Mortgage guidance · Licensed state
Mortgage broker serving Washington
Michael DuBois is a mortgage broker serving eligible buyers and homeowners in Washington, one of 14 states where he is licensed through Stonebridge Mortgage Inc. For first-time buyers, Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) publishes a homeownership program worth checking before you commit to a financing plan.
Which Washington first-time-buyer resource is available?
House Key Opportunity is published by Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC). WSHFC describes House Key Opportunity as offering loan terms for first-time homebuyers with low-to-moderate incomes. The Commission says eligibility includes being a first-time homebuyer (or not having owned a home in the last three years), or buying in a designated Target Area; income must be below the limit for the property’s location and household size; a Commission-sponsored homebuyer-education class and qualification through a Commission-trained loan officer are also listed. The program includes downpayment-assistance options, subject to each option’s rules. See the official program page and limits linked there.
Program availability, rates and borrower eligibility change. Ask the agency or a participating lender to confirm the current rules for the property and your application.
How might Washington property taxes affect the payment?
Washington property tax is administered locally: county assessors value property and county treasurers collect the tax. Amounts, assessments, billing and payment questions depend on the property’s county; consult the local officials listed by the Washington Department of Revenue.
Official references: Washington property tax guidance
Get a property-specific estimate from the local assessor or tax office; a seller's existing bill might not reflect your future taxes.
What should a Washington buyer know about closing costs?
Closing costs vary by loan and transaction. The CFPB advises buyers to review the Loan Estimate, shop for applicable closing services, and carefully check the Closing Disclosure before signing. Your lender and closing providers can explain the amounts for your purchase.
References: CFPB: mortgage closing costs
Review the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure for your actual numbers and any credits or assistance. Michael can help you ask the right questions while the lender and settlement provider confirm the figures.
Washington mortgage questions
Can I use House Key Opportunity if I have owned a home before?
Possibly—WSHFC generally looks for no home ownership during the past three years, while a purchase in a designated Target Area may qualify under a listed exception. A Commission-trained loan officer should confirm the current income, education, and program requirements for your household.
Where can Washington buyers check first-time-buyer programs?
Start with WSHFC’s official House Key Opportunity information on Here to Home, including its linked limits and lender guidance. A Commission-trained loan officer can help identify the first-time-buyer or Target Area option that fits the property and household.
How are property taxes handled in Washington?
Washington property taxes are handled at the county level: the county assessor determines the property’s assessed value, and the county treasurer bills and collects the tax. For the actual amount, deadlines, or payment questions, use the Washington Department of Revenue’s assessor-and-treasurer directory to find the right county office.
Which closing costs should a Washington buyer plan for?
Plan around the transaction-specific charges shown on the Loan Estimate and final Closing Disclosure; the total depends on the loan and deal. Compare available closing-service options, then ask the lender or closing providers to explain each item before signing.
Does the House Key Opportunity guarantee assistance?
No—the program lists down-payment-assistance options, but each option has its own rules and eligibility is not automatic. Have a WSHFC-trained loan officer confirm the applicable option, terms, and your qualification.