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Self-Help Credit Union

Affordable Home Loans for First-Time Buyers


You don't have to be rich to own your own home.

The Equity Boost program for first-time homebuyers makes homeownership possible for everyday people with features that make it affordable

Prefer to call? 800-476-7428

Make 2026 the year you become a homeowner.

1% down payment

Get into your new home with as little as a 1% contribution.

Affordable monthly payments

Low interest rates and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Flexible underwriting

We can work with credit scores as low as 580.

Can be combined with other programs

We'll help identify any additional down payment assistance programs you qualify for.

Real people. Real homeowners.

We just felt like it was more people-oriented. We felt cared for, like we were the one and only customer.

— Alejandra Mayberry, Self-Help borrower and new homeowner

Self-Help borrower and first-time homeowner Wonderly Feathers
Self-Help borrower and first-time homeowner Wonderly Feathers

More help getting you to the closing table.

We work alongside Milwaukee's trusted housing organizations to help you access every dollar of down payment assistance available:

  • up to $20,000 Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
  • up to $10,000 ACTS Housing
  • up to $10,000 Housing Resources, Inc. (various grant programs)
  • up to $7,000 United Community Center (Milwaukee Home Down Payment Assistance Program)

Not every buyer will be eligible for assistance, and each program has restrictions. But our team will help you identify and apply for every dollar of down payment assistance you qualify for!

Build Wealth

Start building equity now.

Owning a home is still the best way to build wealth for yourself and your family.

With Equity Boost, you don't have to sit on the sidelines while you save a large down payment.

You can get into a home of your own with a total contribution of as little as 1% of the purchase price.

SAFE Home Savings

Protect your investment.

Homeownership brings with it home maintenance expenses — and we can help with that, too.

Every Equity Boost borrower is invited to open one of our special SAFE Home savings accounts. With SAFE Home, you can build a cash cushion that will be there for you when you need it.

  • You set up automated monthly deposits to your account.
  • We'll contribute $2,000 to help jump-start your savings.
  • You enjoy your home, ready for whatever unexpected expenses life throws your way.

Who is eligible?

Equity Boost is a great fit for you if:

  • You're a first-generation homebuyer OR you have a modest income.*
  • You have a credit score of at least 580.
  • You don't have too much existing debt. If you're not sure how much is too much, our team can help you figure it out.

Not sure if you'll qualify? Don't count yourself out! Get in touch, and our compassionate, experienced team will help figure out YOUR best path to homeownership.

Find out what's possible

*Modest income is defined as less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Complete our contact form below to learn more.

Do you dream of having your own home?


Equity Boost program details

0% down payment

Can be combined with down payment assistance if available. Borrower must contribute at least 1% of purchase price.

Closing costs can be financed into the loan.

Lower interest rate and monthly payment

Get a $2,000 contribution from us towards your rainy day funds

No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

Minimum credit score 580

* Income and purchase price limits apply.

* Approval subject to underwriting guidelines. Income and purchase price limits apply. [Full disclaimer text to be finalized.] Self-Help Credit Union is an Equal Housing Lender.

Want to learn more? Connect with our experienced home loan team today.