Housing Programs
Ripon First Housing Program
Now Accepting Applications!
The Ripon First Housing Program (RFHP) focuses on bringing home ownership within reach to families and individuals who are buying a home for the first time. RFHP offers qualifying first-time homeowners with down payment assistance for purchasing a new home in the city. The program is designed to help close the affordability gap for many lower income households currently unable to purchase their first home without assistance. Funds from the program will be available in the form of a one-time forgivable loan. Grants will be funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, to the extent funds are available, in Ripon, at the sole discretion of the City of Ripon. The initial funding allocation for the program shall not exceed $15,000.00. Important byproducts of the program include attracting new and diverse residents to the community and addressing employer workforce retention challenges.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants will be first-time home buyers seeking to purchase a home within the City of Ripon. First-time home buyer is defined as an individual or an individual and his or her spouse who have not had ownership interest in a property prior to the purchase of a home with program funds. Any individual who is a single parent may not be excluded from consideration as a first-time home buyer under this program on the basis that the individual, while married, owned a home with his or her spouse or resided in a home owned by the spouse. The primary applicant must be 18 years old or older and have the minimum income necessary to qualify for a loan from a lender. If married, both spouses must apply for the grant and loan from a lender. There are no income restrictions on applying for this program. Applicants may only pay up to 30% of their gross monthly income for a housing payment, including principal, interest, insurance and taxes. Applicants must prove the existence of a legitimate primary mortgage lender or other financing acceptable to the City of Ripon. At the time of application, the homebuyer must have an accepted sales contract. A property inspection is required for this program. Homes eligible under this program include single-family homes, single-family condo units, and twin-homes in Ripon. Applicants must intend to use the property purchased as their principal residence and must live in the property on a year-round basis.
Eligible Uses of Grant Funds: Funds may be used for down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time home buyers purchasing a single-family home, single-family condo unit, or twin-home in the City of Ripon. Mobile home purchase is not an eligible use. All decisions regarding grant fund disbursements, grant eligibility, and the uses of grant funds will be made by the City Administrator’s office.
Grant Terms and Conditions: If funding is available, the maximum amount of grant, in the form of a deferred loan, will be five thousand dollars ($5,000). Applicant(s) must be prepared to commit to living primarily in the property for a minimum of three (3) years. The program provides a grant, in the form of a deferred loan, for down payment and reasonable closing costs. The deferred loan shall not exceed $5,000. A lien or second mortgage will be placed upon the property for three (3) years and will be released, provided the owner(s) maintain and occupy the property as their primary residence and do not rent or sell the property within three (3) years. If the property is sold or rented within the 3-year period, the owner shall return all the financial assistance received. The amount is not pro-rated. If sold the full amount of assistance due back will be paid out of the net proceeds at closing. The program will allow for loan subordinations for the purpose of refinancing to a lower percentage rate or shorter loan term only. Applicant(s) must be approved for and obtain a first mortgage loan by an approved FHA, VA, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, or Wisconsin licensed mortgage lender. Loan terms secured by housing under this program shall be considered reasonable in the local primary lending trade. The interest rate for the mortgage must be reasonable and customary. The homebuyer, mortgage lender, and settlement agent will be notified by the city that a check will be disbursed. The check will be issued to the settlement agent. The City of Ripon Administration office will keep record of the dates of grant approval and program awards. The City of Ripon reserves the right to take and use photographs, as well as develop project summaries of individual construction projects for publicity purposes.
For questions regarding the program, please contact: Adam Sonntag, City Administrator City of Ripon 100 Jackson St. Ripon, WI 54971 (920) 748-4914 asonntag@cityofripon.com. Program information is attached below.
Exterior Home Repair Program
Applications being accepted starting: March 1st, 2024
The City of Ripon Exterior Home Repair Program (EHRP) is an opportunity for City of Ripon homeowners to receive up to a $5,000 nonrepayable grant for home repairs that extend the life of the home.
Funds from the program will be available in the form of a one-time grant. Grants will be funded through the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, to the extent funds are available, in Ripon, at the sole discretion of the City of Ripon. The goal of the program is to improve neighborhood quality of life, stabilize older housing stock, and enhance community capacity and aesthetics.
