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Fast Turnaround Guarantee: We are currently reviewing files submitted 3/18/2026

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. 

Today’s Rates

80% AMI Threshold for Conventional Loans
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.

2025 80% AMI Limits

PLEASE NOTE: This information does not determine eligibility and should not be relied on for any other purpose than determining rates on conventional loans.

 

Manuals and Forms

Find what you need in our Document Library.
How to search the program manuals: 

  • 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
Home Advantage - Lender Documents
House Key - Lender Documents
Downpayment Assistance Programs - Lender Documents

First-Mortgage Loans

Our two first-mortgage programs, Home Advantage and House Key Opportunity, offer many options — all with downpayment assistance.

Downpayment Assistance Programs

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!

Home Advantage DPA
Home Advantage Needs-Based
House Key Opportunity DPA
Covenant Homeownership
Home Choice
Veterans
ARCH (East King County)
Bellingham

Home Advantage DPA

  • Combines with the Home Advantage first-mortgage loan program
  • Offers 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first-mortgage loan amount in downpayment assistance at 0% interest.
  • Statewide income limit = $215,000
  • Purchasing a home for under $250,000? See our Home Advantage Needs-Based Downpayment Assistance option above.

Homebuyers

Connect to this Program

Find a loan officer here!

Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.

 

Lenders

Get the Details

Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents
For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs.

Not yet one of our lending partners?
Learn how to join us here!

Which Homebuyers are Eligible?

  • First-time homeownership not required
  • Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence.
  • Household income must not exceed $215,000 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.

Find a Lender Here!

Ask Us About DPA Programs

Home Advantage Needs-Based DPA

  • Combines with the Home Advantage first-mortgage loan program
  • Offers up to $10,000 in downpayment assistance at 1% simple interest.
  • For those earning up to $157,100 in King/Snohomish counties; $122,100 in all other counties.
  • Purchasing a home for more than $250,000?  See our Home Advantage Downpayment Assistance option above.

Homebuyers

Connect to this Program

Find a loan officer here!

Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.

 

Lenders

Get the Details

Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents
For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs.

Not yet one of our lending partners?
Learn how to join us here!

Which Homebuyers are Eligible?

  • First-time homeownership not required
  • 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.

Find a Lender Here!

Ask Us About DPA Programs

 

House Key Opportunity DPA

  • Combines with the House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan program
  • Offers up to $15,000 in downpayment assistance at 1% simple interest

Homebuyers

Connect to this Program

Find a loan officer here!

Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.

 

Lenders

Get the Details

Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents
For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs.

Not yet one of our lending partners?
Learn how to join us here!

Which Homebuyers are Eligible?

  • 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.

Find a Lender Here!

Ask Us About DPA Programs

  • Created by the Covenant Homeownership Act in 2023
  • 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
  • Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan programs
  • Offers a downpayment assistance loan of up to 20% of the cost of the home — up to $150,000 — plus closing costs

Homebuyers

Connect to this Program

Find a loan officer here!

Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.

 

Lenders

Get the Details

Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents
For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs.

Not yet one of our lending partners?
Learn how to join us here!

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.

Find a Lender Here!

Ask Us About DPA Programs

HomeChoice DPA

  • Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan programs
  • Offers up to $15,000 for buyers with a disability or disabled family member living with them.
  • For those earning up to $157,100 in King/Snohomish counties; $122,100 in all other counties

Homebuyers

Connect to this Program

Find a loan officer here!

Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.

 

Lenders

Get the Details

Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents
For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs.

Not yet one of our lending partners?
Learn how to join us here!

Which Homebuyers are Eligible?

