Movin' Out helps low-income people with disabilities purchase their own homes by providing tailored housing counseling and an individualized housing plan. For many home buyers, Movin' Out can line up sources of down payment subsidies in the form of deferred loans. Movin' Out helps current home owners plan accessibility, health, and safety modifications and provides funding to carry out the plan.

A Message from Home Owner Cheryl

"With Movin’ Out’s help I now live in a beautiful neighborhood in a lovely home that I can call mine. I am surrounded by nature and my son and his family are just minutes away! The two things that have made this experience truly magnificent are becoming part of a community again and sharing the joy of home-ownership pride. That makes waking each day in my home something to be thankful for every day. I cannot thank Movin’ Out enough for their assistance and for their dedication to helping persons with disabilities find their community and share home- ownership pride as well. It truly changes lives."

Sue's Story

Sue Helgesen’s dream of home ownership was realized in 2005. She has given Movin' Out permission to share her success story of purchasing her own two-bedroom condo. While each Movin' Out story is one of a kind, Sue hopes her experience will encourage others to pursue their dream too. Since 1997, Movin' Out has helped more than 700 people with disabilities purchase homes and/or obtain resources to make them more livable, accessible and/or improve safety.

Sue contacted Movin' Out and there, a housing counselor helped her transform her dream into a housing plan. The first step: save money for a down payment. Sue saved. When she had as much as her SSI and Medicaid benefits would allow her to have in assets, she had to find a way to keep saving without putting her income in jeopardy.

Movin Out helped her get in touch with an attorney who helped Sue and her family set up a trust for Sue’s savings that maintained her eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Sue saved for three years before taking the next step in her plan which was to talk with her Movin’ Out counselor, Michelle, and a mortgage lender about all the details of qualifying for a mortgage and finding a place she could afford to stay in over the long term.

Counties Served through 2015
by Movin’ Out

Movin' Out Statewide

Movin’ Out offers some programs and services on a statewide basis and others in limited geographical areas.

1,441 households in 67 Wisconsin counties have worked with us to purchase a new home or to rehab or make accessibility modifications to their existing home.

The City of Madison
Home Buyer Assistance Program

What does this program offer? 

The City of Madison Home Buyer Assistance Program provides 0% interest, deferred-payment, shared appreciation loans to assist qualified first-time home buyers with down payment and closing costs on a home purchase. 

Who is eligible for this program?

Eligibility requirements include:

• Household income at 80% of county median or less.
• First-time home buyer, single parent or displaced homemaker.
• A household member must have a permanent disability.

Are there any geographical or property-type restrictions?

• Eligible properties must be in the city of Madison.
• Single-family homes, condominiums and some half duplexes or twin homes qualify.
• No rental properties.

What costs do these funds cover?

Borrowers can use the loan for down payment costs and closing costs that are standard to the industry. These can include an appraisal, credit report, title insurance, settlement fees and other costs. 

Who provides the funds for this program?

Funds for this program are provided by the City of Madison, mostly using funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

What are the repayment terms for this program?

No payments are required until the borrower sells the property, stops using it as a primary residence or initiates a cash-out refinance process. The entire loan is then due and payable along with a portion of any appreciation in the value of the home that has accrued since the loan was closed. 

Can funds from this program be used with other assistance programs?

Yes. The program can be used with a household’s personal resources and some other home buyer assistance programs.  

Are there other requirements to qualify for this program through Movin’ Out?

Yes, in addition to the eligibility requirements outlined above, the borrower must: 

• Participate in home buyer education.
• Borrower must have cash down payment of 1% of their own funds.
• Participate in the City of Madison’s Minimum Housing Code (MHC) inspection, which is arranged and paid for by the City. 
• Arrange and pay for an independent third party inspection. Provide written court permission for the purchase of the home, if the applicant has a guardian.
• Secure first mortgage terms that include a fixed interest rate at no more than 2% above the current Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) loan rate. 
• Ensure that maximum loan origination, points and/or funding fees do not exceed 2% of loan amount; no pre-payment penalties. 
• All household members must be documented United States Citizens or eligible aliens.
• The accepted combined housing and total debt to income ratio is 36%. An expanded combined ratio of 45% may be allowed with strong compensating factors. Loan requests with a combined ratio below 25% will be approved on a case by case basis.
• Must comply with all requirements of the City of Madison Program Guide for Homeownership Developers and Sub-Recipients manual.

