Washington State Mortgage Guides 2026
FHA limits by county, WSHFC down payment assistance programs, USDA rural loans for Eastern Washington, VA resources for JBLM and NAS Whidbey, and a complete closing cost breakdown — all in one place.
Everything You Need for a Washington State Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in Washington State — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
Washington Mortgage Guide
Mortgage options, current rates, lender requirements, and home buying strategies across Washington — from Seattle to Spokane.
Read guide →Washington First-Time Home Buyer Guide
WSHFC Home Advantage and House Key Opportunity — down payment assistance programs for Washington State first-time buyers.
Read guide →Washington FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits for King County ($1,063,750), Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, Thurston, and all other Washington counties.
Read guide →Washington VA Loan Requirements
VA entitlement, 2026 funding fee chart, and resources for JBLM, NAS Whidbey, Naval Station Everett, and Fairchild AFB.
Read guide →Washington USDA Loans
FY2026 USDA income limits, eligible rural areas in Eastern Washington, Olympic Peninsula, and rural Western WA counties.
Read guide →Washington Closing Costs Guide
Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), title insurance, escrow fees, and strategies to reduce what you pay at closing in Washington.
Read guide →Washington Mortgage Snapshot
2026 FHA Loan Limits
- King / Pierce / Snohomish: $1,063,750
- Clark / Skamania: $701,500
- San Juan / Island / Whatcom: $664,700–$680,800
- Skagit / Kitsap: $616,400–$621,000
- Thurston / Chelan / Douglas / Whitman: $579,600–$586,500
- Other 25 counties: $541,287
Down Payment Assistance
- WSHFC Home Advantage: 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan in DPA at 0%
- House Key Opportunity: up to $15,000 for first-time buyers
- Veterans DPA: up to $10,000 at 3%
Property Taxes
- Effective rate ranges 0.6%–1.2% across counties; 0.8% statewide (2025)
- King Co. 0.8% · Pierce Co. 0.9% · Snohomish Co. 0.8%
- Washington’s 1% annual levy growth limit caps how fast regular property tax collections can rise
- Source: Washington Department of Revenue, Property Tax Statistics 2025
Closing Cost Estimates
- Typical buyer costs: 2%–4% of purchase price
- REET (Real Estate Excise Tax): graduated 1.1%–3% (seller pays)
- Title + escrow: ~$2,600–$4,300 combined
Buying or Refinancing in Washington State?
Washington does not currently have an individual income tax (a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million begins January 1, 2028, per the Washington Department of Revenue), and WSHFC offers down payment assistance for first-time and repeat buyers. A licensed Washington mortgage advisor can help you navigate Seattle’s competitive market, Eastern Washington’s affordability, or military communities near JBLM and NAS Whidbey.
- ✓ Compare WSHFC Home Advantage vs. FHA for your situation
- ✓ Understand REET and escrow costs at closing
- ✓ Check VA vs. WSHFC options for military and veterans
- ✓ Estimate total cash needed including escrow reserves
No obligation · Educational first
Talk to a Washington Mortgage Advisor
Have questions about buying or refinancing in Washington? A licensed mortgage advisor can walk you through your loan options, assistance programs and costs, with no obligation.
Speak to a Mortgage Advisor