Fast Turnaround Guarantee: We are currently reviewing files submitted 7/21/2025.
Become a new lending partner!
Are you interested in becoming a Commission lending partner? If so, this is the place to start! To originate our loans and teach Homebuyer Education Classes, you must be employed by a Commission-approved participating lender and attend both days of our Initial Training for Homeownership Professionals.Â
A homebuyer whose income is under 80% of the Area Median Income can get a lower rate on a conventional loan (as distinct from government loans through FHA, VA or USDA). The 80% threshold is set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.Â
PLEASE NOTE: This information does not determine eligibility and should not be relied on for any other purpose than determining rates on conventional loans.
First-Mortgage Loans
Our two first-mortgage programs, Home Advantage and House Key Opportunity, offer many options — all with downpayment assistance.
The Commission has aligned our homeownership program requirements with other state housing finance agencies (HFAs) to make it easier to partner with lenders in providing affordable home loans and downpayment assistance to lower-income and underserved home buyers.
To learn more, request the HFA1 Affordable Homeownership Lender Toolkit from the National Council of State Housing Agencies
Manuals, Forms and Resources
Find what you need in our Document Library. How to search the program manuals:Â
Table of contents: Click on a chapter heading to go right to it
Bookmark panel: See what you need and click
Search the whole manual easily – just press ctrl+F
All our downpayment assistant programs are provided as payment-deferred loans, and all must be paired with one of our first-mortgage programs (Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity).
Not sure which DPA loan is right for you? You don't have to choose! Your Commission-trained lender will work with you to select the downpayment option that works best for you. Find a lender here!
Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence.Â
Household income must not exceed $180,000 a year.
DPA Loan Repayment
No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage).
The balance is due and payable when the borrower:
Sells, refinances, or transfers the property;
Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or
Pays off the home (at 30 years or before)
Use of Funds
Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs.
Required Steps
You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class.
Is this the right program for me?
Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow.
Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence.
Household income must not exceed $157,100 in King and Snohomish counties, $122,100 in all other counties.
Needs assessment is required for borrowers, except for military veterans.
DPA Loan Repayment
No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage).
The balance is due and payable when the borrower:
Sells, refinances, or transfers the property;
Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or
Pays off the home (at 30 years or before)
Use of Funds
Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs.
Required Steps
You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class.
Is this the right program for me?
Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow.
Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence.
First-time homebuyers only – or you must be purchasing a home in a Target Area
Needs assessment is required for borrowers, except for military veterans. Your lender will take you through this process of supplying household financial information.
Counties
1-2 Person Household
3+ Persons Household
Counties
King/Snohomish
1-2 Person Household
$96,950
3+ Persons Household
$121,150
Counties
Clark/Kitsap/Pierce/Skamania
1-2 Person Household
$79,450
3+ Persons Household
$99,300
Counties
Thurston/Whatcom
1-2 Person Household
$74,700
3+ Persons Household
$93,350
Counties
All Other Counties
1-2 Person Household
$67,600
3+ Persons Household
$84,500
DPA Loan Repayment
No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage).
The balance is due and payable when the borrower:
Sells, refinances, or transfers the property;
Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or
Pays off the home (at 30 years or before)
Use of Funds
Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs.
Required Steps
You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class.
Is this the right program for me?
Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow.
Serves those with pre-1968 roots in Washington state, who themselves or a parent or grandparent lived in Washington before 1968, and who are/were members of certain groups affected by housing discrimination
Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow.
Borrowers who have a disability or who have a family member with a disability living with them. The disability must be verified and meet the definition of disabled per the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the ADA) or RCW 71A.10.020.
Household income must not exceed $157,100 in King and Snohomish counties, $122,100 in all other counties.
First-time homeownership required — unless you are buying in a Targeted Area.
Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence.
Needs assessment is required for borrowers, except for military veterans.
Use of Funds
Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs.
DPA Loan Repayment
No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage).
The balance is due and payable when the borrower:
Sells, refinances, or transfers the property;
Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or
Pays off the home (at 30 years or before)
Required Steps
You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class.
You must also attend a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session. Once you are pre-approved and your lender says you are ready to close, contact one of the following agencies to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session:
Other Counties: If there is no service provider located in your area, please contact one of the statewide service providers or a service provider in a neighboring county, or email Dietrich.Schmitz@wshfc.org for assistance.
Is this the right program for me?
Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow.
First-time homebuyers only – or you must be purchasing a home in a Target Area
Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence. Also, the home must not have been occupied by a tenant within 90 days of the purchase and sale agreement.
Eligible military veterans include:
Persons receiving an honorable discharge or who have received a discharge for medical reasons with an honorable record;
Members and honorably discharged former members of the Washington National Guard and Reserve; and
Never remarried spouses and dependent children of deceased veterans.
Household income must not exceed $157,100 in King and Snohomish counties, $122,100 in all other counties.
Use of Funds
Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs based upon need.
Required Steps
You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class.
DPA Loan Repayment
No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage).
The balance is due and payable when the borrower:
Sells, refinances, or transfers the property;
Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or
Pays off the home (at 30 years or before)
Is this the right program for me?
Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow.Â
Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence. Also, the home must not have been occupied by a tenant within 90 days of the purchase and sale agreement.
