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Financial Assistance Programs In Washington

Statewide Programs

USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Program
  • Details: Home purchases in eligible rural or small towns and non-metropolitan areas of counties; Loan amount can include closing costs and repairs; Resale or new construction; Negotiated market rates. Available statewide in eligible rural areas only.
  • Income Eligibility: Ranges from $73,600 to $92,000 based on county, higher limits for larger households.
  • Loan Limits: 100% financing; 102% when loan guarantee fee financed; PITI less than or equal to 29%; total debt less than or equal to 41% monthly income.
House Key Plus
  • Details: Down payment assistance second mortgage for first time buyers or buying in targeted areas; Must be combined with WSHFC primary mortgage; 5%, 10 year term. Mandatory Home Buyer Education requirement. This is a WSHFC sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Clark/Skamania Co $73,000; King/Snohomish Co $88,000; Kitsap Co $75,600; Thurston Co $75,000; All other Co $72,900.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $10,000.
House Key Schools
  • Details: Down payment assistance second mortgage for teachers and employees of community or technical colleges and K-12 public or private schools accredited or recognized by the state of Washington; 3.00% 10 year term. Mandatory Home Buyer Education requirement. This is a WSHFC sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Clark/Skamania Co $73,000; King/Snohomish Co $88,000; Kitsap Co $75,600; Thurston Co $75,000; All other Co $72,900.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $10,000.
House Key Veterans
  • Details: Down payment assistance second mortgage for first time buyers or buying in targeted areas who are veterans receiving an honorable discharge or medically discharged 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. 3%, 10 year term. Available Statewide. Mandatory Home Buyer Education requirement. This is a WSHFC sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Clark/Skamania Co $73,000, King/Snohomish Co $88,000, Kitsap Co $76,000; Thurston Co $75,000, All other Co $72,900.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $10,000.
Home Choice
  • Details: Down payment assistance second mortgage for first time buyers or buying in targeted areas and with a disability or who have a family member with a disability living with them; 1% interest payable when home is sold, refinanced or after 30 years. Interest may be forgiven. Available Statewide. Mandatory Home Buyer Education requirement. This is a WSHFC sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Clark/Skamania/Co $73,000, King/Snohomish Co $88,000, Kitsap Co $75,600; Thurston Co $75,000, All other Co $72,900.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $15,000.

