FHA Loans in Washington
The FHA loan limit in Washington is $977,500 for a single-family home. FHA loans require just 3.5% down payment and accept credit scores as low as 580.
Washington's FHA limits are elevated in the Seattle metro area counties (King, Snohomish, Pierce) to reflect the region's high home prices. Even with elevated limits, FHA may not cover homes in the most competitive Seattle and Eastside (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond) neighborhoods. FHA is most practical in Tacoma, Everett, and the outer suburbs where prices are more moderate. East of the Cascades — Spokane, Tri-Cities, Yakima — the baseline FHA limit provides ample coverage, and FHA is a popular option for first-time buyers in these affordable markets.
By BuyAHomeIn Editorial | Updated 2026-03-02 | Sources: HUD, Zillow
FHA Loan Limit
$977,500
Min Down Payment
$34,213
3.5%
Est. Monthly Payment
$7,249
PITI + MIP
Min Credit Score
580
for 3.5% down
Monthly Payment Breakdown at FHA Limit
| Home Price | $977,500 |
| Down Payment (3.5%) | $34,213 |
| Loan Amount | $943,287 |
| Monthly Costs | |
| Principal & Interest (6.5%) | $5,962 |
| FHA Mortgage Insurance (MIP) | $432 |
| Property Tax | $611 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $244 |
| Total Monthly Payment | $7,249 |
* Estimated at 6.5% interest rate, 30-year fixed. MIP at 0.55% annual. Property tax at Washington's average rate of 0.75%. Includes upfront MIP of 1.75% rolled into loan.
FHA Loan Requirements
Credit Score
580+ for 3.5% down payment. 500-579 requires 10% down.
Down Payment
Minimum 3.5% of purchase price. Can be a gift from family.
Debt-to-Income
Maximum 43% DTI ratio (up to 50% with compensating factors).
Property Requirements
Must be primary residence. FHA appraisal required (stricter than conventional).
Employment
2 years of steady employment history. Self-employed need 2 years of tax returns.
Mortgage Insurance
1.75% upfront MIP + 0.55% annual MIP. Required for life of loan (unless refinanced).
FHA vs Conventional in Washington
| Feature | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Min Down Payment | 3.5% | 3-5% |
| Min Credit Score | 580 | 620 |
| Mortgage Insurance | Life of loan | Until 20% equity |
| Loan Limit (Washington) | $977,500 | $766,550+ |
| Best For | Lower credit, small savings | Good credit, 20%+ down |
