Owning a home might be closer than you think

For many, buying a home feels out of reach. High prices, down payments, closing costs and insurance requirements can make it seem impossible – especially if you don’t have a lot of cash on hand. But the reality is, there are many programs designed to help make homeownership possible.

At First Fed, mortgage loan officers Tiffany Bergsma-Evans, Julie Myers and Terri Wood specialize in helping homebuyers navigate these programs to find the best financing options.

Breaking the 20% down payment myth

One common misconception is that you need a 20 percent down payment to buy a home. In Washington, where in many areas the median home price is around $700,000, that would mean saving $150,000 – an amount that puts homeownership out of reach for many.

Fortunately, there are programs that require as little as 3 percent down for first-time buyers and 5 percent down for others. If coming up with even that amount is challenging, Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs – such as those offered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) or the Federal Home Loan Bank – can help cover down payments and closing costs.

“There are many great programs available to help buyers, but sorting through all the options can be overwhelming,” says Bergsma-Evans. “That’s where a mortgage loan officer comes in – to guide you through the process and find the best fit for your needs.”

First Fed Mortgage Loan Officers Tiffany Bergsma-Evans, Julie Myers, and Terri Wood. Courtesy First Fed

Who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer?

Many people don’t realize they may still qualify as a first-time homebuyer, even if they’ve owned a home in the past.

“There are some surprising ways to qualify as a first-time homebuyer,” Myers says. “For example, if you haven’t owned a home in the last three years, you may still be eligible. Even if you previously co-owned a home with your spouse, you can qualify again after a divorce, especially if you have children.”

Even if you don’t qualify as a first-time homebuyer, there are numerous programs available to assist with purchasing a home.

“There are even loan programs that require zero down payment when you meet their qualifications, such as USDA and VA loans,” Wood explains. “Because there’s such a variety of programs, a good conversation with your loan officer can help you discover which loan programs you may qualify for.

Addressing past housing discrimination

Unfortunately, Washington State has a history of racial discrimination in housing. In the past, some neighborhoods had racially restrictive covenants that limited who could buy homes. The effects of these policies are still seen today in homeownership rates.

Homeownership rates among historically marginalized communities remain significantly lower due to past discriminatory practices. The Covenant Homeownership Program aims to close this gap by promoting more equitable access to homeownership.

As part of these efforts, the Washington Covenant Homeownership Program provides Down Payment Assistance for eligible buyers. To qualify, you must:

Have lived in Washington before April 1968 (or have direct family members who did)
Have an income at or below 100 percent of the county’s median income
Meet first-time homebuyer qualifications
Belong to one of the historically affected racial groups (such as Black/African American, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native, Korean, Asian Indian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander)

Eligible buyers can receive up to 20 percent of the purchase price (up to $150,000) as a second mortgage with no interest or payments until they sell or refinance.

Finding the right resources

The WSHFC website offers valuable tools, including interest rate information, homebuyer education courses and details on available programs. However, with so many options, having an experienced mortgage expert can make all the difference.

The team at First Fed is passionate about helping people achieve homeownership. They work closely with buyers to find the best mortgage options and guide them through the process.

“Part of the joy we get from this job is helping people into their first home,” Bergsma-Evans says.

First Fed is a member FDIC and equal housing lender.

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