Seattle/King County Programs

House Key Plus ARCH East King County
  • Details: Down payment assistance second mortgage for first time buyers buying in unincorporated East King County or within participating cities in East King County; payable at re-sale, re-finance, transfer, or when primary loan repaid; 4% simple interest; maximum purchase price $362,790. Available in unincorporated East King County or: Beaux Arts Village, Bellevue, Bothell, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Medina, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville, Yarrow Point. Mandatory Home Buyer Education requirement. This is a WSHFC sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income must not exceed: 1 person $44,950, 2 persons $51,400, 3 persons $57,800, 4 persons $64,200, 5 persons $69,350, 6 persons $74,500, 7 persons $79,650, 8 persons $84,750.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $30,000
Seattle Household Incomes 80% AMI
  • Details: First Time Buyer deferred Payment Loan. No payments first 30 years. Interest accrues but is not due until 30th year, upon sale, transfer of title, transfer of use, or cash refinance. Shared Appreciation-percentage of equity is paid to down payment assistance provider when the home is sold, cash refinance, transfer of use or transfer of title. Shared Appreciation is 0% after year 10. Borrower contribution $2,500 or 1% of purchase price, whichever is greater. 25% may be gift. Purchase price guideline $362,790. Must purchase within Seattle City limits target area. Mandatory Homesight Buyer Education and housing counseling. A Homesight of WA sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income must not exceed: 1 person $45,100, 2 persons $51,550, 3 persons $58,000, 4 persons $64,400.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $60,000 based on need and eligibility.
Seattle Household Incomes 120% AMI
  • Details: First Time Buyer 30-year Amortizing Loan. Rate equal to Index plus 2%. 1% borrower contribution. Must purchase within Seattle City limits target area. Mandatory Homesight Buyer Education and housing counseling. A Homesight of WA sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income must not exceed: 1 person $71,950, 2 persons $82,200, 3 persons $92,450, 4 persons $102,750.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $75,000 based on need and eligibility.
South King Co. 80% AMI
  • Details: First Time Buyer deferred Payment Loan. No payments first 30 years. Interest accrues but is not due until 30th year, upon sale, transfer of title, transfer of use, or cash refinance. Shared Appreciation-percentage of equity is paid to down payment assistance provider when the home is sold, cash refinance, transfer of use or transfer of title. Shared Appreciation is 0% after year 10. Borrower contribution $2,500 or 1% of purchase price, whichever is greater. 25% may be gift. Purchase price guideline $418,000. Available in Auburn, Kent, Federal Way, Tukwila or select areas unincorporated south-King County. Mandatory Homesight Buyer Education and housing counseling. A Homesight of WA sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income not exceed: 1 person $45,100, 2 persons $51,550, 3 persons $58,000, 4 persons $64,400.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $35,000 from King County (80% or below AMI) and an additional $10,000 from the state based on need. Combined assistance
    amount can’t exceed $120,000.
South King Co. 120% AMI
  • Details: First Time Buyer 30-year Amortizing Loan. Rate equal to Index plus 2%. 1% borrower contribution. Available in Auburn, Kent, Federal Way, Tukwila or select areas unincorporated south-King County. Mandatory Homesight Buyer Education and housing counseling. A Homesight of WA sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income not exceed: 1 person $71,950, 2 persons $82,200 3 persons $92,450, 4 persons $102,750.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $75,000 based on need and eligibility. 2nd & 3rd combined assistance amount can’t exceed $120,000.
Homestead Community Landtrust
  • Details:  Land Trust ownership means that you are able to purchase a home at a lower price (typicallly $50,000-$100,000 below market prices) because the land remains part of the land trust. In exchange, you agree when you choose to move to sell your home at an affordable price, allowing another individual or family to achieve their dream of homeownership, as well.
  • Income Eligibility: Visit web site for eligibility requirements
  • Loan Limits: Up to $100,000.
International District Housing Alliance
  • Details: The homeownership program addresses language and other needs of immigrant and refugee communities throughout the first-time home purchase process. Staff work with clients on an individual basis as well as in workshop settings to provide: homebuyer education classes, individual homebuyer counseling, financial literacy education, individual credit management counseling, down-payment assistance programs, access to reputable lenders and real estate agents, New Americans Homeownership Fair. For more information, contact Joyce Saldanha.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A
Parkview Services
  • Details: Parkview’s Homeownership Program Offers home buying assistance in King County to individuals with developmental disabilities and family members who will live with them. There are two major components to Parkview’s program. The first is a home buyer education and counseling component and the second is down payment assistance. For more information, contact Marnie Claywell at 206-542-6644.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A

Tacoma/Pierce County Programs

City of Tacoma Down Payment Assistance Program
  • Details: Assist eligible first-time homebuyers with up to the FHA required down payment to purchase a home in any of the eligible areas of Tacoma (some areas excluded). Buyer must contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase price.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income must not exceed: 1 person $39,000, 2 persons $44,600, 3 persons $50,150, 4 persons $55,700, 5 persons $60,200, 6 persons $64,650, 7 persons $69,100, 8 persons $73,550.
  • Loan Limits: Up to 3½% of selling price.
City of Lakewood Down Payment Assistance Program
  • Details: Deferred loan due upon sale, refinance or transfer of ownership or occupancy; Half of total down payment required must be paid by borrower and can be gift funds; Need not be first time buyer; 0%, 20 year term. Available within Lakewood city limits. Mandatory Home Buyer Education requirement.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income must not exceed: 1 person $39,000, 2 persons $44,600, 3 persons $50,150, 4 persons $55,700, 5 persons $60,200, 6 persons $64,650, 7 persons $69,100, 8 persons $73,550.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $7,000.
Pierce County Down Payment Assistance Program
  • Details: First time buyer deferred loan due upon sale or if borrower no longer resides in home; Borrower must contribute minimum $1,000 toward any costs associated with acquisition – can be gift funds; Sales price cannot exceed 203(B) FHA loan limit for Pierce Co.; First mortgage must be approved conventional, FHA, VA, or RHS; 0%, 30 year term. Available in Pierce County, outside Lakewood and Tacoma city limits. Currently out of funding.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income must not exceed: 1 person $38,150, 2 persons $43,600, 3 persons $49,050, 4 persons $54,500, 5 persons $58,850, 6 persons $63,200, 7 persons $67,600, 8 persons $71,950.
  • Loan Limits: Up to 6% selling price.