Where can I get more information or apply? 

Contact Movin’ Out

608-251-4446 x7

info@movin-out.org  

 

Dane County
Home Buyer Assistance Program

What does this program offer? 

The Dane County Home Buyer Assistance Program provides 0% interest, deferred-payment loans to assist qualified first-time home buyers with down payment and closing costs on a home purchase. 

Who is eligible for this program?

Eligibility requirements include:

• Household income at 80% of county median or less.
• First-time home buyer, single parent or displaced homemaker.
• A household member must have a permanent disability.

Are there any geographical or property-type restrictions?

• Property must be located in one of the participating municipalities of the Dane County Consortium..
• Single-family homes, condominiums and some half duplexes or twin homes qualify.
• No rental properties.

What costs do these funds cover?

Borrowers can use the loan for down payment costs and closing costs that are standard to the industry. These can include an appraisal, credit report, title insurance, settlement fees and other costs. 

Who provides the funds for this program?

Funds for this program are provided by Dane County

What are the repayment terms for this program?

No payments are required until the borrower sells the property, stops using it as a primary residence or initiates a cash-out refinance process. The entire loan is then due and payable without interest.

Can funds from this program be used with other assistance programs?

Yes. The program can be used with a household’s personal resources and some other home buyer assistance programs. 

Are there other requirements to qualify for this program through Movin’ Out?

Yes, in addition to the eligibility requirements outlined above, the borrower must: 

• Participate in home buyer education.
• Borrower Borrower must contribute $500 from borrower’s own funds.
• Participate in the Dane County Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection, which is arranged and paid for by the County. . 
• Arrange and pay for an independent third party inspection.
• Provide written court permission for the purchase of the home, if the applicant has a guardian.
• Secure first mortgage terms that include a fixed interest rate at no more than 2% above the current Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) loan rate. 
• Ensure that maximum loan origination, points and/or funding fees do not exceed 2% of loan amount; no pre-payment penalties. 
• Borrower’s maximum housing debt to income ration, after including CDBG or HOME assistance, may not exceed 38%. Borrower’s total debt to income ratio must not exceed 45%. Loan requests with a housing ratio below 25% will be approved on a case by case basis. .
• Must comply with all requirements of Dane County CDBG/HOME Program Policy and Procedures Manual.
• All household members must be legal citizens of the United States or qualified aliens.

Where can I get more information or apply? 

Contact Movin’ Out

608-251-4446 x7

info@movin-out.org  

 

Home Owner Repair

What does this program offer?

The Home Repair Loan Program provides eligible home owners with a 0% interest mortgage loan that can be used to repair the owner’s home or to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. 

Who is eligible for this program?

Eligibility requirements include: 

• The home must be occupied by the owner as his or her residence.
• Household income at 80% of county median or less.
• A household member must have a permanent disability.
• Payments must be current on mortgage, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.

Are there any geographical or property-type restrictions?

Owners of homes located in these 18 counties can apply for a home repair loan:

What costs do these funds cover?

Borrowers can use the loan for repairs or changes that make the home safe or more accessible. Repairs or changes can include expenses such as roof replacement or repair, a new furnace, installation of a ramp or handrails, and kitchen or bathroom updates that maximize accessibility.

Who provides the funds for this program?

Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s (FHLBC) Member Bank originates a deferred, forgivable loan with a note secured by a mortgage. Funds for this program are provided by FHLBC.

What are the repayment terms for this loan?

There are no monthly payments. The borrower must remain in the home and cannot default on the loan agreement. 1/60th of the loan is forgiven each month so that after five years of residence, the loan is completely forgiven. The AHP loan would be secured by a subordinate lien mortgage. 

