Data tokens on this page

MAKE YOUR DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP A REALITY

MAKE YOUR DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP A REALITY

MAKE YOUR DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP A REALITY

 

Home buying is a journey, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re a first time buyer or an experienced homeowner, you can feel confident that our seasoned team can seamlessly get you over the finish line and into your new home. And with a variety of loan programs to meet a variety of needs, you’ll be sure to find a solution that aligns with your financial goals. 

Over the past decade the Jason Accola Team has been recognized as a top originator in the state by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)1. Jason and his team have helped over 1,000 Illinois, Wisconsin, & Indiana families fund over 190 million in loans using down payment assistance and closing cost programs.


Your new home is within reach. Start your digital mortgage application today!

Down Payment Assistance Programs & Buyer Incentives

ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IHDA)2

IHDA offers several program incentives available to both first time and repeat borrowers throughout all of Illinois. Coupled with FHA, Conventional, VA and USDA loan programs, borrowers can receive up to $10,000 in assistance with a minimal investment of their own funds. 

* Minimum 640 credit score 
* Borrower income limit of $134,520 annually (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, McLean and Will counties), $136,320 annually (Grundy County), $145,560 annually (Kendall County), and $123,480 (all other counties)
* Purchase price limit of $610,939 for 1 unit property and $754,187 for a 2 unit property (all counties)

WINTRUST MORTGAGE HOMEREADY® FIRST GRANT PROGRAM3

The Fannie Mae HomeReady First Grant Program is offered in conjunction with their HomeReady conventional loan. 

  • Qualification is based on where your buyers live now, not where they’re buying.  
  • Buyers could receive up to $6,500 in financial assistance toward a down payment or closing costs

* This is not a loan; this is a grant that does not require repayment. 
* Unlike other grant programs, no income limits apply, and non-traditional credit history is accepted. 
* Income limits do not apply

BORROWSMART ACCESSSM 4

The Freddie Mac BorrowSmart Access program is offered in conjunction with either a Freddie Mac HomeOne or Freddie Mac conventional loan. 

* $3,000 assistance forgiven immediately at closing.
* Location - The property location to be within Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes 14 counties in Chicagoland.
* Cook County, IL; DeKalb County, IL; DuPage County, IL, Grundy County, IL; Kane County, IL; Kendall County, IL; Lake County, IL; McHenry County, IL; Will County, IL; Jasper County, IN; Lake County, IN; Newton County, IN; Porter County, IN; and Kenosha County, WI.
* Income - The applicant(s) income must be 140% AMI or lower within Majority minority or Low/Moderate Income census tracts, all other eligible census tracts at 80% AMI or lower.

WINTRUST COMMUNITY BANK DOWN PAYMENT PROGRAM5

This program offers $2,000 to qualifying borrowers purchasing a home as a primary residence and can be paired with federal, state, and local grants or loans. 

  • Grant up to $2,000 per household.
  • Grant is forgiven immediately at closing.
  • All borrowers must be a first-time homebuyer.
  • Borrower must occupy property.
  • Income limits based on total household size. 
  • Purchase Price Limits - 1-Unit $250,000, 2-Units $400,000. 
  • Eligible in the following counties:
    • IL - Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Winnebago, McHenry and Will.  
    • WI - Dane, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha.
    •  IN - Lake (partial County) 
    • FL - Collier, Lee (partial County) 

CITY OF CHICAGO TAXSMART MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (MCC)6

Available in the city limits of Chicago, qualifying borrowers will receive an income tax credit of 25% of the annual mortgage interest paid, up to $2,000 a year for the life of the loan. TaxSmart cannot be coupled with IHDA loan programs.

Ready to Get Started?

We’re here to help you every step of the way. To apply for any of the programs listed above, simply click the button below to start our fast and easy-to-use online application process or call us at 312-487-3553.
 

Feel Confident and At Ease with an Industry Leader

When you partner with Jason Accola’s team at Wintrust Mortgage, our experts will guide you every step of the way.

   

Meet the Team

A Senior Mortgage Consultant with Wintrust Mortgage, Jason Accola is known for his persistence and determination to make homeownership affordable. Jason and his team have helped many families achieve the benefits of homeownership. 

Over the years, Jason’s deep knowledge, expertise and commitment to the local communities has been proven time and time again. In addition to the prestigious national and local accolades he’s earned, Jason’s other recognitions include:

  • 2023 Affordable Housing Leadership Award nominee from the Illinois Mortgage Banker’s Association7
  • Chicago Agent Magazine’s “Who’s Who” in Chicago Real Estate10 
  • Over 750+ 5-star reviews from Google, eEndorsements & Zillow

Ready to Make Your Dream a Reality?

Let’s start the conversation and explore the best loan options to meet your needs. Click our digital mortgage application below to get started today or contact us at 312-487-3553.
 

1. https://www.ihdamortgage.org/awards 
2. Three available IHDA products: (1) 4% of purchase price (up to $6,000), forgiven monthly over 10 years. Borrower responsible for repaying remaining balance if sold or refinanced before 10 years. (2) 5% of purchase price (up to $7.500), repaid with 0% interest, due at maturity date, or when loan is paid in full, refinanced or property is sold. (3) 10% of purchase price (up to $10,000), repaid monthly at $83.33 per month, over 10 years. If home is sold or refinanced within 10. Years, remaining balance to be paid in full. Borrower investment must be the greater of 1% or $1,000 of purchase. This forgivable second is required to be used in conjunction, with an IHDA 30-year fixed rate 1st mortgage. Property must be an Illinois primary residence. Homeownership education completion required. Income and purchase price limits apply.
3. Wintrust Mortgage HomeReady® First Grant Program. At the time of application, at least one occupying borrower must be a first-time homebuyer and must reside in one of the eligible metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Funds are limited and restrictions may apply.
4. BorrowSmart AccessSM. A 0% interest 2nd mortgage for $6,000 in down payment and/or closing cost assistance. This 2nd loan is forgiven after five years. If home is sold or refinanced within this time period, the remaining portion of the down payment will need to be paid back to IHDA. Borrower investment must be the greater of 1% or $1,000 of purchase. Property must be an Illinois primary residence. This forgivable second is required to be used in conjunction with an IHDA 30-year fixed rate 1st mortgage. Homeownership education completion required. Income and purchase price limits apply.
5. WCB Grant Eligibility: First mortgage must be originated by Wintrust Mortgage. Only available in some states and counties, check with your loan originator regarding eligibility. Minimum personal contribution of funds of at least $1,000, and completion of an approved homebuyer counseling program with one of our 9 partner organizations. Reach out to your loan originator for this list. All approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines. Income and purchase price limits apply. Grant funds are limited and cease on 12/31/2024 or when all allocated funds have been exhausted. Eligibility restrictions of funds applies. 2. Down Payment Assistance: Down payment assistance guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice.
6. The City of Chicago TaxSmart MCC is available only to the first time homebuyers. Please consult with your tax advisor. Nothing in this communication is intended to constitute legal or tax advice. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/homebuyers/svcs/taxsmart.html
7.  https://imba.org/Best_in_the_Business_Awards
8.  https://www.sfgate.com/business/moneytips/article/Introducing-America-s-Most-Influential-Mortgage-6852130.php
9.  https://www.scotsmanguide.com/rankings/top-originators/2023-most-loans-closed/
10.
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2019/jason-accola/