Rent to Own Homes in Wisconsin

Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin. As home to the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum and many other attractions, the city naturally appeals to visitors and residents interested in culture and entertainment. Milwaukee is also home to a children's discovery museum and 200 acres of fairgrounds. These grounds are the location of the Wisconsin State Fair each year, and this event attracts visitors from throughout Wisconsin state.

Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin as well as home to the University of Wisconsin. There are 25 additional campuses in the UW family, and they’re scattered throughout the state to maximize accessibility to residents of all ages. While college football teams receive a lot of community support in this state, the Green Bay Packers receive the most support. This NFL team plays home games on Lambeau Field in the city of Green Bay.

Buying a Home in Wisconsin

If you’re ready to purchase a home in Wisconsin but are struggling to get your down payment together, you can apply for a variety of assistance programs offered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. These programs all come with a list of strict qualifications, and most are limited to first-time homebuyers. You may also contact the Downpayment Plus Consumer Center to inquire about first-time homebuyer down payment grants worth up to $5,000. Many Wisconsin cities also offer their own assistance programs.

You can typically find more than 50,000 homes for sale in Wisconsin at any given time, and the average listing price for the state is less than $110,000. Average sales prices are closer to $150,000, and there are some exclusive areas where prices can go much higher. With nearly two million residential properties in existence throughout the state and new properties hitting the market each day, it’s important to narrow your search down to one or two specific cities so that you aren’t overwhelmed during your home search.

Popular Neighborhoods in Wisconsin

If you want to live in the capital city of Madison, the best neighborhoods tend to fall towards the edge of town. The southern neighborhood of Fitchburg is home to some of the best public schools, and home values are around $250,000 in that area. The Middleton Junction neighborhood on the northwestern edge of the city features homes over $300,000 in value, and the schools are quite impressive in that area as well.

If you prefer the small town vibe, you can’t go wrong with the small town of Evansville. The area is dominated by families with children of all ages, crime rates are low, and it’s the type of place where everyone knows everyone. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, look in the area surrounding the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This region features many outdoor recreation facilities, and neighborhoods like Holmen offer safe, active environments for families as well as singles and professionals.

Buying vs. Rent to Own Homes

You have your eye on a beautiful Wisconsin home, but you aren’t sure that it’s the right time to apply for a mortgage loan. Perhaps you have a few blemishes on your credit that you need to clear up, or maybe you need some time to apply for down payment assistance to make your home ownership dream come true. Whatever obstacles stand in your way, you have an alternative: rent-to-own properties.

Standard home loans require you to work through a lengthy process in which every aspect of your financial life is scrutinized, but rent-to-own programs give you some time to ease into that process. You move into your home right away, but you start out as a renter. When you’re ready to secure a loan and make the home officially yours, you have the right to proceed with the purchase. While the end result is the same, renting before you buy may give you the time needed to ease into the buying process on your own terms.

Cost of Living in Wisconsin

The overall cost of living in Wisconsin is slightly below the national average, and this includes housing prices that are up to 10 percent lower than the national average. Most residents pay slightly more than national average for utilities and transportation, but that is balanced out by below average prices for food and most goods and services. There are some homes that will sell for substantially more or less than the national average, so you can find property that fits your budget as well as your needs if you shop smart.

Summary

Wisconsin is a northern state that offers a reasonable cost of living and beautiful natural landscapes for residents of all ages. The economy thrives on the production of dairy products, but there are also many entrepreneurs and IT professionals moving into the state. Milwaukee is the cultural center of the state as well as the largest city, but there are many small towns that offer an idyllic, laid back lifestyle for those interested in staying away from the crowds. This family-friendly state also features an expansive state fairgrounds, a variety of museums, and more than 20 campuses for the University of Wisconsin.