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Safe Rate LocalCaroline index·Updated August 17, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Rates in Caroline

5.943%Rate
6.712%APR
$2,349monthly mortgage payment
$0points (0 pts)
Loan Amount $366,070; and Downpayment $13,049
Local Fast Facts
WI12675
Typical Home Value
$372,823
Area Median Income
$73,207
Estimated Property Taxes
$2,854/yr
Est. Property Tax Rate
0.77%
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)
$806,501
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)
$524,225
Jumbo Threshold (1-unit)
> $806,501
Average Loan to Value
82.1%

Select your Scenario

3.5% Down (minimum)

5.943%

30-year fixed

Payment$2,349/mo
Down$13,049
Loan$366,070

10% Down

5.943%

30-year fixed · shorter MIP

Payment$2,191/mo
Down$37,282
Loan$341,413

15-Year FHA

5.943%

Faster payoff

Payment$3,246/mo
Down$13,049
Loan$366,070

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Caroline

Compare the top low-down-payment programs side by side

FHA
Min. down3.5% ($13,049)
Min. credit580+
Rate5.943%
Est. P&I$2,378/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$165/mo
Easiest credit qualification
MIP for life of loan (<10% down)
VA
Min. down0% ($0)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.058%
Est. P&I$2,504/mo
0% down, no monthly mortgage insurance
VA eligibility required; funding fee applies
HomeReady
Min. down3% ($11,185)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.820%
Est. P&I$2,575/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$226/mo
Reduced PMI vs standard conventional
Income limits apply by area
Conventional 20% down
Min. down20% ($74,565)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.910%
Est. P&I$2,143/mo
No PMI; lowest long-term cost
Largest upfront down payment
Pro tip for first-time buyers in Caroline

Most states offer first-time homebuyer assistance programs that can be stacked with FHA or HomeReady loans — covering down payment or closing cost assistance. Ask your Safe Rate loan officer about programs available in Wisconsin for additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are current first-time homebuyer rates today in Caroline, WI?

Today's leading benchmark rate for first-time homebuyer rates in Caroline, WI is 6.910% (with an estimated monthly payment of $2,143). Calibrated directly to Caroline, WI's local housing market, Safe Rate shows up-to-the-minute interest rates and points across Conventional, FHA, VA, and Jumbo loan programs daily.

What is the recent trend for first-time homebuyer rates in Caroline, WI?

Mortgage rates for first-time homebuyer rates have shown typical daily fluctuations driven by inflation data and bond yields. Over the past 90 days, rates for first-time homebuyer rates in Caroline, WI have hovered between a low of 6.540% and a high of 6.989%. You can track these daily movements by using the 90-day rate history and trajectory chart featured on this page.

Is an FHA or Conventional loan more cost-effective in Caroline, WI?

Choosing between FHA and Conventional depends on your down payment budget and credit score. For a typical home priced at $372,823 in Caroline, WI, a standard 20%-down Conventional loan requires an upfront cash down payment of $74,565 but keeps your monthly payment lower at $2,143/mo (at 6.910% interest) with no monthly PMI. In comparison, an FHA loan requires only $13,049 (3.5% down) but has an estimated payment of $2,378/mo (at 5.943% interest) due to mandatory FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Local Nuance: The typical local FHA loan amount of $359,774 falls comfortably within the local HUD FHA loan limit of $524,225 (1-unit), making FHA financing an exceptionally accessible, high-leverage entry point into the market.

What is the maximum conforming loan limit in Caroline before needing a Jumbo loan?

The 2025 conforming conventional loan limit for a 1-unit property in Caroline is $806,501. With a typical local home value of $372,823 in , a standard 20%-down mortgage requires a loan size of $298,258. Because this is within the $806,501 conforming threshold, buyers can qualify for standard conforming conventional financing with competitive rates.

How does the median home value in Caroline, WI impact estimated mortgage payments?

The median home value in Caroline, WI is estimated at $372,823. Buying a typical home here with a standard 20% down payment ($74,565) translates to an estimated starting monthly mortgage payment of $2,143 (principal and interest). Compared to the local area median household income of $73,207 ($6,101/mo), this basic housing payment represents approximately 35.1% of gross monthly household income. This housing cost is well within standard lender affordability guidelines (under the 36% DTI benchmark), demonstrating healthy local purchasing power.