Tri-Cities Programs

City of Kennewick
  • Details: First time buyer two part loan; match of borrower contribution and gap financing; Match is 50/50, $1,000 min and $5,000 max with match portion forgiven after 5 years; Gap financing up to $5,000 at 0% deferred payment; Sales price limit at FHA 203(b). Available in targeted area within Kennewick city limits. Mandatory first time buyer course requirement.
  • Income Eligibility: 80% median income based on household size: 1 person $34,650, 2 persons $39,600, 3 persons $44,550, 4 persons $49,500, 5 persons $54,500, 6 persons $57,450, 7 persons $61,400, 8 persons 65,350.
  • Loan Limits: Combined programs, up to $10,000.
City of Richland Homebuyer Asst Program
  • Details: First time buyer deferred loan for down payment, prepay, closing costs, 50% must be used for dp; $1,000 min borrower contribution; Payable at sale of property, 0%; sales price limit established by HUD. Available within Richland city limits. Mandatory Home buyer education requirement.
  • Income Eligibility: 80% median income based on household size: 1 persons $36.300, 2 persons $41,500, 3 persons $46,650, 4 persons $51,850, 5 persons $56,000, 6 persons $60,150, 7 persons $64,300, 8 persons $85,500.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $4,000.
City of Pasco Community Housing Improvement Program
  • Details: The City of Pasco will provide up to $5,000 towards purchase of a home with borrower contributing a minimum of $1,000. Repayment is deferred until sales, refinance, transfer of title, or until property is no longer used as owner’s primary residence.
  • Income Eligibility: Visit web site for eligibility requirements.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $5,000.
Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Tri-Cities
  • Details: CCCS offers to future homeowners an opportunity to educate themselves in the home buying process. Individuals will learn about the total homebuying process including focusing on the financial aspects, neighborhood revitalization, use and selection of a REALTOR®, evaluation and selection of property, taxes and insurance and the loan application process. Classes are schedule monthly at the Tri-Cities office. For more information contact Liza Beam, Director of Housing at (509)737-1973.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A

