Direct Home Loan Program to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes.

STEVENS POINT, WI - USDA Rural Development has funding available for very low and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area.

“Safe, affordable housing and the availability of credit are key to the growth and prosperity of rural communities,” said Acting State Director, Dave Schwobe.  “USDA Rural Housing Programs have provided stability and opportunity for over 60 years and we value what we have accomplished.”

USDA Rural Development’s Rural Housing Programs offer a broad range of homeownership assistance available to individuals and families who wish to, or currently, live in rural areas, cities and communities. The Rural Housing Program area of USDA Rural Development has the ultimate goal of providing affordable homeownership opportunities to Wisconsin residents.

USDA’s Direct Home Loan Program offers financing to qualified very-low and low income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required and the interest rate could be as low as one percent with a subsidy. Applicants must meet income and credit guidelines and demonstrate repayment ability. The program is available in rural communities of 20,000 people or less.

The maximum loan amount for repair is $20,000 at a one percent interest rate, repayable for up to 20 years. Grants of up to $7,500 are available to homeowners 62 and older and must be used to remove health or safety hazards, such as fixing a leaking roof, installing indoor plumbing or replacing a furnace.

Portions of all counties in Wisconsin are eligible for Rural Development programs with the exception of Milwaukee County. Check our website to determine if you are within the established income limit based on household size and county and if the home you wish to purchase or repair is located within an eligible area.

For further information on USDA Rural Development programs, call us at 715-345-7611 or visit our website at www.rd.usda.gov/wi.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.