Homeownership Down-Payment Assistance Program – City of Tacoma | Washington grant

Homeownership Down-Payment Assistance Program – City of Tacoma

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City of Tacoma – Community & Economic Development, Housing DivisionWAFirst-Time Homeowner

Funding: Provides up to 80,000 dollars in down payment and closing cost assistance as a zero percent simple interest deferred payment second mortgage with no monthly payments, repaid when the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or is no longer the buyer's primary residence.City of Tacoma administered zero percent interest deferred second mortgage funded through Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund and local resources, providing substantial down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time buyers.RollingScope: Localstate

Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Summary

City of Tacoma’s downpayment assistance loan program offering up to $80,000 in zero-interest, deferred financing to help first-time buyers purchase homes in Tacoma.

Benefits

down payment assistanceclosing cost assistance0% interestdeferred loansecond mortgagecity programHousing Trust Fund

Who Can Apply

homebuyerfirst-time homebuyerlow-income homebuyerTacoma resident

Eligible Locations

First-time homebuyers purchasing an owner-occupied primary residence within eligible Tacoma city limits who have household income at or below 80 percent of area median income, contribute a minimum buyer investment, complete a Washington State Housing Finance Commission approved homebuyer education course, qualify for an approved fixed rate first mortgage, and purchase a property that meets program price, condition, and location requirements.

Eligibility

First-time homebuyers purchasing within eligible Tacoma city limits who have household income at or below 80% of area median income, contribute a minimum buyer investment (often around $1,000–$1,500), complete a WSHFC-approved homebuyer education course, and qualify for an approved fixed-rate first mortgage; the property must meet program condition, price, and location requirements.

Full Description

Tacoma’s Homeownership Down-Payment Assistance Program, funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Housing Trust Fund and local resources, provides substantial support to first-time buyers seeking to purchase within Tacoma city limits. Eligible households at or below 80% of AMI can receive a deferred, 0% simple-interest loan of up to $80,000 that can be used for down payment and closing costs, with no monthly payments required. The assistance is repaid when the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or otherwise ceases to be the buyer’s primary residence, making it functionally similar to a long-term, shared-risk investment in the household’s equity. Participants must complete a WSHFC-approved homebuyer education course, make a modest personal contribution, and meet underwriting criteria and property standards. The program is designed to reduce racial and income disparities in homeownership by focusing resources on households most impacted by Tacoma’s rising housing costs.

Verification & Details

Status: Open

Source: tacoma.gov

Official source → tacoma.gov

Apply on official siteUpdated Dec 6, 2025

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