Washington State | What Credit Score, Down Payment & DTI You Need to Buy a Home

You do not need perfect credit or 20% down. Here’s a breakdown:

Credit Score: Most lenders can work with a 620+ score. VA and FHA loans are more flexible. The higher your score, the better your rate—but low 600s doesn’t disqualify you. Some programs can go as low as 580.

Down Payment: You’ve got options. VA loans are 0% down for qualified military buyers. FHA loans require 3.5% down. Many conventional loans go as low as 3%. And in Washington, we have down payment assistance programs offering up to $150K depending on your income, household size, and location.

Debt-to-Income (DTI): Lenders typically look for under 45%, though some loans allow a bit higher. Your DTI includes your projected mortgage, car payments, student loans, credit cards—everything monthly.

Pro tip: Even if you’re not “perfect on paper,” there are loan programs designed for real life. I partner with lenders who specialize in helping first-time and working-class buyers in Washington get across the finish line.