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Appleton Housing Authority First-Time Affordable Homebuyer Program

Appleton Housing Authority (AHA) · Appleton, Wisconsin

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Price cap

$268,000

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 5 years

What is Appleton Housing Authority First-Time Affordable Homebuyer Program?

Appleton Housing Authority First-Time Affordable Homebuyer Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Appleton, Wisconsin, administered by Appleton Housing Authority (AHA).

  • Down payment, closing cost, and home repair assistance for income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a single-family home in Outagamie or Calumet County. Assistance is structured so that 50% of the down payment assistance is a 5-year grant and the balance is a 0% interest deferred loan; the deferred loan accrues no interest and requires no monthly payments while the owner lives in the home. Established in 1993.
  • Down payment/closing cost and repair assistance; 50% of down payment assistance provided as a 5-year grant, the remaining balance as a 0% interest deferred loan with no monthly payments.

Do you have to pay it back?

Appleton Housing Authority First-Time Affordable Homebuyer Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • The assistance is recorded in second position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Appleton Housing Authority First-Time Affordable Homebuyer Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 580 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Property must be a single-family home located in Outagamie or Calumet County (no duplexes or rental property). Applicant must occupy the home. Household income must be above 50% and at or below 80% of county median income. Minimum credit score 580. Purchase price limits: $257,000 (Outagamie County), $268,000 (Calumet County). HUD-approved homebuyer education and counseling required prior to closing (two-part series with a course fee; available in Spanish). All homes inspected to HUD housing quality standards before purchase.

The program excludes

  • Purchases above the $268,000 price cap
  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Appleton Housing Authority First-Time Affordable Homebuyer Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income must be above 50% and at or below 80% of county median income, adjusted for household size. 2026 max gross income by household size (Outagamie/Calumet): 1=$62,300; 2=$71,200; 3=$80,100; 4=$88,950; 5=$96,100; 6=$103,200; 7=$110,300; 8+=$117,450.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Appleton Housing Authority First-Time Affordable Homebuyer Program caps the purchase price at $268,000.

Where does it apply?

Appleton Housing Authority First-Time Affordable Homebuyer Program serves buyers purchasing in Appleton, Wisconsin.

How do you apply?

Applications for Appleton Housing Authority First-Time Affordable Homebuyer Program go through Appleton Housing Authority (AHA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact Appleton Housing Authority (AHA) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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