Other Western WA Programs

Snohomish 80% AMI
  • Details: First Time Buyer deferred Payment Loan. No payments first 30 years. Interest accrues but is not due until 30th year, upon sale, transfer of title, transfer of use, or cash refinance. Shared Appreciation-percentage of equity is paid to down payment assistance provider when the home is sold, cash refinance, transfer of use or transfer of title. Shared Appreciation is 0% after year 10. Borrower contribution $2,500 or 1% of purchase price, whichever is greater. 25% may be gift. Purchase price guideline $417,000. Must purchase within Snohomish County. Mandatory Homesight Buyer Education and housing counseling. A Homesight of WA sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: 80% median income based upon household size: 1 person $44,800, 2 persons $51,200, 3 persons $57,600, 4 persons $64,000.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $35,000 (80% or below AMI) & an additional $25,000 (60% or below AMI) based on need and eligibility.
Snohomish 120% AMI
  • Details: First Time Buyer 30-year Amortizing Loan. Rate equal to Index plus 2%. 1% borrower contribution. Must purchase within Snohomish County. Mandatory Homesight Buyer Education and housing counseling. A Homesight of WA sponsored program.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income must not exceed: 1 person $70,800, 2 persons $80,950, 3 persons $91,050, 4 persons $101,150.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $75,000 based on need and eligibility.
House Key Plus Bremerton
  • Details: Down payment assistance second mortgage for first time buyers buying within the Bremerton city limits; Shared Appreciation for the first nine years; 3%, 15 year term. Available within Bremerton city limits. Mandatory Home Buyer Education requirement.
  • Income Eligibility: Household income must not exceed: 1 person $39,700, 2 persons $45,350, 3 persons $51,050, 4 persons $56,700, 5 persons $61,250, 6 persons $65,750, 7 persons $70,300, 8 persons $70,900.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $20,000.
Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority
  • Details: Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority currently has Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) funds to be used for assisting First Time Home Buyers in the purchase of a home. The homebuyer must meet income eligibility of less than 80% of Kitsap County median income guidelines, as established by HUD. These funds may be used with 50% matching funds for down payment and/or 100% of reasonable closing costs up to a maximum of $20,000.00 for property located within Kitsap County, EXCLUDING the City of Bremerton. To qualify for this program First Time Home Buyers should contact any Mortgage Lender. The Lender will provide KCCHA with the necessary documents to determine eligibility for this program. If your mortgage lender is not familiar with the Down Payment Assistance Program, they may contact KCCHA at (360)535-6140 for further information.
  • Income Eligibility: Less than 80% of Kitsap County median income guidelines.
  • Loan Limits: 50% matching funds for down payment and/or 100% of reasonable closing costs up to a maximum of $20,000.
Columbia Non-Profit Housing
  • Details: The First Home Loan Program. If you meet income qualifications, they can provide a “silent second” mortgage loan up to $35,000 of the purchase price of your home purchase with payment deferred on the loan for up to 30 years. This will allow you to borrow less from your first mortgage lender and help keep your payments low and affordable. You will repay if you refinance, sell your home, change the use of your property, or at the end of a 30 year period. Available in Clark County.
  • Income Eligibility: Visit web site for eligibility requirements.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $35,000.
Nehemiah Down Payment Assistance Program
  • Details: Nehemiah Down Payment Assistance Program Nehemiah offers down payment assistance programs to qualified home buyers. This programs offers gift funds to be used towards down payment and closing costs for eligible FHA loan programs. Gift funds are available up to 6% of the purchase price. The only requirement is an approved FHA mortgage. Available in Clallam and Jefferson Counties.
  • Income Eligibility: Visit web site for eligibility requirements.
  • Loan Limits: Up to 6% of the purchase price.
Neighborworks of Grays Harbor County
  • Details: Loans to help with down payment and/or closing costs on single-family, owner-occupied homes. Loan can also be used for “necessary rehab” work. Can be a second lien on property behind a bank loan or first lien on owner contract. 8% plus 2% closing fee, 10-15 yr term. Available within Grays Harbor County. Homebuyer education class required.
  • Income Eligibility: 80% median income based on household size: 1 person $27,950, 2 persons $31,950, 3 persons $35,950, 4 persons $39,900, 5 persons $43,100, 6 persons $46,300, 7 persons $49,500,8 persons $52,700.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $15,000.
OPAL Community Land Trust
  • Details: Founded in 1989, OPAL (Of People And Land) CLT was one of the first community land trusts in the West, and remains at the forefront of perpetually affordable housing. OPAL is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. OPAL builds some of the only affordable houses on Orcas Island.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A
Kulshane Community Land Trust
  • Details: KulshanCLT’s HomeBuyer Driven Program (HBDP) can help households of modest means purchase existing homes by using the community land trust approach. The HBDP lowers the cost of housing by separating ownership of the house from ownership of the land on which the house sits. In this way, it combines community ownership of land with private ownership of homes. The down payment assistance offered by KulshanCLT closes the gap between high housing prices and lower family earnings. KulshanCLT helps you to qualify for a mortgage and other downpayment assistance, and then brings an additional $67,000 or more at closing to cover the gap between the cost of a starter home and the price your household can afford in mortgage plus downpayment. Available in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties.
  • Income Eligibility: Visit web site for eligibility requirements.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $67,000.
American Financial Solutions
  • Details: Looking at your complete financial situation, we will help you with steps such as: understanding what lenders look for when you are qualifying for a loan, determining how much you can borrow, setting up a budget to save for a down payment, informing you of down payment assistance programs in your state or local community, reviewing your credit report. Working in partnership with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, AFS is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A

