2026 Conforming Loan Limits: What Washington Homebuyers Should Know

2026 Conforming Loan Limits for Washington HomesLow-Down-Payment Programs, Renovation Loans & Down Payment Assistance Options

The 2026 conforming loan limits are giving homebuyers and homeowners across Washington State more borrowing power and more flexibility. Higher limits mean more buyers can qualify for competitive conforming mortgage programs—often with lower down payments, reduced mortgage insurance, and expanded underwriting options. [Read more…]

Congratulations to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission!

iStock_000009450603SmallI’ve just learned that last month, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission did their 50,000 closing! In other words, WSHFC has helped over 50,000 families buy a home in Washington state using one of their first mortgage and down payment assistance programs. The 50,000th home buyers are from Federal Way and represent a typical Home Advantage home buyer:

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What is a Mortgage Credit Certificate or MCC?

Mortgage Credit Certificate (or also referred to as MCC) is a federal tax credit available to first time home buyers who meet certain requirements. With the tax credit, eligible home buyers can adjust their their withholding to take advantage of the savings monthly instead of waiting until they file their taxes.  The MCC remains available as long as the borrower owns and occupies the property.

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How to prepare for a Home Buyer Education Class

I’m putting the final touches on the home buyers education seminar, sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, that I will be teaching this weekend. The criteria for the class is set by WSHFC and it’s a lot of information to review from different types of mortgages, qualifying and even how to select a real estate agent or lender. I thought I’d share a few tips for how someone may want to prepare for a home buyer’s class, like the one I’ll be teaching in Seattle.

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Common misconceptions about the Washington State mortgage program: Home Advantage

down payment assistance and grants washingtonWhen most folks think of the mortgage programs offered by the Washington State Finance Housing Commission, they often think of the state bond program (House Key Opportunity).  Both Home Advantage and House Key Opportunity offer down payment assistance to Washington home buyers. [Read more…]