Washington State Mortgages, Made Clear. Buying or Refinancing? Let's find the right loan together.
HUD has released the 2026 FHA loan limits for homes located in Washington State. FHA loan limits are set each year and vary by county and by the number of units (1–4 unit homes).
These limits determine the maximum base loan amount you can finance using an FHA-insured mortgage. If your loan amount is higher than the FHA limit for the county where the property is located, you may need a different type of financing (such as a conventional or jumbo loan), or a larger down payment. [Read more…]
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2025 when FHA first announced this policy change. It’s been updated to reflect that the rule is now fully in effect and has been for over a year, with current eligibility and documentation details.
In March 2025, FHA issued Mortgagee Letter 2025-09, revising who can qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage based on residency status. The change is no longer new or pending — it took effect for case numbers assigned on or after May 25, 2025, and it’s the rule lenders are working under today. If you’re a non-permanent resident, or you’re a real estate agent working with borrowers on visas, here’s what you need to know. [Read more…]
In this episode of Seattle Real Estate Chat, Jim Reppond and I discuss FHA’s HAWK program with special guest, Frances Flynn Thorsen.
Previously I reviewed HUD’s Home Purchasing Time Line, which I found several issues with if you’re a home buyer in Washington State. If I’m going to pick something apart, it’s only right that I offer an example of how I think it should be corrected.
Below is HUD’s suggested time line.
Here is how I see a successful purchase transaction evolving. My modifications to HUD’s time line are in blue below. [Read more…]
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2007 and has been substantially updated in 2026 to reflect current FHA condominium approval rules, including the Single-Unit Approval pathway and today’s recertification process.