Other Eastern WA Programs

Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs (SNAP)
  • Details: When funds are available, loans in amounts up to $25,000 can be made to assist eligible households with home purchases. The program is available to first-time buyers with incomes at or below 80% of area median income. Borrowers must be able to invest, from their own savings, 2% of the purchase price. An acceptable credit history is required. Other restrictions may apply.
  • Income Eligibility: First-time buyers with incomes at or below 80% of area median income.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $25,000.
The ARC of Spokane
  • Details: The Arc’s Homeownership Opportunities program helps people with developmental disabilities and their families overcome the challenges of buying a home by providing assistance and counseling about: qualifying for a mortgage, finding favorable lending terms, applying for a loan, finding the right house, making an offer and closing, long-term financial management, maintaining the home after purchase.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A
City of Yakima Down Payment Assistance
  • Details: First time buyer deferred loan at 0% interest payable if home is sold within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years this financing becomes a grant. Available within Yakima city limits. Mandatory home buyer education requirement.
  • Income Eligibility: 80% median income based on household size: 1 person $30,500, 2 persons $34,900, 3 persons $39,250, 4 persons $43,600, 5 persons $47,100, 6 persons $50,600, 7 persons $54,050, 8 persons $57,550.
  • Loan Limits: Up to $4,000.
Valley Residential Services
  • Details: VRS is a non-profit agency that provides residential support including WSHFC HomeChoice counseling, to persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness, who need housing and living support to live in their own homes. For additional information, call (509)522-0400. Available in Yakima.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A
Okanogan County Community Action Council
  • Details: Homebuyer education and courses. Visit their web site for more information.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A
Whitman Community Action Center
  • Details: The goal of the homebuyer assistance program is to increase homeownership among Whitman County residents with low to moderate incomes.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A
NCCAC Home Buyer Assistance Program
  • Details: Designed to help low-income families purchase a home. They offer personal one-on-one assistance and classes, without charge, to residents of Eastern Washington. NCCAC Housing Coordinators help people who are: having problems paying their mortgage, finding enough money for a down payment, figuring out how much they can afford to spend on a home. The NCCAC Home Buyer Assistance Program is approved by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission to provide Comprehensive Housing Education for families and individuals that are experiencing a housing related problem or need. Services are provided by appointment only. Available to residents of Adams, Grant, and Lincoln Counties.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A
Rural Resources Community Action
  • Details: Resources and tips for buying and maintaining your very first home. Ferry, Pend Oreille, Stevens Counties.
  • Income Eligibility: N/A
  • Loan Limits: N/A

Programs for Veterans

Veterans Benefit Information Flyer (PDF download)

WSHFC House Key Veterans Program
  • Details:
    • House Key Veterans is a down payment assistance, second mortgage loan program with a 3.00% interest rate and a ten-year loan term for veterans who have served our country.
    • House Key Veterans combines with the House Key State Bond first mortgage loan program.
    • Borrowers must attend a Commission-sponsored homebuyer seminar prior to reserving funds under the House Key Program.
    • Cash back to borrowers is not allowed.
    • 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.
    • Borrowers must be first-time homebuyers or buying in a targeted area.
    • This is a WSHFC sponsored program. Contact Karen Carlson at 206.287.4413 or toll free in WA 800.767.4663, Ex 413.
  • Income Eligibility: To be eligible for a House Key Veterans Loan, you must not exceed the following income:
    Clark/Skamania Counties: $72,000, King/Snohomish Counties: $86,800, Kitsap/Thurston Counties: $74,500, All Other Counties: $71,900
  • Loan Limits: Up to $10,000.
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project
HVRP is a proven, successful program that gets homeless veterans off the street and back to being productive members of society. WDVA provides HVRP-Urban services to Veterans in the Puget Sound Region of King, Pierce, Thurston, and Kitsap Counties. HVRP-Rural services are provided to ten counties in Eastern Washington.The HVRP offers a structured, individually designed case management plan to assist veterans become employable and secure. Program Services include:

  • Immediate needs – food, clothing, transportation, and access to shelter;
  • Outreach to homeless veterans providers;
  • Employability needs and skills assessment;
  • Job readiness services, including transitional housing assistance, basic skills training, therapeutic work, résumé development and employment opportunity referrals; and
  • 90, 180, and 270-day job retention follow-up.

To be eligible for participation under HVRP, an individual must be a veteran and homeless as defined:

  • The term “veteran” means a person who served in the active US military, naval, or air service and who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Reference 38 USC 101 (2)
  • The term “homeless or homeless individual” as defined in the Homeless Comprehensive Act of 2001 (HVCAA, Public Law 107-95)includes persons:
    • Who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;
    • Whose primary nighttime residence is either a supervised public or private shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations, or a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutional; or
    • Living in a private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
United States Department of Veteran Affairs