Updated 1/26/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

  • A grant

  • A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

  • Repayable

  • Deferred

  • Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Washington

Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) Home Advantage Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to 4% or 5% of the loan amount (depending on the loan type) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 0% interest deferred loan. Repayment is deferred for 30 years or until the home is sold/refinanced.

  • Eligibility: First-time and repeat homebuyers with a minimum credit score of 620. Income limits apply (recently raised to $215,000 statewide).

  • More Information: WSHFC Home Advantage Program

WSHFC House Key Opportunity Program

  • Assistance: Provides affordable fixed-rate mortgages with down payment assistance options.

  • Terms: Standard mortgage repayment terms.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers meeting income and purchase price limits.

  • More Information: WSHFC House Key Opportunity

WSHFC Opportunity Down Payment Assistance Loan Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance.

  • Terms: 1% interest deferred loan. Repayment is deferred for 30 years or until sale/refinance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (or those in targeted areas) who meet lower income limits (typically 80% AMI). Must be paired with the House Key Opportunity first mortgage.

  • More Information: https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/

WSHFC HomeChoice Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $15,000 for buyers with a disability or those who have a family member with a disability living with them.

  • Terms: 1% interest deferred loan.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers meeting income limits.

  • More Information: https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/

WSHFC Veterans Downpayment Assistance Loan Program

  • Assistance: Offers up to $10,000 to eligible veterans and military families.

  • Terms: 3% interest deferred loan. Repayable upon sale, transfer, or refinance.

  • Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans, active duty, Guard/Reserve members, and surviving spouses.

  • More Information: https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/

WSHFC Covenant Homeownership Program (New & Priority)

  • Assistance: Provides a huge down payment assistance loan of up to 20% of the purchase price (max $150,000).

  • Terms: 0% interest deferred loan. No monthly payments. Repayment is deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage.

  • Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer with household income at or below 100% AMI. You must also meet specific demographic criteria related to the state's history of housing discrimination (e.g., residents who lived in WA before 1968 or their descendants).

  • https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/

Seattle Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $76,000 (updated from $55k) in down payment assistance.

  • Terms: 3% simple interest deferred loan. Payments are deferred for 30 years.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence in Seattle; household income must be at or below 80% AMI.

  • More Information: Seattle Down Payment Assistance

Tacoma Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $80,000 (significantly increased from the old $20k limit) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 0% interest deferred loan. No monthly payments; due upon sale or refinance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Tacoma city limits; income at or below 80% AMI.

  • More Information: Tacoma Homebuyer Assistance

ARCH East King County Down Payment Assistance Loan Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $30,000 (with proposals to increase to $75,000 for certain income brackets).

  • Terms: 4% interest deferred loan.

  • Eligibility: Buyers purchasing in ARCH member cities (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, etc.).

  • More Information: https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/

Bellingham Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Standard: Up to $40,000.

  • Resale Restricted: Up to $75,000 (for buyers willing to accept equity caps on resale).

  • Terms: 3% interest deferred loan. Repayable upon sale or refinance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Bellingham city limits.

  • More Information: https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/

Kennewick First-Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $50,000 (updated from $10k) in assistance.

  • Terms: 0% interest deferred loan. Repaid when the home is sold or title is transferred.

  • Eligibility: Low-to-moderate income first-time homebuyers purchasing in Kennewick. You must contribute a minimum of $1,000.

  • More Information: Kennewick First-Time Buyer Program

HomeSight Purchase Assistance

  • Services: Provides various down payment assistance options, including programs specific to Seattle, King County, and Snohomish County, as well as statewide assistance.

  • More Information: HomeSight WA

Pierce County Down Payment Assistance

Updated 1/26/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.