership counseling

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) reserves the right the change or modify this program at any time. For the most current and up-to-date program details, please visit IHDA’s website.

Downpayment Plus

By participating in Downpayment Plus, you receive a grant to help with your down payment, based on your matching contribution.  This matching program provides triple what the homebuyer contributes, up to a specific maximum amount.  A Blackhawk Bank Mortgage Planner will give you specific details about the allowable grant amounts.  

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB Chicago) reserves the right the change or modify this program at any time. For the most current and up-to-date program details, please visit FHLB Chicago’s website.

 

Blackhawk Bank offers a variety of first-time homebuyer programs with down-payment assistance.

Programs and availability vary by state. Click a link below to learn more, and ask your Blackhawk Mortgage Planner for details. Our job is to make the available programs easy for you to understand.
IHDA.org
WHEDA.com
Federal Home Loan Bank


We also offer you Home-buyer education.  Click the links below: 

MGIC's Home Buyer Education  will help you enter the home-buying process with your eyes wide open. You'll find information on preparing to buy your home, as well as information about overlooked or misunderstood options to buy your home using  private mortgage insurance .

Blackhawk Bank's  Buying a Home Guide

CFPB's  Home Loan Toolkit

Fannie Mae's  Home Ready  

Learn More about First Time Home Buyer Loans

If you are interested in any of these loans, or if you are interested in learning about more loans than are available to you, please contact us. Our job is to make the available programs easy for you to understand so that you can pick the one that’s right for you.

 

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1515 Charleston Avenue | Mattoon, IL 61938

Phone: 877-888-5629

MortgageCenter@FirstMid.com

NMLS 411170     |     FAIR LENDER     |     MEMBER FDIC    |    PRIVACY POLICY

 

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