Down payment assistance in Washington
Washington's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC). Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
Home Advantage DPA
Deferred loan- Maximum assistance
- Up to 5% of loan amount as a 0% deferred second
- Income limit
- Up to $180,000
- Home price limit
- Up to $750,000 (King, Snohomish, Pierce); $625,000 elsewhere
- First-time buyer
- Not required
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- •0% deferred second - no payment until sale/refi/payoff.
- •Opportunity, Home Key, and Veterans programs offer additional layered DPA up to $25k.
How Washington DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. Washington's Home Advantage DPA pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
Washington's primary statewide DPA is Home Advantage DPA from Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC). Up to 5% of loan amount as a 0% deferred second. Many Washington cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
No. The Home Advantage DPA is open to both first-time and repeat buyers, subject to income and home-price limits.
Yes. Home Advantage DPA works with these loan types: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Usually no. Deferred and forgivable loans typically have no monthly payment, so most lenders do not include them in your DTI calculation.
Deferred and second-mortgage DPAs are generally repaid in full when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.