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title: "Washington Veterans Downpayment Assistance (WSHFC)"
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summary: "Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers downpayment assistance programs paired with mortgage options like Home Advantage and House Key to help homebuyers overcome the downpayment hurdle. Programs provide 0-1% interest loans with income limits and require homebuyer education classes and Commission-trained lenders."
tags: "downpayment-assistance, home-loans, first-time-homebuyers, washington-state, mortgage-programs, housing-finance"
key_entities: "Washington State Housing Finance Commission (organization), Home Advantage (concept), House Key Opportunity (concept), Washington State (location), King County (location), Snohomish County (location), Downpayment Assistance Program (concept)"
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# Washington Veterans Downpayment Assistance (WSHFC)

Downpayment Assistance Every Commission home loan comes with downpayment assistance. While you probably don’t need as much cash for the downpayment as you think, it can still be a significant hurdle. That’s why we offer downpayment assistance with our mortgage programs (Home Advantage and House Key). Start with a homebuyer education class and connect with a Commission-trained lender who knows our programs! Take a Free Homebuyer Class Find a Lender to Connect to Downpayment Assistance Downpayment Assistance FAQs Downpayment Assistance Programs All our downpayment assistant programs are provided as payment-deferred loans, and all must be paired with one of our first-mortgage programs (Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity). Not sure which DPA loan is right for you? You don't have to choose! Your Commission-trained lender will work with you to select the downpayment option that works best for you. Find a lender here! Home Advantage DPA Home Advantage Needs-Based House Key Opportunity DPA Covenant Homeownership Home Choice Veterans ARCH (East King County) Bellingham Home Advantage DPA Combines with the Home Advantage first-mortgage loan program Offers 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first-mortgage loan amount in downpayment assistance at 0% interest. Statewide income limit = $215,000 Purchasing a home for under $250,000? See our Home Advantage Needs-Based Downpayment Assistance option above. Homebuyers C onnect to this Program Find a loan officer here! Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.   Lenders Get the Details Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs. Not yet one of our lending partners? Which Homebuyers are Eligible? First-time homeownership not required Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence. Household income must not exceed $215,000 a year. DPA Loan Repayment No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage). The balance is due and payable when the borrower: Sells, refinances, or transfers the property; Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or Pays off the home (at 30 years or before) Use of Funds Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs. Required Steps You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class. Is this the right program for me? Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow. Find a Lender Here! Ask Us About DPA Programs Home Advantage Needs-Based DPA Combines with the Home Advantage first-mortgage loan program Offers up to $10,000 in downpayment assistance at 1% simple interest. For those earning up to $164,400 in King/Snohomish counties; $126,800 in all other counties. Purchasing a home for more than $250,000? See our Home Advantage Downpayment Assistance option above. Homebuyers C onnect to this Program Find a loan officer here! Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.   Lenders Get the Details Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs. Not yet one of our lending partners? Which Homebuyers are Eligible? First-time homeownership not required Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence. Household income must not exceed $157,100 in King and Snohomish counties, $122,100 in all other counties. Needs assessment is required for borrowers, except for military veterans. DPA Loan Repayment No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage). The balance is due and payable when the borrower: Sells, refinances, or transfers the property; Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or Pays off the home (at 30 years or before) Use of Funds Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs. Required Steps You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class. Is this the right program for me? Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow. Find a Lender Here! Ask Us About DPA Programs   House Key Opportunity DPA Combines with the House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan program Offers up to $15,000 in downpayment assistance at 1% simple interest Homebuyers C onnect to this Program Find a loan officer here! Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.   Lenders Get the Details Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs. Not yet one of our lending partners? Which Homebuyers are Eligible? Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence. First-time homebuyers only – or you must be purchasing a home in a Target Area Needs assessment is required for borrowers, except for military veterans. Your lender will take you through this process of supplying household financial information. Counties 1-2 Person Household 3+ Persons Household Counties King/Snohomish 1-2 Person Household $93,350 3+ Persons Household $116,650 Counties Clark/Kitsap/Pierce/Skamania 1-2 Person Household $83,000 3+ Persons Household $103,700 Counties Thurston/Whatcom 1-2 Person Household $78,600 3+ Persons Household $98,250 Counties All Other Counties 1-2 Person Household $67,450 3+ Persons Household $84,300 DPA Loan Repayment No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage). The balance is due and payable when the borrower: Sells, refinances, or transfers the property; Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or Pays off the home (at 30 years or before) Use of Funds Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs. Required Steps You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class. Is this the right program for me? Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow. Find a Lender Here! Ask Us About DPA Programs Visit the Covenant program page for all homebuyer information, including FAQs about eligibility ! Created by the Covenant Homeownership Act in 2023 Serves those with pre-1968 roots in Washington state, who themselves or a parent or grandparent lived in Washington before 1968, and who are/were members of certain groups affected by housing discrimination Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan programs Offers a downpayment assistance loan of up to 20% of the cost of the home — up to $150,000 — plus closing costs Homebuyers C onnect to this Program Find a loan officer here! Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.   Lenders Get the Details Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs. Not yet one of our lending partners? Is this the right program for me? Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow. Find a Lender Here! Ask Us About DPA Programs HomeChoice DPA Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan programs Offers up to $15,000 for buyers with a disability or disabled family member living with them. Homebuyers C onnect to this Program Find a loan officer here! Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.   Lenders Get the Details Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs. Not yet one of our lending partners? Which Homebuyers are Eligible? Borrowers who have a disability or who have a family member with a disability living with them. The disability must be verified and meet the definition of disabled per the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the ADA) or RCW 71A.10.020 . Income must not exceed $164,400 in King and Snohomish counties, $126,800 in all other counties. First-time homeownership required — unless you are buying in a Targeted Area. Owner-occupied only: The home must be your principal residence. Needs assessment is required for borrowers. Use of Funds Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs. DPA Loan Repayment No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage). The balance is due and payable when the borrower: Sells, refinances, or transfers the property; Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or Pays off the home (at 30 years or before) Required Steps You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class. You must also attend a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session . Once you are pre-approved and your lender says you are ready to close, contact one of the following agencies to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session: Statewide: American Financial Solutions , 888-864-8699, or Parkview Services , Loretta Cael at 509.861.3330 Clark & Skamania Counties: Community Housing Resource Center, 360-690-4496 x100 Ferry County: Rural Resources Community Action , Jan Owens, 509-685-6179 King County: HomeSight , 206-723-4355; Parkview Services , Loretta Cael at 509.861.3330; or Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle , 800-368-1455 Pend Oreille County: Rural Resources Community Action , Jan Owens, 509-685-6179 San Juan County: Opal Community Land Trust , Julie Brunner, 360-376-3191 Snohomish County: Homestead Community Land Trust , 206-323-1227, or Parkview Services , Loretta Cael at 509.861.3330 Spokane County: Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners , 509-319-3041 Stevens County: Rural Resources Community Action , Jan Owens, 509-685-6179 Whatcom, Skagit & Island Counties: Kulshan Community Land Trust , 360-671-5600, ext. Other Counties: If there is no service provider located in your area, please contact one of the statewide service providers or a service provider in a neighboring county, or email Dietrich.Schmitz@wshfc.org for assistance. Is this the right program for me? Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow. Find a Lender Here! Ask Us About DPA Programs   Veterans Downpayment Assistance Program Serves military veterans in Washington state Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan program Offers up to $10,000 in downpayment assistance at 3% interest. Homebuyers C onnect to this Program Find a loan officer here! Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.   Lenders Get the Details Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs. Not yet one of our lending partners? Which Homebuyers are Eligible? First-time homebuyers only – or you must be purchasing a home in a Target Area Owner-occupied only : The home must be your principal residence. Also, the home must not have been occupied by a tenant within 90 days of the purchase and sale agreement. Eligible military veterans include : 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. Household income must not exceed $164,400 in King and Snohomish counties, $126,800 in all other counties. Use of Funds Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs based upon need. Required Steps You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class. DPA Loan Repayment No monthly payments required (just payment on your mortgage). The balance is due and payable when the borrower: Sells, refinances, or transfers the property; Fails to maintain the property as their principal place of residence; or Pays off the home (at 30 years or before) Is this the right program for me? Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow. Find a Lender Here! Ask Us About DPA Programs ARCH (East King County) Serves those buying a home within an ARCH member area of East King County (see below) Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first mortgage loan programs Offers up to $30,000 in downpayment assistance at 4% simple interest. Homebuyers C onnect to this Program Find a loan officer here! Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.   Lenders Get the Details Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs. Not yet one of our lending partners? Which Homebuyers are Eligible? No need to be a first-time homebuyer Owner-occupied only : The home must be your principal residence. Also, the home must not have been occupied by a tenant within 90 days of the purchase and sale agreement. Buying a home in the following cities of East King County: Beaux Arts Village | Bellevue | Bothell | Clyde Hill | Hunts Point | Issaquah | Kenmore | Kirkland | Medina | Mercer Island | Newcastle | Redmond | Sammamish | Woodinville | Yarrow Point Buying a home under these price limits: New construction home limit = $660,000 Existing home limit = $646,000. Household income must not exceed these limits: Household Size Household Income Limit Household Size 1 Household Income Limit $81,700 Household Size 2 Household Income Limit $93,350 Household Size 3 Household Income Limit $105,000 Household Size 4 Household Income Limit $116,650 Household Size 5 Household Income Limit $126,000 Household Size 6 Household Income Limit $135,350 Household Size 7 Household Income Limit $144,650 Household Size 8 Household Income Limit $154,000 Use of Funds Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs based upon need. The borrower must contribute 2% of the purchase price. Up to half of this 2% can be from gift funds. Loan Repayment No monthly payments required. The balance is due and payable when the borrower(s): Sells, refinances, or transfers the property Fails to maintain it as their principal place of residence; or When the home is paid off (on or before 30 years). Required Steps You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class. You must also attend a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session . Once you are pre-approved and your lender says you are ready to close, contact one of the following agencies to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session: American Financial Solutions, 888-864-8699 Parkview Services , Loretta Cael, 509-861-3330 Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, 800-368-1455 Is this the right program for me? Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow. Find a Lender Here! Ask Us About DPA Programs Bellingham Downpayment Assistance Program Serves those buying a home within the city limits of Bellingham Combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan program Offers up to $40,000 in downpayment assistance at 3% simple interest. Homebuyers C onnect to this Program Find a loan officer here! Any Commission-trained loan officer can work with you to determine which downpayment assistance program is the best fit.   Lenders Get the Details Downpayment Assistance Program Manuals and Other Documents For use by lending professionals who are trained by the Commission in our programs. Not yet one of our lending partners? Which Homebuyers are Eligible? First-time homebuyers only Owner-occupied only : The home must be your principal residence. Also, the home must not have been occupied by a tenant within 90 days of the purchase and sale agreement. Buying a home in the city limits of Bellingham, Wash. Buying a home under these price limits: Single-Unit (Detached, Attached & Manufactured): $667,850 Condominium: $375,250 Household income must not exceed these limits: Household Size Household Income Limit Household Size 1 Household Income Limit $66,720 Household Size 2 Household Income Limit $76,300 Household Size 3 Household Income Limit $85,840 Household Size 4 Household Income Limit $95,350 Household Size 5 Household Income Limit $103,000 Household Size 6 Household Income Limit $110,640 Household Size 7 Household Income Limit $118,250 Household Size 8 Household Income Limit $125,850 Use of Funds Funds may be used for downpayment and closing costs based upon need. The borrower must contribute $2,500 toward the downpayment or 1% of the purchase price, whichever is greater. Up to 25% of this borrower contribution can be from gift funds. Loan Repayment No monthly payments required. The balance is due and payable when the borrower(s): Sells, refinances, or transfers the property Fails to maintain it as their principal place of residence; or When the home is paid off (on or before 30 years). Required Steps You must attend a free Homebuyer Education Class sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and receive your certificate. You can take this class any time, but the earlier in your homeownership journey, the better. Learn more and find a class. You must also attend a FREE one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session . Once you are pre-approved and your lender says you are ready to close, contact Kulshan Community Land Trust at 360-671-5600 to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session: Is this the right program for me? Don’t worry – you’ll work with a Commission-trained loan officer who will help you determine which of our downpayment assistance programs will work best for you, as well as the home price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow. Find a Lender Here! Ask About Downpayment Assistance   Frequently Asked Questions   O P You have a lot of downpayment programs. How do I know which one is right for me? Ask your lender or fill in this quick form with information about your location, household size and income. One of our Homeownership staff will reply with recommendations just for you. O P Does a downpayment assistance loan need to be paid back? Yes. The interest rate is very low, from 0% to 4% depending on the program. It is wrapped into your main home mortgage, so you don’t have two bills to pay. Also, most of our downpayment loans are payment deferred” meaning no payment is due until the mortgage is paid off or until you sell, transfer, move out of or refinance the property. O P How much downpayment assistance can I get? It varies by program, but $15,000 is the average amount for a typical homebuyer. See All Downpayment Assistance FAQs >