Affordable Home Lending Options
Your path to homeownership starts here—and with an array of affordable mortgage and down payment assistance programs, you’re closer than you think.
From your first to your forever home, we’re here to help make homeownership happen. With flexible loan options, grant programs and mortgage professionals ready to guide you every step of the way, you can move forward with confidence. Together, we can find the right fit for your life, budget and journey.
Program for Assisting Today’s Homebuyer (PATH)
The name reflects the program’s core mission: to make homeownership more attainable through affordable lending options, reduced barriers like low or no down payments and supportive guidance throughout the process. Features of this program include:
- Up to $7,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance (based on location and qualification).¹
- Immediately forgiven.
- Can be combined with other grant programs.
- Available on fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages and construction loan products.
- For owner-occupied primary residences.
Community Affordable Real Estate (CARE) mortgage program
Owning a home isn’t out of reach. In fact, CARE makes it possible with our highly affordable, community-oriented homebuying program. Features of this program include:
- First-time and repeat homeowners are eligible.
- Low down payment (funds can come from a gift or grant).
- Can be combined with other grant programs.
- No mortgage insurance required.
- Fixed-rate payment options with extended terms.
- Flexible credit guidelines.
Downpayment Plus® program
If you are set on buying a home and have a steady income and good credit, you may be able to lower your borrowing costs. Features of this program include:
- Up to $8,000 toward down payment and closing costs (based on location and qualification).¹
- Home buyer contributes at least $1,000 to purchase of the home.
- Pre-purchase homebuyer education and counseling required.
- For owner-occupied primary residences.
HomeReady® mortgage program²
For those with modest savings, the HomeReady mortgage program by Fannie Mae® can be a great option, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a repeat buyer or an existing homeowner looking to refinance. Features of this program include:
- Down payment as low as 3% (borrower income and purchase area must qualify).³
- Flexibility in down-payment funding (can come from gifts or grants).
- Online homeownership education course required.
- For owner-occupied primary residences.
Veterans Affairs (VA) loans
Are you a United States veteran? This flexible mortgage option, which tends to be more affordable than other loans, includes assistance with closing costs for qualified armed services veterans. Features of this program include:
- No down payment required.
- Buyer can finance up to 100% of property value.
- No mortgage insurance required.
- Funding available for both purchases and refinancing.
- For single-family, duplex, two-to-four unit or condo properties.
Not sure which affordable home lending program is right for you?
Our mortgage professionals are here to help guide you to the best fit for you and your homebuying goals.
Mortgage Down Payment Calculator
Wondering how much you need to save for a down payment? Use our mortgage calculator to find out.
Your Results
Based on the information you entered, you could qualify for a mortgage loan up to:
| Estimated Mortgage Loan Range | |
|---|---|
| $157,000 - $282,000 | |
We're sorry. You may not qualify for a mortgage loan with us.
You entered your monthly income at $6,700.
In order to qualify for a mortgage, your monthly expenses would have to be less than $XXX,XXX.
You may qualify for another kind of loan or line of credit. Call (800) 236-3617 to speak with a banker to discuss your options or learn more about mortgages.
These estimates are provided for informational purposes only. Always consult a banker for your individual situation.
This offer is limited to a new Associated Bank business checking account opened and funded through November 15, 2025. Open a new Associated business checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $100 and receive up to a $750 Bonus with one of three options:
A. Open a Business Access Checking® account and receive a $100 bonus with a minimum deposit of $2,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening. Also, must maintain a minimum daily balance of $2,000 between days 31 to 90 after opening your account.
OR
B. Open a Business Balanced Checking® account and receive a $400 bonus with a minimum deposit of $5,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening. Also, must maintain a minimum daily balance of $5,000 between days 31 to 90 after opening your account.
OR
C. Open a Business Choice Checking® account and receive a $750 bonus with a minimum deposit of $20,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening. Also, must maintain a minimum daily balance of $20,000 between days 31 to 90 after opening your account.
New money must be funds from outside Associated Bank; deposits or transfers from existing accounts do not qualify. The bonus is deposited into the new Associated Bank business checking account within 120 days of account opening. Account must be open at the time the bonus is paid and must remain open for a minimum of 12 months. If the account is closed within 12 months, Associated Bank reserves the right to deduct the monetary bonus from the account prior to closing.
Offer limited to one per customer and cannot be combined with other specials or offers. New customers opening online are limited to IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, OH and WI. Offer not available to customers who have received a new business checking account monetary bonus within the last 24 months and have or have had an Associated Bank business checking account within the last 12 months. Primary owner on the account must be 18 years or older to qualify. For tax reporting purposes, the bonus may be reported to the IRS on Form 1099. Associated Bank colleagues are not eligible. The offer is subject to change, at Associated Bank’s discretion, at any time without notice and other exclusions may apply. (1466)