Down Payment assistance in Washington

Your Guide to Down Payment Assistance in Washington: Making Homeownership Actually Doable

Let’s be honest: saving for a down payment feels a lot like trying to fill a swimming pool with an eye dropper. But the good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Washington State has some seriously strong programs designed to help buyers get into homes with little to no upfront cash. And if those programs don’t fit your situation, there are national options that can help too.

This guide breaks down the most popular and powerful down payment assistance (DPA) programs available, how they work, and who they’re best for.

⭐ Washington State’s Main Hub for Down Payment Assistance: HereToHome.org

If you’re buying in Washington, HereToHome.org should be your first stop. It’s the state’s official platform for homeownership programs, and it offers three core options:

1. Home Advantage Program

This one is a favorite because it’s flexible and straightforward.

What it offers:

• A first mortgage + down payment assistance in the form of a second mortgage

• Assistance options typically around 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount

• 0% interest on the DPA (yes, really)

• No monthly payments required on the assistance loan

When it’s due: Only when you sell, refinance, or move out of the home. It just hangs out in the background until then.

Who it’s great for:

• Buyers who want help but don’t want extra monthly payments

• Moderate‑income buyers

• First‑time or repeat buyers — this program doesn’t require you to be brand new

2. House Key Opportunity Program

This is the more income‑restricted sibling of Home Advantage, but it comes with major perks.

What it offers:

• Lower first‑mortgage interest rates

• Special DPA programs tied specifically to House Key

Who it helps:

• Lower‑income buyers

• First‑time buyers

• Buyers purchasing in targeted areas or using specific partner programs

If you meet the income limits, House Key can seriously improve affordability.

3. Covenant Homeownership Program

This is a newer Washington program designed to address the long‑term impacts of discriminatory housing policies.

What it offers:

• Significant down payment assistance for those who qualify

• Some assistance options may be eligible for forgiveness

• Up to $150,000 in assistance

• Closing costs including home warranty (and some realtor commission) can be rolled in

Who it’s designed for:

• Individuals and families who experienced — or are descended from those who experienced — housing discrimination in Washington. They must have lived here prior to April 111, 968

• Groups Identified by the state include Black, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander*, Korean or Asian Indian

This is a powerful program with a specific purpose, and it can pair with other loan options.

⭐ National Alternatives: Arrive Home & Chenoa Fund

If Washington’s programs don’t fit your situation — because of income limits, timing, or eligibility requirements — there are national DPA programs that can help.

4. Arrive Home

Arrive Home partners with lenders to offer DPA that pairs with FHA loans.

What it offers:

• Assistance for down payment, closing costs, or even rate buydowns

• Options for repayable or forgivable assistance

• Typically requires meeting FHA guidelines

Best for: Buyers who don’t fit the income rules of state programs or want more flexible qualifying.

5. Chenoa Fund

This is one of the most widely known national DPA programs.

What it offers:

• Up to 5% of the purchase price or appraised value

• FHA‑paired down payment assistance

• Options for repayable or forgivable DPA

• Minimum credit score around 600

Best for:

• Buyers who need flexible credit requirements

• Those who exceed local income limits

• Buyers who want national programs rather than state‑specific options

🧭 Which Program Is Right for You?

Here’s a simple way to narrow it down:

• Buying in Washington and want the most affordable, flexible option? Start with Home Advantage.

• Buying in Washington with lower income or using other partner programs? Look at House Key Opportunity.

• Qualify based on past housing discrimination in WA? Explore the Covenant Homeownership Program.

• Don’t meet income limits or want broader qualifying options? Consider Arrive Home or Chenoa Fund.

Everyone’s situation is different — and that’s exactly why these programs exist. There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all path to homeownership.

💬 Final Thoughts

Down payment assistance isn’t a gimmick — it’s a legitimate way to bridge the gap between renting and owning. Whether you’re working with a Washington state program or a national resource like Arrive or Chenoa, there is a path forward, even if your savings account currently looks like the Sahara.

If you want to explore which program you could qualify for, I’m happy to walk you through it and compare your options side‑by‑side. You might be closer to homeownership than you think.