Covenant Homeownership: Up to $150,000 for Affected Washington Buyers
Washington's Covenant Homeownership program offers up to $150,000 in down payment and closing-cost assistance to buyers harmed by the state's history of racially restrictive property covenants. Most eligible buyers don't know it exists.
What the Covenant program is
The Covenant Homeownership program is one of the most significant, and least known, down payment programs in the country. Washington created it to address the lasting effects of racially restrictive covenants, legal clauses that once barred people of color from buying homes in many Washington neighborhoods. Eligible buyers can receive up to $150,000 (or the amount they need, whichever is less), plus customary closing costs, as a deferred second mortgage. That is far beyond any ordinary DPA, and for a buyer who qualifies, it can be transformational.
Who qualifies
Eligibility is tied to the harm the program addresses, generally, a buyer who is a Washington resident and a descendant of, or was themselves, subject to discriminatory housing practices in the state before the fair-housing laws that followed. WSHFC sets the precise eligibility criteria and documentation, and they are specific. Because this program has real requirements and a defined funding pool, the honest first step is to check with WSHFC whether you qualify and whether a funding round is open. We help you find out.
The funding caveat
Here is the honest part. The Covenant program is funded through a state document-recording fee and is replenished periodically, so availability can depend on the current funding cycle. That means the program is real and ongoing, but not unlimited at every moment. If you think you might qualify, it is worth checking early, because the amount, up to $150,000, is unlike anything else available. See how it fits with the other programs on our local programs page.
Common questions
What is the Covenant Homeownership program in Washington?
It is a WSHFC program offering up to $150,000 (or the amount needed, whichever is less) plus customary closing costs, as a deferred second mortgage, to buyers affected by Washington's history of racially restrictive property covenants and discriminatory housing practices. It uses a Covenant, Home Advantage, or House Key first mortgage.
Who is eligible for the Covenant program?
Generally, a Washington resident who was, or is a descendant of someone who was, subject to discriminatory housing practices in the state before the fair-housing laws that followed. WSHFC sets the precise eligibility and documentation rules. The honest first step is to confirm with WSHFC whether you qualify.
Is the Covenant program still funded?
The program is funded through a state document-recording fee and is replenished periodically, so availability can depend on the current funding cycle. It is real and ongoing but not unlimited at every moment. Confirm the current round and eligibility with WSHFC.
See if you qualify for Covenant
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