Washington FHA Loans at a Glance: just 3.5% down · FICO from 580 · Seattle-metro limit $1,063,750 · pairs with WSHFC DPA · no state income tax · NMLS #1826020
Washington FHA Home Loans · Direct Lender Since 1998

FHA Loans Washington

Buy a Washington home with as little as 3.5% down and a credit score from 580. In the Seattle metro, FHA finances up to $1,063,750 – a real jumbo alternative – and it pairs with WSHFC down-payment help, including the landmark Covenant Homeownership Program.

  • 3.5% down with a 580+ FICO (10% down from 500-579)
  • Pair WSHFC DPA – up to 4%, or up to $150,000 via Covenant
  • Seattle metro (King/Snohomish/Pierce) FHA limit of $1,063,750
  • No state income tax; strong tech-driven job base
  • Gift funds welcome; seller can pay up to 6% of closing costs

Start My Washington FHA Application →

Get Pre-Approved for a Washington FHA Loan

Fast, friendly, no obligation.

Get Your Free Quote! No Credit Pull Required.

★ 3.5% down★ 580 credit OK★ WSHFC DPA★ Up to $1,063,750★ First-time friendly★ Serving WA since 1998

Why an FHA loan works in Washington

An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage that helps Washington buyers qualify with flexible credit, a low down payment and higher debt-to-income than conventional financing. In the high-cost Seattle metro, FHA’s elevated limit makes it a genuine alternative to a jumbo loan.

Washington pairs a strong tech economy with no state income tax and a wide range of prices, from Seattle to Spokane. Whether you are buying your first condo in Tacoma or a home near Bellevue’s top schools, an FHA loan stacked with WSHFC help gets you to closing with less cash down. Start your application →

2026 Washington FHA loan limits by county

FHA loan limits are set by county. The Seattle metro runs high, several counties are mid-tier, and much of the state is at the floor:

Seattle metro – King, Snohomish, Pierce (1-unit)$1,063,750 – the state’s highest
Clark & Skamania – Portland MSA (1-unit)$701,500
San Juan / Island / Whatcom / Skagit / Kitsap (1-unit)$680,800 / $671,600 / $664,700 / $621,000 / $616,400
Chelan, Douglas & Thurston (1-unit)$586,500
Standard counties (1-unit)$541,287 (Spokane, Yakima, Benton, Clallam, Mason and more)

2026 one-unit FHA limits set annually by HUD; 2-4 unit limits are higher. We confirm the exact limit for your Washington county before you write an offer.

Ready to see how much home you can buy in Washington with 3.5% down? Get pre-approved today.
Apply Now

Washington FHA loan requirements (2026)

Minimum down payment3.5% with a 580+ credit score (10% down with a 500-579 score)
Minimum credit scoreFrom 580; we also work with buyers rebuilding credit
Mortgage insurance (MIP)1.75% upfront (financed into the loan) plus an annual MIP around 0.15%-0.55%, paid monthly
Debt-to-income (DTI)Generally up to 43%-50% with compensating factors and automated approval
Down-payment sourceYour own funds, gift funds from family, or eligible down-payment assistance
Seller concessionsThe seller can contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs
Property typesSingle-family, FHA-approved condos, townhomes, and 2-4 unit owner-occupied Washington homes
OccupancyPrimary residence (you will live in the home)
Co-borrowersNon-occupant co-borrowers (e.g., a parent) are allowed to help you qualify

Washington down payment assistance you can pair with FHA

Your FHA loan pairs with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC), including a first-in-the-nation program for families harmed by past housing discrimination:

Home Advantage DPA

Up to 4% of the first-loan amount as a 0%, deferred second (repaid on sale or refinance), with broad income limits.

Opportunity DPA

Up to $15,000 at 1%, deferred, for lower-income buyers paired with House Key Opportunity.

Covenant Homeownership Program

Up to 20% of the price or $150,000, at 0% and forgivable after 5 years, for eligible Washington first-time buyers whose family was harmed by pre-1968 racial covenants.

Who qualifies

Typically around 620+ credit, WSHFC income limits, and a homebuyer education course.

