Washington State First-Time Home Buyer Programs of 2024

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Updated · 3 min read
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Written by Phil Metzger
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First-time home buyers in Washington can take advantage of special loan programs and down payment assistance available just for residents. Got your eye on a cottage in King County? Or maybe a split-level in Spokane? The Washington State Housing Finance Commission, or WSHFC, knows the lay of the land and the lenders that can help.

WSHFC highlights and eligibility requirements

These are first-time home buyer assistance programs for residents in the Evergreen State. If you live here, it's a good idea to see if you qualify for them.

Highlights

  • 30-year home loans.

  • Down payment assistance up to 5% of the mortgage amount.

  • Available for single-family houses, condos, townhouses and manufactured homes.

Eligibility

  • A home buyer education course is required, in person or online.

  • Annual household income typically cannot exceed $180,000.

  • Some down payment assistance programs are restricted to first-time home buyers.

  • If you haven’t owned and occupied your primary residence in the past three years, you qualify as a first-time home buyer.

  • Specific areas are exempt from the first-time home buyer requirement.

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