Last updated: July 27, 2026 · Verified against WSHFC, HUD, FHA official data
Washington State First-Time Home Buyer Programs 2026: WSHFC Home Advantage
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) offers the Home Advantage program — up to $10,000 in down payment assistance, at 0% interest with no monthly payments, fully forgiven after just 5 years. Combined with an FHA loan, you can buy a home in Seattle or Tacoma with $0 out of pocket.
Max DPA
$10,000
Min Credit
620
Interest
0%
Forgiveness
5 Years
⚠️ ATTENTION: NOT ALL LENDERS ARE APPROVED FOR WSHFC PROGRAMS
Don't Waste Time with the Wrong Lender — Most Are Not WSHFC-Approved
The WSHFC Home Advantage $10,000 DPA requires you to work with a WSHFC-approved participating lender. Using a lender that isn't certified means your DPA grant disappears — even if you qualify. Don't waste weeks in underwriting only to find out at closing. Match with a verified WA-approved lender right now:
| # | Lender | Rate | Fees | Min Credit | Close | Best For | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rocket Mortgage 🏆 BEST OVERALL | 6.50% | 0.5% | 620 | 21-30d | Best overall + fastest close | Apply → |
| #2 | BECU (Boeing CU) 🏦 WA LOCAL | 6.45% | 0.5% | 620 | 30-45d | Best WA-local WSHFC expert (Seattle) | Apply → |
| #3 | Guild Mortgage 📋 DPA EXPERT | 6.55% | 0.5% | 620 | 30-40d | Best for Home Advantage $10K DPA | Apply → |
| #4 | Fairway Independent ⭐ TOP RATED | 6.50% | 0.5% | 620 | 25-35d | Highest customer rating 4.7/5 | Apply → |
| #5 | Caliber Home Loans 💻 TECH FOCUS | 6.55% | 0.5% | 640 | 30-40d | Best for Seattle tech relocators | Apply → |
Rates shown are estimates for WSHFC first mortgage + DPA. Your actual rate depends on credit score, DTI, and loan type. Compare personalized rates →
How WSHFC Home Advantage DPA Works in 2026
WSHFC offers two main programs for first-time and repeat buyers. Both include below-market first mortgage rates plus DPA:
For first-time and repeat home buyers. Includes below-market rate + DPA.
- ✓Up to $10,000 in DPA
- ✓0% interest — no interest ever, no monthly payments
- ✓Forgiven after 5 years of occupying the home
- ✓Below-market 30-year fixed rate
- ✓Available with FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- ✓Min 620 credit score
Enhanced DPA for first-time buyers at or below 80% AMI. Higher assistance amounts.
- ★Up to $15,000 in DPA
- ★0% interest — no interest ever
- ★Forgiven after 5 years
- ★Below-market 30-year fixed rate
- ★Available with FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- ★Income limit: 80% AMI or below
Real Example: Buying a $550,000 Home in Seattle with WSHFC
With Home Advantage + FHA
- Home price: $550,000
- FHA down payment (3.5%): $19,250
- WSHFC DPA: -$10,000
- Your out-of-pocket: $9,250
- Plus closing costs partially covered!
Monthly Payment Estimate
- First mortgage (WSHFC FHA, 6.25%): $2,899/mo
- FHA MIP: $229/mo
- Property taxes (WA avg 0.93%): $426/mo
- Homeowners insurance: $120/mo
- DPA payment: $0/mo (forgiven after 5 yrs)
- Total: ~$3,674/month
WSHFC Income Limits & Purchase Price Limits 2026 by County
| County / Region | 1-2 Person | 3+ Person | Max Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| King County (Seattle) | $160,000 | $185,000 | $977,500 |
| Snohomish County (Everett) | $155,000 | $179,000 | $977,500 |
| Pierce County (Tacoma) | $145,000 | $167,000 | $726,200 |
| Thurston County (Olympia) | $130,000 | $149,500 | $510,400 |
| Spokane County (Spokane) | $110,000 | $126,500 | $510,400 |
| Clark County (Vancouver) | $130,000 | $149,500 | $510,400 |
| Kitsap County (Bremerton) | $145,000 | $167,000 | $726,200 |
| Most Rural WA Counties | $99,000 | $114,000 | $481,350 |
Income limits based on WSHFC 2026 guidelines. Check approved lenders for your exact county limits.
Compare WSHFC-Approved Lenders in 60 Seconds
Get quotes from 5+ WSHFC-approved lenders. Soft pull, no credit impact, no obligation.
Compare WA Lenders →5 Steps to Buy a House in Washington State with WSHFC DPA
Complete Homebuyer Education
Take a WSHFC-approved 5-hour homebuyer education seminar. Available online and in-person through WSHFC's approved providers (~$50-75). You receive a certificate valid for 1 year.
Get Pre-Approved with a WSHFC-Approved Lender
WSHFC must be processed through an approved lender. There are 40+ approved lenders statewide. They will determine your eligibility and the maximum DPA you qualify for.
→ Find WSHFC-approved lenders near you →Choose Your Loan Type
Work with your lender to select FHA (3.5% down, 640 score), VA (0% down, veterans), USDA (0% down, rural areas), or Conventional (3% down, 620+ score). FHA + WSHFC $10K DPA is the most popular combination — covers the entire 3.5% down on homes up to $285,000.
Find Your Home & Make an Offer
Shop within the purchase price limits for your county. The home must be your primary residence. Single-family homes, condos, and townhomes qualify. No investment properties.
Close on Your New Home
WSHFC adds about 1-2 weeks to the typical closing timeline. Budget 40-55 days total. Your lender handles all WSHFC paperwork. The DPA is recorded as a second lien at closing — live in the home for 5 years and it's fully forgiven. Free money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WSHFC Home Advantage program?
Does WSHFC down payment assistance have to be repaid?
What is the maximum income for WSHFC Home Advantage 2026?
What credit score do I need for WSHFC programs?
Can I use WSHFC Home Advantage with FHA, VA, or USDA loans?
Related Guides
Get Pre-Approved for WSHFC DPA
Check your eligibility and get matched with a WSHFC-approved lender near you.
Check Eligibility Free →Free · No SSN required · See if you qualify for $10K