2025 Guide | First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Washington: From Credit to Closing
Buying your first home is a major milestone, and it’s completely normal to feel excited, nervous, and unsure of where to start. This guide walks you through every step of the homebuying process in Washington—from understanding your budget to getting your keys—so you feel prepared and supported the entire way.
Understanding Your Budget
Before looking at homes, it’s helpful to understand what monthly payment fits comfortably within your lifestyle. Your mortgage payment includes:
Principal & interest
Property taxes
Homeowners insurance
Mortgage insurance (if applicable)
HOA dues (if applicable)
By starting with the payment rather than the price, we can reverse-engineer your price range and keep your budget safe.
If you want a deeper look at affordability, you may find this helpful:
➡️ What Credit Score, Down Payment & DTI Do I Need to Buy a Home in WA?
Credit Score Requirements
Your credit score plays an important role in the loan programs available to you and your interest rate. Common minimums in Washington include:
580 for FHA
620 for Conventional
640+ for most down payment assistance
700+ for stronger interest rate options
If your credit needs improvement, a lender can often help you create a quick, strategic plan.
Down Payment Options
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need 20% down.
You don’t.
Typical down payment options in Washington include:
0% VA loan (eligible military & veterans)
0% USDA (rural-eligible areas)
3–5% Conventional
3.5% FHA
Down payment assistance programs
Most first-time buyers purchase with 3%–5% down.
Pre-Approval: Your Starting Point
A pre-approval tells you exactly:
Your qualifying loan amounts
Expected monthly payment
Estimated cash needed
Loan type
Debt-to-income ratio
Requirements before closing
This gives us a clear path forward and strengthens your offer when you find the right home.
If you're comparing timing or planning ahead, this blog may help:
➡️ Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House in Washington State?
Exploring Washington Neighborhoods
Once pre-approved, we can begin exploring the areas that match your lifestyle and budget. Factors to consider include:
Commute times
School districts
Neighborhood feel
Proximity to amenities
Safety and community
Long-term resale value
Housing types and pricing
To help narrow your search, read:
➡️ How to Choose the Right Neighborhood in Washington (That Matches Your Lifestyle)
Touring Homes
This is where the process becomes real.
When touring, we’ll look for:
Strong structural features
Quality of updates
Floor plan flow
Roof and siding condition
Windows, plumbing, and electrical
Signs of deferred maintenance
Overall market value
My goal is to help you understand the home beyond the cosmetic appearance.
Writing a Strong Offer
Your offer includes several key pieces:
Purchase price
Earnest money
Loan type
Inspection strategy
Timeline
Seller credits (if needed)
Appraisal terms
Together, we’ll create a competitive offer based on market conditions and the seller’s needs.
If you ever plan to sell while buying, you may find this helpful:
➡️ What Strategies Help Avoid Being Homeless or Paying Double During a Simultaneous Move?
Inspection
An inspection gives you a detailed look at the property’s condition and helps you make an informed decision.
Common inspections include:
Full home inspection
Sewer scope
Septic inspection
Pest inspection
Well flow test
This step helps you understand the home and reduces risk.
Appraisal
For most loan types, the lender orders an appraisal to confirm the value of the home.
If the appraisal comes in low, you still have several options, and we’ll navigate them together.
Loan Finalization & Underwriting
After mutual acceptance, your lender works behind the scenes to finalize your loan file.
You may be asked for updated documents along the way—this is normal.
Once final approval is issued, you’re cleared to close.
Closing Day
Closing usually happens at a local title company.
Once documents are signed and the sale is recorded with the county, the keys are officially yours.
This is the moment all your preparation leads to—your first home in Washington.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, a clear plan, and someone to walk you through each step, you can approach the entire process with confidence and excitement. Your first home is a major milestone, and you deserve support every step of the way.
If you're preparing to buy your first home in Washington and want clarity on your budget, loan options, or next steps, reach out anytime. I’m here to make your first homebuying experience smooth, supportive, and successful.
Written by: Lani Fisher, Washington Realtor & First-Time Homebuyer Specialist