Eligibility Requirements
Homeowners below the threshold of 80% of County Median Household Income (MHI) are eligible for program grant funding with no match requirement. City of Ripon residents must reside in an owner-occupied, single-family home in need improvements and/or weatherization to be eligible for a grant. If married, both spouses must apply for the grant. Applicants must self-certify that they meet grant income requirements (gross income will be used to determine eligibility). All the applicant’s property taxes and utility bills must be current. Applicants are eligible to receive up to one grant award.
Eligible Uses of Grant Funds
Funds may be used to complete projects on single-family homes and/or detached garages. No improvements to other accessory structures shall be awarded grant funding. Eligible uses of grant funds include the following projects: •Grading to address stormwater runoff issues •Painting •Foundation repair •Front porch and stairs •Gutters •Garage doors •Fence repair •Roof • Windows • Siding • Exterior ADA accessibility features, including wheelchair ramps
Ineligible projects include projects which do not directly improve the longevity of the home, equipment expenses not related to eligible project type, and projects at tax-exempt properties. Determination of whether a project or expense qualifies for grant funding shall be left to the sole discretion of the city and will be addressed in a grant award. No work undertaken, whether completed or incomplete, no materials ordered, and no contracts entered into prior to application approval by the City, will be eligible for payment with grant funds. If an applicant chooses to self-perform work, only costs associated with the project materials will be considered eligible expenses. All decisions regarding grant fund disbursements, grant eligibility, and the uses of grant funds will be made by the City of Ripon Housing Committee and/or Administration office.
Grant Terms and Conditions
If funding is available, the maximum amount of grant per dwelling unit for single-family homes will be $5,000. The minimum project award that will be considered is $2,000. Homeowners shall submit at least two (2) estimates for the project from contractors and for supplies as part of the grant application. The homeowner shall be responsible for obtaining all building permits and other required approvals prior to the project commencing. Homeowners shall have one (1) year from the grant award to complete their project to be eligible for reimbursement. The grant payment will be in the form of a check payable to the applicant(s). Payment will be made after receipt of a program reimbursement form. This is a reimbursement grant to the applicant. Payment will not be made directly to any contractor or business. Applicants are responsible for any tax consequences.
The City of Ripon Administration office will keep record of the dates of grant approval and building permit issuance. The City of Ripon reserves the right to take and use photographs, as well as develop project summaries of individual construction projects for publicity purposes.
For questions regarding the program, please contact: Adam Sonntag, City Administrator City of Ripon 100 Jackson St. Ripon, WI 54971 (920) 748-4914 asonntag@cityofripon.com
Applications being accepted starting: March 1st, 2024
CDBG HOUSING PROGRAM
The City of Ripon recently received notice of another Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation. The funds will be loaned at 0% interest to eligible households for home repairs. Applications are accepted on a first come first serve basis. There is no cost to fill out an application and all information submitted is strictly confidential.
Funds are available for the following types of projects:
HOMEOWNERS
These funds will be lent to eligible households for home repairs. The loan is a 0%, deferred payment loan – you do not pay it back until you sell the house or no longer live there.
TENANTS
Loans are available to assist with purchasing a home. The loan is a 0%, deferred payment loan – you do not pay it back until you sell the house or no longer live there. Funds can assist you with down payment and closing costs. There will also be funds available to make repairs to the home that you purchase.
LANDLORDS
Installment loans are available for landlords who rent to tenants that are low- to moderate- income. The loan is a 0% interest loan. Contact the program administrator for more details.
The loan can be used to make the following types of repairs:
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Handicap Accessibility |
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Electrical Upgrades |
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Replace Windows & Doors |
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Connect Water & Sewer Lines |
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Roofing |
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Painting, Siding, Porch Repairs |
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Lead-Based Paint Removal |
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Other General Improvements |
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Repair/Replace Heating Systems, Water Heaters & Plumbing Systems |
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In order to be eligible, your income must be below the following limits for Fond du Lac County:
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Family Size |
Income Limit
1 - $42,200
2 - $48,200
3 - $54,250
4 - $60,250
5 - $65,100
6 - $69,900
7 - $74,750
8 - $79,550
For more information or to obtain an application for the CDBG Housing Program, please contact Kari Justmann at the Housing Program Office at 1-800-552-6330. Applications are also available at City Hall.