October 30, 2026
Dear Partners,
The Covenant Downpayment Assistance(DPA)Program continues to assist homebuyers throughout Washington State each month. In April, we implemented the Pre-Reservation List (PRL) after demand for the program exceeded available funding. We anticipate that the PRL will remain part of the program for the foreseeable future.
Because borrowers may spend several months on the PRL before gaining access to Covenant DPA funds, we want to use that time to help strengthen their preparation for successful homeownership.
Beginning with borrowers added to the PRL as of December 1st, all borrowers signing the Note and Deed of Trust will be required to complete a one-on-one pre-purchase housing counseling with a HUD-certified housing counseling agency.
Lenders will be required to provide, at time of pre-closing file submission the following:
• Evidence that the borrower(s) has completed the required housing counseling by uploading a copy of the borrower(s) budget worksheet signed and dated by the housing counselor, and
• A copy of the 1-on-1 Pre-Purchase Counseling Certificate for the borrower(s).
Please encourage your borrowers to begin the counseling process well before they enter into a purchase contract. Borrowers can call the Washington Homeownership Resource Center at 877-894-4663, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to get connected with a housing counselor. Counseling is provided at no cost to the borrower.
Starting the process early will help ensure that the counseling requirement is completed before the loan is ready to be submitted for pre-closing file review.
The Covenant DPA manual and applicable checklists will be updated shortly.
Please email Corinna Obar if you have any additional questions.