Washington State · First-Time Home Buyers

Down Payment Assistance in Washington

Many Washington buyers never hear about the programs that cover most — sometimes nearly all — of the down payment and closing costs on a first home. Find out what you may qualify for.

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Down payment help most Washington buyers never hear about

Down payment assistance is money — usually a second loan, a grant or a tax credit — that covers part of what you would otherwise pay out of pocket when you buy. It is offered through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and through county and city housing programs.

It exists for buyers who can handle a monthly mortgage payment but are stuck on the cash to close. In many cases it covers a large share of the down payment and closing costs, so your savings stay where they are.

  • Works alongside FHA, VA, USDA and conventional first loans
  • Income and purchase-price limits apply — a perfect credit score is not the bar
  • Free to check, and checking does not commit you to anything
A house key held in front of a front door

Washington programs worth knowing

These are the programs Washington buyers most often use. Availability, income limits and rates change, so always confirm current terms with the program administrator or your lender. You can see the Commission’s current offerings at wshfc.org.

  • Statewide

    Home Advantage

    The Commission’s flagship 30-year fixed loan, with down payment assistance layered on top and a free homebuyer education class built into the process.

  • Statewide

    House Key Opportunity

    A first-time buyer loan built for lower incomes, with income and purchase-price limits, frequently paired with down payment assistance.

  • Tax credit

    Mortgage Credit Certificate

    A federal tax credit for qualifying buyers that frees up monthly cash for the mortgage payment, alongside any assistance you already receive.

  • Local

    County & city programs

    King County, the City of Seattle, Pierce County and other local housing programs run assistance of their own that can be stacked on state programs.

Program names are shown for reference only. Down payment assistance is offered by the program administrator, not by this website or its agents, and eligibility is determined by the program and your lender.

Who typically qualifies

  • Buying a home in Washington that you will live in as your primary residence
  • Household income within the program’s limit for your county and household size
  • Purchase price under the program’s limit for the area
  • Credit and debt-to-income that meet the lender’s guideline — these programs often ask for a minimum score around 620
  • Completion of a free homebuyer education class, when the program requires one

How it works

  1. Check what you may qualify forRun a quick eligibility search, or ask us and we will point you at the program that fits your situation.
  2. Get pre-approved with a participating lenderThe assistance is approved together with your first mortgage, so the numbers are real before you shop.
  3. Complete homebuyer educationMost Washington programs require a free class — it is short, and often available online.
  4. Buy with less cash out of pocketThe assistance is applied at closing, so you bring less of your own savings to the table.

Questions buyers ask us

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?

Many Washington programs define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years, and some local programs and loan options are open to repeat buyers. Even if you have owned before, it is worth checking.

How much can I get?

Assistance is usually set as a percentage of the purchase price or the loan amount, and the amount available changes with each program and funding cycle. The program administrator publishes the current figures.

Do I have to pay the assistance back?

It depends on the program. Many are second mortgages with no monthly payment that are forgiven if you keep the home for a set period, while other programs are structured differently. Always read the terms for the specific program before you commit.

Can I use it with an FHA, VA or USDA loan?

Yes. Assistance is designed to sit alongside FHA, VA, USDA and conventional financing. Your lender confirms exactly what pairs with the loan you choose.

What does it cost to find out?

Nothing. Checking your eligibility is free, and it does not commit you to a program, a lender or a purchase.

Let’s find the program that fits you

Tell us a little about where you are in the process and we will come back to you with the Washington programs you may qualify for, what they cover, and what your lender will need from you.

Not ready to talk yet? Run the free eligibility search first and come back to us with any questions.

Check what you may qualify for →

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This page is general information, not financial or legal advice. Down payment assistance is offered by the program administrator, not by this website or its agents, and eligibility is determined by the program and your lender. Program availability, income limits, rates and terms change and are not guaranteed here. Equal Housing Opportunity.