Down Payment Help in Snohomish: Programs You Can Use

Think buying in Snohomish requires 20 percent down? Not necessarily. With state, county, and nonprofit programs, many buyers bring far less to closing. If you are saving for a home or thought you were priced out, this guide shows the help that is actually available and how to qualify. Let’s dive in.

What down payment help looks like

Most assistance comes as a second loan that is deferred. That means you do not make a monthly payment on the assistance. You repay it when you sell, refinance, transfer the home, or pay off the first mortgage. For example, a $15,000 deferred second can cover part of your down payment and closing costs now, then is due later when you move or refinance.

State programs you can use

WSHFC Home Advantage and House Key

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers down payment help paired with its first mortgages. Many options are available through the Commission’s participating lenders. You take a homebuyer class, then the lender pairs you with the best program for your file. Review program types on the Commission’s down payment assistance page.

Key points:

• Assistance is often a deferred second loan with no monthly payment.
• Income and purchase price limits apply and change annually.
• A homebuyer education class is typically required.

Opportunity, HomeChoice, and Veterans options

• Opportunity DPA has historically offered around $15,000 for eligible first-time buyers or target areas. Amounts and terms can change, so confirm with a participating lender. See an overview in this national DPA guide.
• HomeChoice supports buyers with a disability or a disabled household member. It can provide about $15,000 and pairs with WSHFC first mortgages. Learn more about HomeChoice.
• Veterans DPA has offered modest second loans for eligible veterans, Guard, reserve, and some surviving spouses. See the veterans assistance overview for typical structures and confirm details with your lender.

County and nonprofit options in Snohomish

Snohomish County DPA via HomeSight

Local funds can be larger but are limited. HomeSight lists a Snohomish County down payment program up to $50,000, typically a deferred second with a low fixed rate and a long term. Education and counseling are required, and income and purchase price caps apply. See current details on HomeSight’s purchase assistance page.

Funding cycles and availability

County-administered funds rely on annual budgets and awards. At times, funds are paused or fully allocated, then reopen later. You can track background on the county’s HOME program on the Snohomish County site. Your lender or program administrator is the best real-time source for availability.

Special funds and partners

Some buyers qualify for targeted support. HomeSight manages additional pools for specific populations. Parkview Services offers pre-purchase counseling and disability-focused pathways. Shared-equity homes through Homes & Hope CLT can reduce upfront costs as well. Explore HomeSight, Parkview Services, and Homes & Hope Community Land Trust to see if these fit your situation.

Federal loans that reduce down payment

VA loans

Eligible veterans often qualify for zero-down financing. You may not need separate assistance, though some buyers combine options depending on program rules. Review typical scenarios in this DPA overview and confirm details with your lender.

USDA Rural Development loans

USDA offers zero-down loans in eligible rural areas of Snohomish County. Property and income limits apply and must be verified by address. Start with USDA’s Washington program page and ask your lender to confirm eligibility.

Can you stack assistance?

Sometimes. You may be able to pair a county DPA with a WSHFC DPA or a special-purpose fund. Stacking depends on loan program rules, total loan limits, and compatibility. HomeSight and WSHFC outline allowable combinations, and your participating lender will confirm what is possible for your file. Begin your research on HomeSight’s program page and the Commission’s DPA hub.

How to get started in Snohomish

• Take the required class early. Register for a WSHFC homebuyer course and keep your certificate handy. The Commission answers common questions in its homebuyer education FAQ.
• Talk to a trained lender. A Commission-participating lender will prequalify you and match you to programs. Use the Commission’s lender list.
• Complete program intake. If you plan to use county or nonprofit funds, start your application and counseling with HomeSight or, for disability-focused paths, Parkview Services.
• Reserve funds and align timelines. Once approved, your lender and program admin will reserve DPA funds and coordinate closing. Allow extra time for program approval on top of standard mortgage underwriting.

Tips to keep your offer competitive

• Get fully preapproved and complete the education certificate before you shop.
• Ask your lender to secure or “reserve” DPA funds early when possible.
• Share your preapproval and any program reservation letters with your agent so your offer package shows strong financing.
• Build in a realistic closing timeline that accounts for program approval.

You are likely closer to homeownership than you think. If you want a clear plan for using assistance and writing a competitive offer in Snohomish, reach out to Becca Locke for local guidance and next steps.

FAQs

What income limits apply for Snohomish down payment programs?

• Limits vary by program and change annually. Check the Commission’s DPA hub and local providers like HomeSight for the latest caps.

How does a deferred second mortgage get repaid?

• You do not pay monthly. The balance is due when you sell, refinance, transfer the home, or pay off the first mortgage, as outlined by the program.

Can I use assistance with FHA or conventional loans?

• Yes, many WSHFC options pair with FHA or conventional first mortgages, but you must use a participating lender and meet program rules listed on the WSHFC site.

Are USDA zero-down loans available in Snohomish County?

• Some areas qualify. Use USDA’s Washington program page and ask your lender to verify the property address and your income.

How long does down payment assistance approval take?

• Expect added time beyond standard underwriting. You will complete education, lender preapproval, and program intake, then funds are reserved and delivered at closing. Starting early helps keep timelines on track.