  • 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:

Statewide: American Financial Solutions, 888-864-8699, or Parkview Services, Loretta Cael at 509.861.3330

Asotin County: Valley Residential Services, Nancy Riggle, 509-522-0400

Clark & Skamania Counties: Community Housing Resource Center, 360-690-4496 x100

Ferry County: Rural Resources Community Action, Jan Owens, 509-685-6179

King County: HomeSight, 206-723-4355; Parkview Services, Loretta Cael at 509.861.3330; or Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, 800-368-1455

Pend Oreille County: Rural Resources Community Action, Jan Owens, 509-685-6179

San Juan County: Opal Community Land Trust, Julie Brunner, 360-376-3191

Snohomish County: Homestead Community Land Trust, 206-323-1227, or Parkview Services, Loretta Cael at 509.861.3330

Spokane County: Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners, 509-319-3041

Stevens County: Rural Resources Community Action, Jan Owens, 509-685-6179

Walla Walla County: Valley Residential Services, Nancy Riggle, 509-522-0400

Whatcom, Skagit & Island Counties: Kulshan Community Land Trust, 360-671-5600, ext.

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.

Find a Lender Here!

Ask Us About DPA Programs

 

Veterans Downpayment Assistance Program

  • Serves military veterans in Washington state
  • Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan program
  • Offers up to $10,000 in downpayment assistance at 3% interest.

Homebuyers

Connect to this Program

Find a loan officer here!

Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.

 

Lenders

Get the Details

Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents
For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs.

Not yet one of our lending partners?
Learn how to join us here!

Which Homebuyers are Eligible?

  • 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. 

Find a Lender Here!

Ask Us About DPA Programs

ARCH (East King County)

  • Serves those buying a home within an ARCH member area of East King County (see below)
  • Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first mortgage loan programs
  • Offers up to $30,000 in downpayment assistance at 4% simple interest.

Homebuyers

Connect to this Program

Find a loan officer here!

Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.

 

Lenders

Get the Details

Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents
For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs.

Not yet one of our lending partners?
Learn how to join us here!

Which Homebuyers are Eligible?

  • No need to be a first-time homebuyer
  • 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:

  • American Financial Solutions, 888-864-8699
  • Parkview Services, Loretta Cael, 509-861-3330
  • 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. 

Find a Lender Here!

Ask Us About DPA Programs

Bellingham Downpayment Assistance Program

  • Serves those buying a home within the city limits of Bellingham
  • Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan program
  • Offers up to $40,000 in downpayment assistance at 3% simple interest.

Homebuyers

Connect to this Program

Find a loan officer here!

Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.

 

Lenders

Get the Details

Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents
For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs.

Not yet one of our lending partners?
Learn how to join us here!

Which Homebuyers are Eligible?

  • First-time homebuyers only
  • 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.
  • Buying a home under these price limits:
    • Single-Unit (Detached, Attached & Manufactured): $667,850
    • Condominium: $375,250
  • Household income must not exceed these limits:

Household
Size

Household
Income Limit

Household
Size

1

Household
Income Limit

$60,700

Household
Size

2

Household
Income Limit

$69,400

Household
Size

3

Household
Income Limit

$78,050

Household
Size

4

Household
Income Limit

$86,700

Household
Size

5

Household
Income Limit

$93,650

Household
Size

6

Household
Income Limit

$100,600

Household
Size

7

Household
Income Limit

$107,550

Household
Size

8

Household
Income Limit

$114,450

Use of Funds

  • 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.

Find a Lender Here!

Ask About Downpayment Assistance

 

Resources

Manuals and Forms

These documents are provided for use by lending professionals who are trained by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

FAQs

How can we help you?

Video Training

Check out our short videos walking you through common tasks in Lender Online.

