Home financing in Marquette County.

Home financing — commonly called a mortgage — is a loan that lets you buy a home by spreading the cost over many years, usually 15 to 30.

You pay back the loan in monthly installments that include both the principal (the amount you borrowed) and interest (the lender's fee for lending it).

The home itself serves as collateral, which means the lender has a legal claim on it until the loan is fully paid.

There are several types of home loans available to buyers in Marquette County:

• **Conventional loans** — offered by banks and credit unions, typically requiring a credit score of 620 or higher and a down payment of 3–20%.

• **FHA loans** — backed by the federal government, allowing credit scores as low as 580 and down payments as low as 3.5%. These are popular with first-time buyers.

• **USDA Rural Development loans** — because most of Marquette County is designated rural, many properties here qualify for USDA financing, which can mean zero down payment for eligible buyers.

• **VA loans** — for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. No down payment required.

• **ITIN loans** — for buyers who do not have a Social Security number but do have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Several local and regional lenders offer these.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to buy a home in Wisconsin. Immigration status and home ownership are separate matters.

Marquette County is a rural, sparsely populated county in central Wisconsin, anchored by the city of Montello and surrounded by lakes, farmland, and forested areas. The local economy is shaped by agriculture, small business, light tourism around Buffalo Lake and the Montello area, and a growing number of remote workers and retirees.

Because median home prices in Marquette County are generally lower than the Wisconsin state average, home ownership is within reach for many moderate-income buyers. Here is a general sense of who may qualify:

• **Wage earners and self-employed workers** — contractors, farmers, tradespeople, and small business owners can qualify. Self-employed applicants typically need two years of tax returns to document income.

• **First-time home buyers** — Marquette County buyers who have not owned a home in the past three years may qualify for Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) programs with reduced down payment requirements and favorable interest rates.

• **ITIN holders** — buyers without a Social Security number who file taxes using an ITIN can access ITIN mortgage products through select lenders. Consistent tax filing history (typically two years) and steady income are the main requirements.

• **Low-to-moderate income buyers** — USDA Rural Development loans are a strong fit for this county. Income limits apply, but they are generally set at 115% of the area median income, which covers many working households in Marquette County.

• **Buyers with imperfect credit** — FHA loans accommodate credit scores from 580. Some community lenders and CDFIs work with buyers who have limited credit history rather than bad credit.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, a HUD-approved housing counselor can review your situation at no cost before you ever talk to a lender.

Gathering your paperwork ahead of time makes the process much smoother. Requirements vary by loan type, but most lenders in Marquette County will ask for the following:

**Identity and residency:**

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

- ITIN letter from the IRS (if applicable, instead of Social Security card)

- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)

**Income documentation:**

- Last two years of federal tax returns (W-2s, 1099s, or full returns if self-employed)

- Recent pay stubs covering the last 30 days (if employed by someone else)

- Profit and loss statement for the current year (if self-employed or a contractor)

- Award letters for Social Security, disability, or pension income

**Assets and savings:**

- Last two to three months of bank statements

- Documentation of any gift funds (a signed gift letter if a family member is helping with the down payment)

- Retirement or investment account statements, if applicable

**Property:**

- Accepted purchase offer or property address (once you have one)

- Landlord contact info for rental history verification, if you have rented

**Credit:**

- Lenders will pull your credit report themselves, but it is helpful to review your own credit report for errors before you apply. You can get a free copy at AnnualCreditReport.com.

For ITIN borrowers specifically: two or more years of ITIN tax returns, an ITIN verification letter, and 12–24 months of on-time payment history (rent, utilities, or other recurring bills) are often sufficient to get started.