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First-Time Buyer loans in Washington

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Washington can use FHA (3.5% down), conventional 97 (3% down), VA or USDA loans, plus programs from Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC). On a $519,800 home, 3% down is about $15,594.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

First-Time Buyer loan snapshot for Washington

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%–3.5%
Minimum credit score580–620
Typical WA home value$519,800
3.5% down on typical home$18,193
20% down on typical home$103,960
Avg. effective property tax0.84%/yr (~$363/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$162,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which Washington programs pair with First-Time Buyer loans?

  • Home Advantage DPA: Deferred down payment assistance paired with a Home Advantage first mortgage.
  • Opportunity DPA: A 1% deferred loan for lower-income first-time buyers.

Details and current limits: Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC).

Compare first-time buyer loan options

LoanMin. downMin. creditMortgage insurance
FHA3.5%5801.75% upfront + annual MIP
Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible3%620PMI, removable
VA0%Lender-set (~580–620)None (funding fee)
USDA0%~6401% upfront + 0.35% annual

Who counts as a first-time home buyer?

Under HUD and most agency definitions, you're a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a principal residence in the last three years. Single parents and displaced homemakers who only owned with a former spouse may also qualify.

First-Time Buyer loans in Washington cities

First-Time Buyer in SeattleFirst-Time Buyer in SpokaneFirst-Time Buyer in TacomaFirst-Time Buyer in VancouverFirst-Time Buyer in BellevueFirst-Time Buyer in KentFirst-Time Buyer in EverettFirst-Time Buyer in Spokane ValleyFirst-Time Buyer in RentonFirst-Time Buyer in Federal WayFirst-Time Buyer in YakimaFirst-Time Buyer in BellinghamFirst-Time Buyer in KirklandFirst-Time Buyer in AuburnFirst-Time Buyer in KennewickFirst-Time Buyer in PascoFirst-Time Buyer in RedmondFirst-Time Buyer in MarysvilleFirst-Time Buyer in South HillFirst-Time Buyer in SammamishFirst-Time Buyer in LakewoodFirst-Time Buyer in RichlandFirst-Time Buyer in ShorelineFirst-Time Buyer in LaceyFirst-Time Buyer in OlympiaFirst-Time Buyer in BurienFirst-Time Buyer in BothellFirst-Time Buyer in BremertonFirst-Time Buyer in EdmondsFirst-Time Buyer in PuyallupFirst-Time Buyer in LynnwoodFirst-Time Buyer in Lake StevensFirst-Time Buyer in IssaquahFirst-Time Buyer in ParklandFirst-Time Buyer in LongviewFirst-Time Buyer in WenatcheeFirst-Time Buyer in Mount VernonFirst-Time Buyer in GrahamFirst-Time Buyer in University PlaceFirst-Time Buyer in SpanawayFirst-Time Buyer in Walla WallaFirst-Time Buyer in Des MoinesFirst-Time Buyer in PullmanFirst-Time Buyer in SeaTacFirst-Time Buyer in OrchardsFirst-Time Buyer in Maple ValleyFirst-Time Buyer in CamasFirst-Time Buyer in TumwaterFirst-Time Buyer in Moses LakeFirst-Time Buyer in Mill Creek EastFirst-Time Buyer in Mercer IslandFirst-Time Buyer in Bainbridge IslandFirst-Time Buyer in Oak HarborFirst-Time Buyer in FredericksonFirst-Time Buyer in North LynnwoodFirst-Time Buyer in KenmoreFirst-Time Buyer in EastmontFirst-Time Buyer in Union Hill-Novelty HillFirst-Time Buyer in Cottage LakeFirst-Time Buyer in Hazel Dell

Frequently asked questions

Yes. First-Time Buyer loans are available statewide in Washington through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.