Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
Washington State home buyers have several various down payment assistance programs available and they’re not just limited to first time home buyers. These funds can go towards closing cost and the down payment of primary residence.
Here’s an updated list of what I have available.
I just received the official announcement that House Key Opportunity (aka the Washington State Bond program) will start accepting reservations (locks) tomorrow, May 1, 2014.
The state bond program offers below market interest rates to home buyers who have household incomes limited to 80% or lower of the HUD’s income limits. In King County, a family of four would qualify for this program if their household income is $63,900 or lower. House Key will allow credit scores of 620 or higher – there may be additional credit score or income limits with combined down payment assistance programs.
UPDATE 5/30/2014: Income limits above are for when home buyers do not use a down payment assistance program in conjunction with House Key Opportunity state bond program. Income limits for the Seattle – King County area are $90,000 for a 1-2 family home or $97,000 for a 3+ family home.
The next home buyer education class that I’m teaching is coming up on Saturday, May 10th, 2014 at the Burien Library. Ira Sacharoff, Real Estate Broker with Better Properties Real Estate is my fellow instructor.
The class is sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Students who attend are eligible for programs like Home Advantage, House Key (state bond) or Home Possible as well as various down payment assistance programs and MCC (mortgage credit certificates) tax credits.If you are considering buying a home with your spouse, partner or friend, they need to attend the class too in order to qualify for programs. You do not need to be a first time home buyer to qualify for many of these programs. And you’re welcome to attend if you’re just interested in learning more about the process.
It’s anticipated that funds will become available for the House Key program in a couple weeks. House Key is the Washington state bond program that offers below market rates to borrowers that meet certain criteria, including income limits. Income limits vary by county and family size.
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers several mortgage programs with various types of down payment assistance for home buyers. In order to qualify for the program, home buyers need to have household income of $97,000 or lower and attend a WSHFC sponsored home buyers class.
EDITORS NOTE: It appears as though this program is being suspended effective the end of February 2016. If you’re considering using a grant, you might want to check out other down payment assistance options such as Home Advantage.
I am just learning about a down payment assistance program (dpa) that I now have available at Mortgage Master Service Corporation. The NHF Platinum Program is a little different than what you may be used to as it’s a grant that does not have to be repaid.
Yesterday I received an email with this question that I thought would be helpful to my readers considering the popular Home Advantage Mortgage program with down payment assistance:
I’ve been studying the different loan programs in WA State and came across your website. We’re considering taking out a Home Advantage mortgage but need clarification on one of the restrictions.
If you are considering buying a home and want to learn more about the process, I invite you to attend one of upcoming seminars I have scheduled. Both classes are sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) and attendees are eligible for down payment assistance programs offered through WSHFC.
I’ve just scheduled the following seminars:
Rhonda Porter is a Licensed Mortgage Originator MLO121324 living in the greater Seattle area. Rhonda began her career in 1986 in the title and escrow industry and began her mortgage career in 2000. She enjoys helping people understand the mortgage process and started writing The Mortgage Porter in late 2006. Read More…
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