First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Washington

How Washington first-time buyers finance a purchase, which WSHFC programs apply, and what pre-approval looks like in the Seattle and Puget Sound markets.

The short answer for Washington buyers

Washington first-time buyers commonly use WSHFC's Home Advantage or House Key program paired with a down payment assistance second, or a 3%-down conventional or 3.5%-down FHA loan on their own. WSHFC programs require a state-sponsored homebuyer education seminar. Puget Sound price points push many buyers into high-balance conforming loans, and VA financing is heavily used near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Washington first-time buyer numbers at a glance

Typical minimum down payment

3% conventional / 3.5% FHA / 0% VA

Typical credit minimum

620 conventional, 580 FHA

WSHFC education

State-sponsored seminar required

Loan limits

High-balance limits in Puget Sound counties

Programs available in Washington

  • WSHFC Home Advantage Fixed-rate first mortgage with statewide income limits and optional down payment assistance.

    • WSHFC Home Advantage

    Fixed-rate first mortgage with statewide income limits and optional down payment assistance.

  • WSHFC House Key Opportunity Lower-rate first mortgage for buyers meeting tighter income and price limits.

    • WSHFC House Key Opportunity

    Lower-rate first mortgage for buyers meeting tighter income and price limits.

  • Down payment assistance seconds Deferred second loans that cover down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers.

    • Down payment assistance seconds

    Deferred second loans that cover down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers.

  • High-balance conforming loans Higher loan limits in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties before jumbo pricing.

    • High-balance conforming loans

    Higher loan limits in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties before jumbo pricing.

  • VA financing Zero down for eligible service members, widely used around JBLM.

    • VA financing

    Zero down for eligible service members, widely used around JBLM.

    How to buy your first home in Washington

  • 1 Get a no-SSN quote A real rate and payment range for your target price, before a credit pull.

    • Get a no-SSN quote

    A real rate and payment range for your target price, before a credit pull.

  • 2 Take the WSHFC seminar Required for state program eligibility and free to attend.

    • Take the WSHFC seminar

    Required for state program eligibility and free to attend.

  • 3 Get pre-approved Verified pre-approvals matter in competitive Seattle-area offers.

    • Get pre-approved

    Verified pre-approvals matter in competitive Seattle-area offers.

  • 4 Lock and close We lock your rate and coordinate appraisal, underwriting and signing.

    • Lock and close

    We lock your rate and coordinate appraisal, underwriting and signing.

    Washington first-time buyer questions

    What is WSHFC Home Advantage?

    Home Advantage is Washington's main first-time buyer program: a fixed-rate first mortgage with statewide income limits and access to down payment assistance seconds.

    Do I have to take a class to use Washington assistance programs?

    Yes. WSHFC requires a free state-sponsored homebuyer education seminar before closing on a program loan.

    How much down payment do I need in Washington?

    3% on conventional financing, 3.5% on FHA, and zero on VA if eligible. Assistance seconds can cover much of that.

    Can I use a VA loan as a first-time buyer near JBLM?

    Yes. Eligible service members and veterans can buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.

    Where we lend in Washington

    Mortgage pre-approval guide

    What pre-approval requires and how long it takes.

    How much down payment you need

    Real minimums by program and what PMI costs.

    First-time buyer guides in other states we serve

    California

    First-time buyer programs in California

    Colorado

    First-time buyer programs in Colorado

    Texas

    First-time buyer programs in Texas

    Ready to see what you qualify for in Washington?

    Get a real rate and payment estimate from a licensed mortgage broker. No SSN required to start.

    Licensed in CA, CO, TX and WA