Follow the steps listed below to apply for a Homeownership Incentive. To qualify, the applicant must:
- Be a current renter in good standing in the Near West Side -or- be employed at Near West Side business;
- Agree to purchase a home in one of the seven the Near West Side neighborhoods;
- Agree to occupy that home as their primary residence; and
- Agree to participate in a homebuyer education program.
Step 1
Submit application materials to Near West Side Partners. Review and complete the program application and disclosure agreement and send it by email to NWSP at associate@nearwestsidepartners.org.
Step 2
NWSP verifies your employment status with your human resources department. NWSP will review your completed application and confirm your employment status with your company. NWSP is seeking only to confirm that you are employed at the stated company and will not ask for information outside of that detailed in the disclosure agreement.
Step 3
Qualified applicants receive an eligibility letter and information from a housing resource provider. Once your employment status has been verified, you will receive an eligibility letter and the contact information for ACTS Housing and Housing Resources, Inc. You determine which housing resource provider is the best fit and schedule a time to meet with them.
Step 4
Work with a housing resource provider to complete a home buyer readiness program, assess financial readiness and begin the home buying process. In order to be eligible for the homeownership incentive, all applicants must complete a home buyer readiness course. No matter where you are in the process or how much experience you might have, these resources are valuable. The housing resource provider is a great partner that may be able to help you identify even more down-payment assistance resources!
Step 5
Find your Near West Side dream home and work with a lender to complete the home-buying process. You select your preferred agent and lender to complete the home-buying process. Not sure who to work with? Don’t worry – your housing resource provider can help connect you with reputable agents and lenders! Remember, this incentive is available only for homes purchased in the Near West Side. If you are not sure if the home you love is in one of the seven Near West Side neighborhoods, please refer to the map on this page and/or email NWSP at associate@nearwestsidepartners.org.
Step 6
Prior to closing, contact NWSP to verify compliance with requirements. Once you have identified your dream home and have set a closing date, please contact NWSP. NWSP will communicate with the housing resource provider to confirm the completion of the readiness program and prepare the check for closing. Please contact NWSP at least two weeks prior to closing to ensure the incentive check is prepared in time for the big day.
Step 7
Home closing and presentation of homeownership incentive. You will receive your incentive check at the time of your closing.
Step 8
Celebrate! You are now a Near West Side neighbor and part of Milwaukee’s most vibrant communities. Move in, get settled, and then find out how you can get involved here!