Home financing in Dodge County.

Home financing is any loan or funding arrangement that helps you purchase, refinance, or improve a home. The most common type is a mortgage — a loan secured by the property itself, repaid in monthly installments over 15 to 30 years. Your interest rate, loan term, and down payment requirements will vary depending on the type of loan and the lender you choose.

In Dodge County, buyers can access conventional loans (offered by banks and credit unions), government-backed loans (such as FHA, VA, and USDA), and special state programs through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).

Each option has its own rules about credit scores, income, and property type.

The key is finding the right fit for your specific situation — not simply defaulting to the most heavily advertised product.

Dodge County is a mix of small cities — Beaver Dam, Mayville, Horicon, Juneau — rural farmland, and growing commuter communities within reach of Madison and Milwaukee. This geography shapes who qualifies and for what.

**First-Time Homebuyers:** WHEDA's programs are available statewide, but Dodge County's median home prices (generally in the $200,000–$280,000 range as of recent years) often fall well within WHEDA's purchase price limits, making this county a practical fit for first-time buyer assistance.

**Rural Residents:** Much of Dodge County qualifies for USDA Rural Development home loans, which offer zero-down-payment options for income-eligible buyers. This is one of the most underused programs in the county.

**Solo Contractors and Self-Employed Buyers:** If you work independently — in construction, agriculture, trucking, or home services — qualifying can be harder because your income looks irregular on paper. Local lenders and CDFIs are more experienced at reading Schedule C income and bank statements than large online lenders.

**ITIN Holders:** If you do not have a Social Security number but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can still apply for a home loan. Several lenders serving Dodge County offer ITIN mortgage programs. You are not required to be a U.S. citizen to buy a home.

**Credit Considerations:** A credit score of 620 or above opens most conventional loan doors, but FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. Some ITIN and CDFI programs have more flexible credit standards.

Gathering your paperwork before you apply saves time and reduces stress. Here is what most lenders in Dodge County will ask for:

**For All Borrowers:**

- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID card)

- ITIN or Social Security number

- Two years of federal tax returns (or ITIN tax filings)

- Two most recent W-2s or 1099s

- Two to three months of bank statements

- Recent pay stubs (if employed by someone else)

- Proof of current housing payments (rent receipts or mortgage statements)

**For Self-Employed / Solo Contractors:**

- Two years of business tax returns (Schedule C or partnership returns)

- A year-to-date profit-and-loss statement

- Business bank statements (separate from personal, if possible)

- Any contracts or letters confirming ongoing work

**For ITIN Borrowers:**

- Valid ITIN (Form W-7 or the ITIN letter from the IRS)

- Two years of ITIN tax returns filed with the IRS

- Additional references may be requested (utility bills, rental history)

**For the Property:**

- Signed purchase agreement

- Property address (for appraisal and title search)

Tip: Do not pay anyone to "clean" your credit or guarantee loan approval before you have applied. Legitimate lenders review documents — they do not demand upfront fees.