UHM Home Start FHA Down Payment Assistance in Wisconsin (2025 Guide)
Buying a home in Wisconsin just got easier. The UHM Home Start FHA Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program helps first-time and returning buyers get into a home with less money out of pocket - while keeping their loan serviced by Union Home Mortgage.
If you've been struggling to save for a down payment or need help with closing costs, this program could be a perfect fit.
Need answers right away?
👉 Chat with my 24/7 Wisconsin Mortgage & Real Estate Assistant - it'll walk you through FHA and DPA options, eligibility, and next steps.
What Is the UHM Home Start FHA DPA Program?
The UHM Home Start FHA 30-Year Fixed program is a first mortgage product designed exclusively for purchases. It pairs a standard FHA-insured first mortgage with a Down Payment Assistance Second (DPA 2nd) loan to reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket cash requirement.
Union Home Mortgage services the FHA first mortgage, allowing you to stay connected with your loan officer for future refinances or purchases - instead of your loan being sold off like most other HFA programs.
This program is open to low-to-moderate-income buyers nationwide, following standard FHA guidelines on the first mortgage.
🏠 How It Works
Step 1: Choose Your First Mortgage
- UHM Home Start 3.5% FHA 30-Year Fixed
- UHM Home Start 5% FHA 30-Year Fixed
Both are standard 30-year fixed FHA loans, meaning no adjustable rates or term reductions. These loans must be paired with their corresponding UHM Home Start FHA Repayable 10-Year DPA Second loan.
Step 2: Add the DPA Second
The DPA second provides 3.5% or 5% of the lower of the sales price or appraised value to cover your FHA down payment and - with the 5% version - even part of your closing costs.
💡 Bonus Benefit:
With the 5% DPA option, 1.5% of that assistance can be used to offset closing costs.
That means you can get help with both your down payment and the extra costs like title, appraisal, and lender fees - all in one combined program.
DPA Second Key Details:
- 10-year term
- Repayable (not forgiven or deferred)
- Cannot be subordinated for 3 years
- Temporary buydowns not allowed
- Permanent buydowns permitted
💡 Why Home Start Beats Typical Assistance Programs
Most DPA programs are run through state Housing Finance Authorities (HFAs), which often sell your loan immediately after closing.
With UHM's Arrive Home / Home Start, Union Home Mortgage services your FHA first - meaning your loan stays with us and your relationship stays local.
That helps ensure long-term service continuity and better communication down the road if you ever refinance or purchase again.
✅ Key Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Down Payment Help | Covers up to 5% of the sales price or appraised value |
| Closing Cost Help | 1.5% of the 5% DPA may be used toward closing costs |
| Predictable Payments | 30-year fixed FHA rate on the first mortgage |
| Retention Servicing | UHM keeps servicing in-house |
| Accessible | Follows standard FHA guidelines |
| Nationwide Availability | Not limited to one state program |
| No Loan Term Reduction | Always a full 30-year fixed loan |
🧾 Important Program Rules
- Purchases only - no refinances allowed
- Loan term reductions not permitted
- Temporary buydowns prohibited
- Permanent buydowns allowed
- Must combine DPA 2nd with a Home Start FHA 30-year fixed first
- DPA 2nd cannot be subordinated within the first 3 years
Who Qualifies?
You may be eligible if you:
- Meet FHA credit and income guidelines
- Qualify as low-to-moderate income
- Will occupy the home as your primary residence
- Use both the Home Start FHA first and Repayable 10-Year DPA 2nd
If you're unsure, my AI Mortgage & Real Estate Assistant can help you check eligibility instantly.
Example: How It Looks in Real Life
Let's say you're buying a $250,000 home in Waukesha.
- FHA requires 3.5% down = $8,750
- Home Start 5% DPA = $12,500 total assistance
- 3.5% ($8,750) covers the down payment
- 1.5% ($3,750) can go toward closing costs
- Result: You bring little to no money to the table
You'll still pay standard FHA closing costs, but with this structure, your upfront burden is drastically reduced - and your loan stays right here with Union Home Mortgage.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The UHM Home Start FHA with Repayable DPA 2nd is one of the most flexible, practical, and retention-focused homeownership programs available.
It combines an affordable 30-year fixed FHA loan with meaningful assistance toward your down payment and closing costs.
It's perfect for Wisconsin buyers ready to own but not ready to drain their savings to get there.
🚀 Get Started Today
Adam Zeman - Union Home Mortgage
NMLS #870441
📞 414-975-2654
✉️ azeman@uhm.com
🌐 www.mkemortgage.com
🤖 Chat with My 24/7 AI Mortgage & Real Estate Assistant
Let's walk through your numbers and find out exactly how much assistance you qualify for.
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