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Washington Down Payment Assistance: Up to $60,000 (WSHFC)

By Mike Certo, NMLS #260555 ·

Washington runs some of the largest local down payment programs in the country, up to $60,000 in Clark County, $55,000 in Seattle, on top of statewide help. Here is how to use them, and which one fits you.

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How Washington down payment assistance works

Washington is expensive on the west side, and the state answers with unusually large help, most of it deferred, meaning no monthly payment until you sell or refinance. The biggest money is local: up to $60,000 in Clark County, $55,000 in Seattle and Pierce County, run through WSHFC, the state housing commission. On top of the local programs, the statewide Home Advantage DPA adds up to 4% (5% on conventional or FHA) of the loan. And special programs, Covenant ($150k), Veterans, HomeChoice, reach specific buyers. A 620 credit score opens the door, and we map the strongest legal stack for you.

The Washington options at a glance

Why work with us

A participating lender, not a referral site.

Cornerstone First Mortgage originates WSHFC loans directly, we are an approved participating lender, not a lead broker that sells your information. With this many Washington programs, the value is knowing which combine, Mike Certo will tell you straight which local and statewide help you can stack, before you apply. No obligation, no pressure.

What clients are saying

Verified reviews from Mike Certo's experience.com profile, updated automatically.

Ready to see what you qualify for?

Tell us your city, credit range, income, and whether you have served or have a disability in the household, and we will map your Washington options in a no-pressure call. Start with the quiz above, or reach Mike at (480) 296-6513.

Local guides

Down payment assistance by county

Explore your metro and compare your options.

Spokane

Affordable east WA — statewide help stretches, Fairchild AFB.

Compare your options

Local guides

Down payment assistance by county

Explore your metro and compare your options.

Spokane

Affordable east WA — statewide help stretches, Fairchild AFB.

Compare your options

FAQ

Common questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Washington?

It depends on where you buy. Local programs are the largest: up to $60,000 in Clark County, $55,000 in Seattle and Pierce County, $40,000 in Bellingham. Statewide, the Home Advantage DPA gives up to 4%–5% of the loan plus a $10,000 needs-based option. Special programs include Covenant (up to $150,000), Opportunity ($15,000), and Veterans ($10,000).

Do I repay Washington down payment assistance?

Most WSHFC down payment loans are payment-deferred, so no payment is due until you sell, transfer, move out of, or refinance the home, or pay off the first mortgage. Interest is low, 0% to 4% depending on the program. Confirm your program's exact terms with WSHFC.

What is the biggest down payment program in Washington?

For most buyers it's a local program, Clark County's reaches up to $60,000, and Seattle and Pierce County up to $55,000. For eligible buyers affected by Washington's history of racial covenants, the Covenant Homeownership program reaches up to $150,000, the largest of all.

What credit score do I need for Washington down payment assistance?

WSHFC requires a minimum credit score of 620. Income limits vary by program, some allow household income up to about $180,000, while the needs-based option is nearer $97,000. Confirm your program's current limit with WSHFC.

See your Washington options

Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your Washington path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.

Apply NowTalk to Mike first