Lender FAQs

 

Words from Our Partners

Trevor Roberge - Capstone Home Loans - Lynnwood
There's nothing more rewarding than helping a first-time homebuyer accomplish their goal...
Read More
Trevor Roberge
Capstone Home Loans
There's nothing more rewarding than helping a first-time homebuyer accomplish their goal of home ownership when they thought it wasn't possible. Partnering with the Commission gives Trevor the ability to provide practical options to his clients, and the ability to empower them with knowledge and confidence through the purchase process. Not only do buyers get to purchase a home, they get to begin their journey of wealth-building for their future. With 19 years in the finance industry, Trevor provides expertise in many ways, from mortgage consulting to personal banking. Trevor provides solutions for first-time home buyers, military veterans, and anyone else looking to accomplish the dream of homeownership. Contact Trevor at 425-765-6605 or teamtrevor@capstonehomeloans.com. MLO #71646
Trevor Roberge - Capstone Home Loans - Lynnwood
Trevor Roberge
Capstone Home Loans
Chad Crithfield – Prime Lending – Richland
I have had the honor to assist homebuyers in the...
Read More
Chad Crithfield
Prime Lending
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 – Richland
Chad Crithfield
Prime Lending
Mark Carroll - CMG Home Loans - Kennewick
First-time homebuyers face an intimidating process when buying a new...
Read More
Mark Carroll
CMG Home Loans
First-time homebuyers face an intimidating process when buying a new home. Mark specializes in working with first-time home buyers, as he truly enjoys explaining the process, educating, & counseling buyers to assure they have solid guidance & gain confidence that their purchase will meet their financial and family goals. Commission programs give buyers the opportunity to own a home by removing a main obstacle that some face, which fosters wealth creation through homeownership. Mark has been in the mortgage industry for 20 years. Contact Mark at 509-420-0236 or mcarroll@cmghomeloans.com. MLO # 403920
Mark Carroll - CMG Home Loans - Kennewick
Mark Carroll
CMG Home Loans
Edwin Esquivel – CMG Home Loans – Yakima
There is nothing more rewarding than educating our borrowers on...
Read More
Edwin Esquivel
CMG Home Loans
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
Edwin Esquivel – CMG Home Loans – Yakima
Edwin Esquivel
CMG Home Loans
Estrella Sanchez – CMG Home Loans
I use Commission’s programs because they create opportunities that many...
Read More
Estrella Sanchez
CMG Home Loans
I use Commission’s programs because they create opportunities that many buyers don’t realize exist and open doors that might otherwise feel out of reach. Many hardworking families simply need the right guidance and resources to make homeownership possible. Using programs that benefit my clients allows me to create real opportunities for them to build stability, wealth, and a future for their families. At the end of the day, my job isn’t just about closing loans — it’s about helping people change their lives through homeownership. I was born and raised in Yakima, Washington, and watching my parents sacrifice everything for us shaped my work ethic and purpose. Today, I’m driven to help families achieve homeownership while building a legacy for my children while honoring my parents. What sets me apart is the heart I bring to every client experience. I believe every family deserves to feel educated, supported, and celebrated throughout their homeownership journey. I’m fully committed to helping families access opportunities. Contact Star at (509) 367-4113, esanchez@cmghomeloans.com. MLO #2133039
Estrella Sanchez – CMG Home Loans
Estrella Sanchez
CMG Home Loans
Kerwin Lyon – Guild Mortgage - Seattle
The Commission’s down payment assistance programs are a great tool...
Read More
Kerwin Lyon
Guild Mortgage
The Commission’s down payment assistance programs are a great tool to maximize financing options for first time home buyers. One of the recurring questions my clients ask is "How much money for a down payment and closing costs do I need to have saved up?" Knowing that there are ways to overcome a large down payment that some loan programs require, I can assist home buyers achieve their goals of home ownership earlier than they would have expected. I have been in the mortgage industry for over 20 years and have enjoyed giving people the opportunity to check off "Washington Home Owner" from their bucket list every year. I am fortunate to have a diverse, down-to-earth team and together, we not only strive for but are committed to providing a smooth home buying experience. Feel free to contact me at 425-652-3333 or teamlyon@guildmortgage.net
Kerwin Lyon – Guild Mortgage - Seattle
Kerwin Lyon
Guild Mortgage