Gift funds & seller credits

Combine gift funds and up to 6% in seller credits with FHA and WSHFC help to cut cash to close.

We match the program

WSHFC has several DPA layers – we find the biggest one you qualify for.

Ask about WSHFC and the Covenant program – up to $150,000 in help.
See If You Qualify

Assistance programs have income, price and funding limits, are first-come while funds last, and are subject to change and eligibility. We confirm what you qualify for.

First-time buyer, family, or 55+ mover – we have a Washington FHA program for you.
Start My Application

Washington FHA loan calculators

Run the numbers on your Washington FHA loan in seconds. These estimators are for planning only – apply for your exact, personalized figures.

1. FHA monthly payment

Estimate your full monthly payment including FHA mortgage insurance.

$0
Total monthly payment
$0
Principal, interest & MIP

2. Down payment & cash to close

See your down payment and estimated cash after seller credits.

$0
Estimated cash to close
$0
Down payment amount

3. How much home can I afford?

Estimate your FHA price range from income and monthly debts.

$0
Estimated home price
$0
Max housing payment

4. FHA loan amount + MIP

See your base loan plus the 1.75% upfront MIP financed in.

$0
Total financed (with UFMIP)
$0
Base loan / 1.75% UFMIP

Estimates only and not a commitment to lend. FHA charges 1.75% upfront MIP (financed) plus a monthly annual premium (~0.55% here for illustration). Actual figures depend on your property, credit and qualification.

Stack WSHFC help with FHA - up to $150,000 via Covenant.
See If I Qualify
Buy a Washington home with an FHA loan - apply nowYour Washington home is closer than you think →

Washington FHA highlights

  • 3.5% down - keep more cash in your pocket
  • 580 credit accepted; flexible, common-sense underwriting
  • Gift funds & WSHFC help can cover your down payment
  • Buy a home, condo or up to a 4-unit you live in
  • Refinance later with an FHA Streamline - no appraisal needed

Get My FHA Pre-Approval →

Best Washington places for families & top schools

Buying where the schools are strong protects your family and your home's value. These Washington districts consistently earn top marks:

Bellevue

Frequently the top-rated district in Washington on the Eastside.

Mercer Island

Small, elite district between Seattle and Bellevue.

Lake Washington (Kirkland, Redmond)

Highly rated Eastside schools in the tech corridor.

Issaquah

Top-regarded, fast-growing East King County district.

Northshore (Bothell, Woodinville)

Strong north-end suburban schools.

Camas (Vancouver area)

One of southwest Washington's best districts.

Best Washington 55+ & active-adult communities

Washington has a growing 55+ market, and FHA can finance a home in an age-restricted community (condos must be FHA-approved). Popular options include:

Trilogy at Tehaleh (Bonney Lake)

Resort-style active-adult living in a large master plan.

Regency communities (Puget Sound)

Toll Brothers active-adult neighborhoods around the metro.

Vintage at Mill Creek

Low-maintenance 55+ homes north of Seattle.

Active-adult communities (Spokane)

55+ neighborhoods on the more affordable east side.

Heron's Key / CCRC options (Gig Harbor)

Continuing-care and active-adult living on the peninsula.

Condominium communities (metro)

FHA-approved 55+ condos with low upkeep.

Washington cities we serve for FHA loans

As a direct FHA lender since 1998, we help buyers across every Washington metro. A few of the cities where we finance FHA purchases and refinances:

  • Seattle
  • Spokane
  • Tacoma
  • Vancouver
  • Bellevue
  • Kent
  • Everett
  • Renton
  • Spokane Valley
  • Federal Way
  • Yakima
  • Bellingham
  • Kirkland
  • Auburn
  • Kennewick
  • Redmond
  • Marysville
  • Sammamish
  • Puyallup
  • Olympia

Do not see your city? Start your application → - we lend statewide across Washington.

Start your Washington FHA loan today

Whether it is your first home, a bigger place near great schools, or a fresh start in a 55+ community, we match you to the right FHA program and get you pre-approved fast - with as little as 3.5% down.

