MADISON — In calendar year 2018, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority provided mortgages to 3,918 individuals and families totaling $497.6 million. 

According to a press release from the organization, this is the best WHEDA single family lending volume since 2007, just before the housing crisis hit in 2008.

WHEDA’s single family lending volume saw a significant increase in 2018. In calendar year 2017, loans were made to 3,078 individuals and families totaling $371.2 million. WHEDA continues to grow as a statewide provider of mortgage loan products and services. Since 2011, the amount of WHEDA’s single family lending has consistently increased every year.

WHEDA’s flagship mortgage is its First-Time Home Buyer preferred interest rate loan product, which was introduced in 2015. During 2018, first-time home buyers represented 97 percent of all WHEDA home loans. 

As part of its mission to expand homeownership, WHEDA also provides down payment assistance loans. In 2018, 2,884 home buyers received down payment assistance totaling more than $11.8 million, allowing them to purchase a home with an affordable WHEDA mortgage. 

By far, WHEDA funded more down payment assistance loans in 2018 than in any other time in the Authority’s 46-year history.