First-time buyer

First-time home buyer in Washington: what it really costs

Cash you need: down payment (3% conventional, 3.5% FHA, 0% VA or with WSHFC help) plus about 2% of the price in closing costs and prepaids. On a $600,000 home with 3.5% down that's roughly $21,000 + $12,000.

Programs that cut it: WSHFC Home Advantage (up to 5% assistance), seller-paid closing costs (your agent negotiates these; The Broker Team does this routinely), and lender credits.

Steps: price your loan on this page, pre-approve yourself in four screens, shop with the letter in hand, lock when you're under contract. Talk to Enrique at any point; most first-time buyers do it once, right before the offer.