Washington’s FHA loan landscape mirrors its conforming loan structure — a clean split between the Seattle metro’s three high-cost counties and the rest of the state. King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties carry the $1,063,750 FHA limit, giving first-time buyers access to FHA financing at price points far above what FHA supports almost anywhere else in the country. Most other Washington counties follow the $541,287 national floor, serving buyers across Eastern Washington, the Puget Sound’s outer counties, and communities throughout the state.
580 for 3.5% down; 500–579 may qualify with 10% down
3.5% with a 580+ credit score
Up to 57% in some cases; 43–50% typical
Upfront (1.75% of loan amount) and annual (paid monthly)
$541,287 in most WA counties; $1,063,750 in King/Pierce/Snohomish
$1,063,750 — King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties: Washington’s three high-cost Seattle metro counties. In King County, a first-time buyer with a 580+ credit score can use FHA to finance a $700,000+ home — something not accessible under the national FHA floor. In Pierce County, JBLM-area first-time buyers have full metro FHA access.
$541,287 (national floor — most Washington counties): Spokane County, Yakima County, Whatcom County (Bellingham), Clark County (Vancouver), Benton County (Kennewick/Richland), Kitsap County (Bremerton — Naval Base Kitsap), Island County (Oak Harbor/NAS Whidbey Island), and all Eastern Washington counties.
Note on Kitsap and Island counties: Both follow the $541,287 FHA floor. VA loans — zero down, no limit for veterans with full
entitlement — are typically the dominant financing product for active-duty and veteran buyers near Naval Base Kitsap and NAS Whidbey Island, making the FHA floor less significant for the military community in these areas.
In King County, where median home prices regularly exceed
$800,000–$900,000, the $1,063,750 FHA ceiling provides meaningful access for first-time buyers in more moderate Seattle neighborhoods and south King County communities like Auburn and Kent.
Pairing an FHA first mortgage with WSHFC’s Home Advantage DPA second loan (3–5% at 0% interest, deferred 30 years) is the most common first-time buyer strategy in Washington.
See our Down Payment Assistance in Washington page.
$1,063,750 — applies to all of King County including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and all other King County communities.
$541,287 — the national floor. Applies to Spokane County and most of Eastern Washington.
$1,063,750 — Pierce County carries the high-cost limit, providing FHA access at prices common in the greater Tacoma market.
Yes. WSHFC’s Home Advantage FHA loan pairs with the Home Advantage DPA second mortgage (3–5%, 0% interest, 30-year deferred). Minimum 620–640 credit score, income limits apply.