Buying a home in the following cities of East King County:
Beaux Arts Village | Bellevue | Bothell | Clyde Hill | Hunts Point | Issaquah | Kenmore | Kirkland | Medina | Mercer Island | Newcastle | Redmond | Sammamish | Woodinville | Yarrow Point
Buying a home under these price limits:
New construction home limit = $660,000
Existing home limit = $646,000.
Household income must not exceed these limits:
Household Size
Household Income Limit
Household Size
1
Household Income Limit
$84,850
Household Size
2
Household Income Limit
$96,950
Household Size
3
Household Income Limit
$109,050
Household Size
4
Household Income Limit
$121,150
Household Size
5
Household Income Limit
$130,850
Household Size
6
Household Income Limit
$140,550
Household Size
7
Household Income Limit
$150,250
Household Size
8
Household Income Limit
$157,100
Use of Funds
Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs based upon need.
The borrower must contribute 2% of the purchase price. Up to half of this 2% can be from gift funds.
Loan Repayment
No monthly payments required.
The balance is due and payable when the borrower(s):
Sells, refinances, or transfers the property
Fails to maintain it as their principal place of residence; or
When the home is paid off (on or before 30 years).
Required Steps
You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class.
You must also attend a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session.
Once you are pre-approved and your lender says you are ready to close, contact one of the following agencies to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session:
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, 800-368-1455
Is this the right program for me?
Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow.Â
Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence. Also, the home must not have been occupied by a tenant within 90 days of the purchase and sale agreement.
Buying a home in the city limits of Bellingham, Wash.
Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs based upon need.
The borrower must contribute $2,500 toward the downpayment or 1% of the purchase price, whichever is greater. Up to 25% of this borrower contribution can be from gift funds.
Loan Repayment
No monthly payments required.
The balance is due and payable when the borrower(s):
Sells, refinances, or transfers the property
Fails to maintain it as their principal place of residence; or
When the home is paid off (on or before 30 years).
Required Steps
You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class.
You must also attend a FREE one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session.
Once you are pre-approved and your lender says you are ready to close, contact Kulshan Community Land Trust at 360-671-5600 to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session:
Is this the right program for me?
Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow.
The Washington State Housing Commission is a highly valuable resource to my borrowers by providing affordable loan programs, down payment assistance and creating opportunities for those who have been underserved. The Commission has had such an instrumental role in helping my borrowers build equity, invest in financial stability and open doors for generational wealth. I’ve had the privilege of working as a Loan Consultant in Washington State for nearly two decades. I aim to be a go-to advisor for my clients, offering support at every milestone. I’m committed to helping clients thrive, long after the transaction is complete. I am incredibly grateful to my clients and referral partners for their unwavering support. The Commission’s programs play a vital role in allowing me to continue helping others experience the true freedom that comes with homeownership.
Contact Jamie at (509) 218-5565, Jamie.Larrigan@ccm.com. MLO #120413
Jamie Larrigan
CrossCountry Mortgage
I have had the honor to assist homebuyers in the...
I have had the honor to assist homebuyers in the Tri -Cities community for the past 30 years. The Washington State Housing Finance Commission programs are a great match for first-time homebuyers with affordable programs and down payment assistance options. This program has allowed me to help many individuals and their families achieve their dream of homeownership. My clients can expect to be educated on the homebuying process from start to finish. My team and I look forward to assisting you with your home purchase. If you have any questions or need any information.
Please contact me on my cell phone at 509-539-8043 or email chad.crithfield@primelending.com. MLO #405719
Chad Crithfield
Prime Lending
I use the Commission’s programs because the majority of the...
I use the Commission’s programs because the majority of the time, it is the program that makes the most financial sense. It is such a great program for anyone who qualifies. I’m all about helping people level up and make homeownership a reality. I’ve worked with countless families to help break down the barrier and get the keys to their first home. I keep the process simple and stress-free, so my clients can feel confident every step of the way. I always have your best financial interest in mind. Whether you are a first-time buyer or not, we offer many different loan options to fit different needs.
Please text or call 509-305-1574 or email carlos.ramos@envoymortgage.com to set up a free consultation :). MLO #2215949
Carlos Ramos
Envoy Mortgage
"My clients can expect to be able to make confident...
"My clients can expect to be able to make confident and informed decisions as I educate and guide them through the homebuying process."
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission programs are a great match for first-time homebuyers with affordable programs and down payment assistance. As a South Seattle native my homebuying experience inspired me to help other first-time homebuyers. I am passionate about helping others gain a sense of security through homeownership and guiding them towards a path of generational wealth. I also helped many individuals and their families achieve their dream of homeownership. My clients can expect to be able to make confident and informed decisions as I educate and guide them through the homebuying process. I would love to see how I can assist you on your journey to homeownership.
Contact Brooke at (425)-647-6044, bgibson@watrust.com. MLO #2024357
Brooke Gibson
HomeSight
There is nothing more rewarding than educating our borrowers on...
There is nothing more rewarding than educating our borrowers on how Commission programs can help them save most/or all their down payment. For many homebuyers, saving for a substantial down payment can be a major obstacle. These programs make homeownership more attainable, allowing them to achieve the dream of owning a home sooner. With nearly 9 years of experience as a Loan Officer, I am passionate about educating and guiding both first-time & returning homebuyers throughout the mortgage process. I prioritize building strong relationships with borrowers to understand their unique financial situations and help them make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.
Contact Edwin at (509) 480-9654, Eesquivel@cmghomeloans.com. MLO #1074211