  • Same-week pre-approval
  • Down-payment assistance and gift funds welcome
  • Friendly, local Washington guidance since 1998

Apply for My Washington FHA Loan →

Apply for your Washington FHA home loanGet pre-approved with 3.5% down →

Washington housing & FHA outlook for 2027

What Washington FHA buyers should watch heading into 2027:

Seattle's split limit

The metro's $1,063,750 cap is nearly double the floor most counties get - FHA reaches deep into the suburbs.

The Covenant program is unique

Washington pairs high limits with a $150,000 down-payment program unavailable anywhere else.

Modest, steady appreciation

Expect roughly 2-4% statewide price growth through 2027 as rates gradually ease.

Inventory rising off lows

Supply is improving but still below balanced - being pre-approved keeps you competitive.

Outlook only, not a guarantee or financial advice. Market conditions change; we give you current, personalized numbers when you apply.

Washington FHA loan programs

FHA Purchase

3.5% down to buy a Washington home, condo or 2-4 unit you live in.

FHA Streamline Refinance

Lower your rate or payment with reduced documentation and no new appraisal required.

FHA 203(k) Renovation

Roll the purchase price and renovation costs into one FHA loan.

FHA Cash-Out Refinance

Tap your Washington home equity up to FHA limits.

FHA Condo Loans

Financing for units in FHA-approved Washington condominium projects.

Down-Payment Assistance

Pair your FHA loan with Washington DPA and gift funds to buy with less cash.

How to get a Washington FHA loan

Get pre-approved

Apply online in minutes and we confirm your budget, rate and down payment - with as little as 3.5% down.

Find your home

Shop with confidence in the Washington community and school zone you want; your pre-approval makes your offer stronger.

Underwrite & appraise

We handle the FHA appraisal and approval - flexible on credit, gift funds and DTI.

Close & move in

Sign, get your keys, and start building equity in your Washington home.

Washington FHA loan FAQ

What are the 2026 FHA loan limits in Washington?

The Seattle metro (King, Snohomish, Pierce) is $1,063,750 for a one-unit home - the state's highest. Clark and Skamania are $701,500, several counties (San Juan, Island, Whatcom, Skagit, Kitsap) are mid-tier, and much of the state, including Spokane, is at the $541,287 floor.

What is Washington's Covenant Homeownership Program?

It is a first-in-the-nation, state-funded program providing up to 20% of the price or $150,000 in down-payment help, at 0% and forgivable after five years, for eligible Washington first-time buyers whose family was harmed by pre-1968 racial housing covenants. It pairs with an FHA loan through WSHFC.

How much down payment do I need for an FHA loan in Washington?

Just 3.5% of the purchase price with a credit score of 580 or higher (10% down if your score is 500-579). Your down payment can come from savings, a gift from family, or eligible down-payment assistance.

Can I use an FHA loan to buy a condo in Washington?

Yes - the condominium project must be on the FHA-approved list, or we can request single-unit (spot) approval. We check your specific building.

Can I use an FHA loan as a first-time buyer in Washington?

Absolutely - FHA is the most popular loan for first-time buyers thanks to 3.5% down, a 580 credit minimum and gift-fund allowance, and it pairs with WSHFC down-payment assistance.

Is CambridgeHomeLoan.com a direct FHA lender?

Yes - we are a direct lender (NMLS #1826020) serving homebuyers since 1998, with friendly guidance from application to closing.

Apply for your Washington FHA loan

Get pre-approved in minutes - 3.5% down, credit from 580, gift funds and down-payment assistance welcome. A direct FHA lender serving Washington since 1998.

Get Pre-Approved for a Washington FHA Loan

Fast, friendly, no obligation.

Get Your Free Quote! No Credit Pull Required.

Start My Application →

Serving Washington homebuyers Since 1998!
© 2026 CambridgeHomeLoan.com  ·  NMLS #1826020  ·  4830 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609  ·  (800) 826-5077  ·  Equal Housing Lender  ·  NMLS Consumer Access

Rates, terms, FHA loan limits and program guidelines are for 2026, subject to change, and depend on the property, credit and qualification. Not a commitment to lend. This is not a government agency. Equal Housing Lender.


EXPERT HOME LOAN ADVICE