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Hole 04 · Front Nine — Get Ready

Down-Payment-Assistance Programs

Down-payment assistance exists nationwide through state agencies, local programs, and nonprofits. This hole explains common structures, how to find official local options, and then clearly labels Washington examples such as Home Advantage and House Key Opportunity.

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Written by 18 Holes to Home Team · Education Team · 18 Holes to Home | Educational content

Primary sources reviewed July 15, 2026

Homebuying fundamentals are taught for learners nationwide. Sections labeled Washington detail use Washington law, programs, practices, or Pacific Northwest examples—check the official resources for your state before acting.

Washington detail

What down payment assistance actually is

Washington State Housing Finance Commission assistance is generally a payment-deferred second loan paired with an eligible first mortgage, not unrestricted cash. Repayment can be triggered by sale, refinance, transfer, payoff, or loss of owner occupancy, and interest terms vary by program. Other states and local programs may use loans, grants, or forgivable structures, so verify the exact agreement.

  • DPA is a loan, structured alongside your main mortgage.
  • Most Washington programs defer repayment until sale, refinance, or payoff.
  • It reduces cash needed at closing — it doesn't erase the loan.
Washington detail

Washington's programs, by name

Home Advantage offers 3%, 4%, or 5% of your loan amount at 0% interest, with a statewide income limit most Washington buyers fall under. Home Advantage Needs-Based adds up to $10,000 at 1% simple interest for buyers under lower income limits. House Key Opportunity offers up to $15,000 at 1% simple interest for first-time buyers or target-area purchases. Check the current income limit at heretohome.org — the number changes. Source: heretohome.org, checked 2026-07-11.

  • Home Advantage — 3-5% of loan amount, 0% interest, income limit checked live at heretohome.org
  • Home Advantage Needs-Based — up to $10,000 at 1% simple interest, lower income limits by county
  • House Key Opportunity — up to $15,000 at 1% simple interest, needs assessment required
Washington detail

The one requirement almost nobody mentions

Every down-payment-assistance program from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) requires a homebuyer-education certificate before closing — and it's the step most buyers never hear about until it's almost too late. Not every loan officer runs these programs by default, so ask explicitly, and complete the education class early so it never becomes a closing-week scramble.

  • A WSHFC-approved homebuyer education certificate is required before closing.
  • Ask your lender directly whether they run WSHFC programs — many don't by default.
  • Complete education early; don't let it become a closing-week bottleneck.

Outside Washington

Down payment assistance isn't a Washington-only benefit — similar programs exist in every state, run by state housing agencies, cities, and nonprofits. Freddie Mac's DPA One tool searches programs nationwide by location, and a HUD-approved housing counselor can walk you through what applies to you specifically, wherever you're buying.

  • Search nationwide programs with Freddie Mac's DPA One tool.
  • Find a free HUD-approved counselor before you commit to a lender.
  • Every state runs some version of down-payment help — ask by name.

Mastery check

Prove it out before you move on.

Caddie

Before you play through — quick read of the green:

3 quick questions. Get all but one right and this hole is marked played. Unlimited retries — there's no penalty for missing one.

Question 1 of 3

What's required before you can use WSHFC down-payment assistance?

Question 2 of 3

Roughly how does Washington's Home Advantage program work?

Question 3 of 3

You live outside Washington. What's the honest next step for down-payment help?

Still stuck? Ask the Caddie.

Hole 3: Savings & Down PaymentHole 5: Loan Types