Washington State Down Payment Assistance Programs and Grants

down payment assistance and grants washington

Buying a home in Washington State doesn’t always require a large amount of cash up front. There are multiple down payment assistance (DPA) programs and grants available statewide, and many are not limited to first-time home buyers. These funds can often be used toward both down payment and closing costs on an owner-occupied primary residence, making homeownership more accessible than many buyers realize.

Typically, down payment assistance (DPA) is required to be paid back by the borrower, and the grant is forgiven or not required to be paid back. Each program may have their own unique requirements in order for someone to obtain the funds. Here are just a couple of examples of possible down payment assistance options for Washington state homebuyers that I can help you with.

NAF Pathway 100 – Down Payment Assistance

We offer down payment assistance where eligible homebuyers can receive up to 100% financing. It’s not limited to first-time homebuyers.

  • First mortgage options include FHA or USDA (subject to FHA county loan limits or USDA’s income limits)
  • Available for 1-2 unit homes, condos and manufactured homes.
  • DPA available for 3.5 or 5% of the purchase price. DPA is a 10-year amortized, repayable mortgage (not deferred, like many of the WSHFC products).
  • Homebuyer education class is not required.
  • No income limits (except for the USDA option)

Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) Down Payment Assistance

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers several down payment assistance programs that are paired with a WSHFC first mortgage, such as:

  • Home Advantage
  • House Key Opportunity (Washington State bond program)

These programs are available throughout Washington State, with some options targeted to specific counties, cities, or buyer profiles.

Important things to know about WSHFC DPAs:

  • Funds may be used for down payment and/or closing costs
  • Home buyer education through a WSHFC-approved course is required
  • These programs are not grants — they are typically deferred-payment loans
    • Repayment usually occurs when:
      • The home is sold
      • The property is no longer owner-occupied
      • The first mortgage is refinanced

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission regularly updates its offerings, adding new programs and revising existing ones as funding becomes available.

In order to qualify for a WSFHC down payment assistance program, homebuyers are required to take a WSHFC approved class. The classes can be in person or online and typically last about 5 hours.

The homebuyer workshops that I teach are not affiliated with the WSHFC program, although I have instructed several of their homebuyer classes in the past.

Additional Grants & Assistance Programs

Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Assistance Options

Depending on income, location, and loan structure, buyers may also qualify for programs associated with:

  • Fannie Mae (such as HomeReady®)
  • Freddie Mac (such as Home Possible®)

These programs may offer:

  • Reduced down payment requirements
  • More flexible underwriting guidelines
  • Access to additional grants or lender credits that can sometimes be layered with state or local assistance

Other Potential Assistance Sources

  • Local city or county housing programs
  • Employer-assisted housing benefits
  • Community-based or nonprofit grants
  • Lender-specific first-time or repeat buyer assistance

Availability varies by location and funding cycles, which is why reviewing options before you write an offer is so important.

Not Just for First-Time Home Buyers

Many buyers are surprised to learn that you don’t always need to be a first-time home buyer to qualify. Some programs allow:

  • Previous homeowners (who haven’t owned recently)
  • Buyers relocating within Washington State
  • Buyers purchasing again after divorce or life changes

Eligibility depends on income limits, purchase price, and loan program—not just buyer history.

How I Help

Down payment assistance can be incredibly helpful—but it’s also layered, detailed, and constantly changing. I help my clients by:

  • Identifying possible available programs
  • Structuring loans to maximize layering opportunities and/or using allowed seller contributions.
  • Compare down payment assistance programs to other potentially lower rate programs.

Here are articles that I’ve written about down payment assistance programs and grants for Washington state homebuyers.

Let’s Explore Your Options

If you’re considering buying a home anywhere in Washington State, I’d love to help you understand which down payment assistance and grant programs may be available to you.

Reach out anytime to start the conversation and build a smart, confident path to homeownership.