WEST BEND, WI – Washington County, in partnership with Economic Development Washington County (EDWC), will be reopening the Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive for new applicants on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Individuals may register their email to receive additional updates and reminders about the application process by clicking on the “Register for Heart & Homestead Updates” banner on the website.
The Incentive first launched on April 4, 2024, and has since created a life-changing impact on those seeking a path to home ownership by providing up to $20,000 to qualifying homebuyers purchasing owner-occupied homes under $420,000. To date, the program has helped 150 families achieve the American Dream of homeownership by awarding $2,964,530 directly to homebuyers.
Recipients of the Incentive have five years to “earn” their incentive through volunteering their time and financially donating to nonprofit Participating Agencies serving residents of Washington County. Recipients can earn $25 for every hour volunteered and 70¢ for every $1 donated to a Participating Agency. Anyone living in the household can contribute to Incentive Earnings.
To qualify for Heart & Homestead, applicants must be 18 years or older, be pre-approved for a mortgage through an NMLS licensed lender, and pass a criminal background check. If approved, applicants have 90 days to receive an accepted offer to purchase on a home or sign a construction contract with a builder. Funds are awarded on the day of the home closing.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Washington County website to learn more about the program. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their application early on April 7 because funding is limited and expected to be allocated quickly.
For more information on Heart & Homestead visit: https://heartandhomewashco.com/