Can funds from this program be used with other assistance programs?

Yes. The program can be used with a household’s personal resources and many other home buyer assistance programs. 

What is the process for obtaining this loan?

Once a home owner submits an application and required documents, Movin’ Out reviews the application for approval and reserves the funds. Next steps include:  •  File signed grant agreement and mortgage with the county Register of Deeds. •  Arrange professional inspection of home before and after rehab work is done. •  Obtain estimates from two professional contractors.

How are the loan funds paid out?

Funds are available up front on a case-by-case basis to cover the contractor’s costs for ordering materials. After the work is complete, a final inspection is done. The homeowner must sign a verification of completion and contractors must provide a signed lien waiver upon completion of the job. 

Are there other requirements to qualify for this program through Movin’ Out?

No.

Where can I get more information or apply? 

Contact Movin’ Out

608-251-4446 x7

info@movin-out.org  

 

Home Buyer Education Classes

What does this program offer?

Movin’ Out, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Certified Housing Counseling Agency, in partnership with the Home Buyers Round Table, provides home buyer education required for down payment assistance programs.

With 7 hours of classroom instruction presented by industry experts, as well as individual counseling with certified housing counselors, this program prepares you for a successful home search and purchase experience.

Content experts teach you about: credit, money management, down payment assistance, mortgage lending, real estate, home inspection, home insurance, closing documents and procedures.

Who is eligible for this program?
Everyone is eligible.

Home Buyer Class Description 

Home Buyer Class Schedule 

Dane County Momentum

What does this program offer?

The Momentum Home Buyer Assistance Program helps people with low-to-moderate incomes purchase their first home. It offers 0% interest, deferred-payment loans that qualified buyers can use to assist with down payment and closing costs. 

Who is eligible for this program?

Eligibility requirements include: 

• Household income at 80% of county median or less.
• First-time home buyer, single parent or displaced homemaker.
• Disability is not a requirement to qualify for a Momentum loan.

Are there any geographical or property-type restrictions?

• Property must be located in one of the participating municipalities of the Dane County Consortium
• Single-family homes, condominiums and some duplexes or twin homes qualify. 
• No rental properties.

What costs do the funds cover?

The loan can be used for down payment costs and closing costs that are standard to the industry. These can include an appraisal, credit report, title insurance, settlement fees and other costs. 

Who provides the funds for this program?

Funds for this program are provided by Dane County.

What are the repayment terms for this program?

No payments are required until the borrower sells the property, stops using it as a primary residence or initiates a cash-out refinance process. The entire loan is then due and payable. 

Can funds from this program be used with other assistance programs?

Yes. The program can be used with a household’s personal resources and some other home buyer assistance programs. 

Are there other requirements to qualify for this program through Movin’ Out?

Yes, in addition to the eligibility requirements outlined above, the borrower must: 

• Participate in home buyer education.
• Borrower must contribute $500 from borrower’s own funds.
• Participate in the Dane County Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection, which is arranged and paid for by the County.
• Arrange and pay for an independent third party inspection. Provide written court permission for the purchase of the home, if the applicant has a guardian.
• Secure first mortgage terms that include a fixed interest rate at no more than 2% above the current Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) loan rate.
• Ensure that maximum loan origination, points and/or funding fees do not exceed 2% of loan amount; no pre-payment penalties. Borrower’s maximum housing debt to income ration, after including CDBG or HOME assistance, may not exceed 38%.
• Borrower’s total debt to income ratio must not exceed 45%. Loan requests with a housing ratio below 25% will be approved on a case by case basis.
• Must comply with all requirements of Dane County CDBG/HOME Program Policy and Procedures Manual.
• All household members must be legal citizens of the United States or qualified aliens.

Where can I get more information? 

Contact a Housing Counselor for specific questions or more information

How do I apply? 

Contact Movin’ Out

608-251-4446 x7

info@movin-out.org