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3.5% Down (minimum)
5.915%30-year fixed
10% Down
5.915%30-year fixed · shorter MIP
15-Year FHA
5.915%Faster payoff
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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in ZIP Code 98199
Compare the top low-down-payment programs side by side
Most states offer first-time homebuyer assistance programs that can be stacked with FHA or HomeReady loans — covering down payment or closing cost assistance. Ask your Safe Rate loan officer about programs available in Washington for additional savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are current first-time homebuyer rates today in 98199, Seattle, WA?
Today's leading benchmark rate for first-time homebuyer rates in 98199, Seattle, WA is 6.798% (with an estimated monthly payment of $4,187). Calibrated directly to 98199, Seattle, WA's local housing market, Safe Rate shows up-to-the-minute interest rates and points across Conventional, FHA, VA, and Jumbo loan programs daily.
What is the recent trend for first-time homebuyer rates in 98199, Seattle, WA?
Mortgage rates for first-time homebuyer rates have shown typical daily fluctuations driven by inflation data and bond yields. Over the past 90 days, rates for first-time homebuyer rates in 98199, Seattle, WA have hovered between a low of 6.332% and a high of 6.798%. You can track these daily movements by using the 90-day rate history and trajectory chart featured on this page.
Is an FHA or Conventional loan more cost-effective in 98199, Seattle, WA?
Choosing between FHA and Conventional depends on your down payment budget and credit score. For a typical home priced at $1,089,844 in 98199, Seattle, WA, a standard 20%-down Conventional loan requires an upfront cash down payment of $217,969 but keeps your monthly payment lower at $4,187/mo (at 6.798% interest) with no monthly PMI. In comparison, an FHA loan requires only $38,145 (3.5% down) but has an estimated payment of $4,684/mo (at 5.915% interest) due to mandatory FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Local Nuance: The typical local FHA loan amount of $1,051,699 falls comfortably within the local HUD FHA loan limit of $1,209,750 (1-unit), making FHA financing an exceptionally accessible, high-leverage entry point into the market.
What is the maximum conforming loan limit in 98199 before needing a Jumbo loan?
The 2025 conforming conventional loan limit for a 1-unit property in 98199 is $806,501. With a typical local home value of $1,089,844 in Seattle, a standard 20%-down mortgage requires a loan size of $871,875. Since this exceeds the conforming limit of $806,501, most typical transactions in Seattle require a non-conforming Jumbo loan, which demands stricter underwriting guidelines, higher credit scores, and larger asset reserves.
How does the median home value in 98199, Seattle, WA impact estimated mortgage payments?
The median home value in 98199, Seattle, WA is estimated at $1,089,844. Buying a typical home here with a standard 20% down payment ($217,969) translates to an estimated starting monthly mortgage payment of $4,187 (principal and interest). Compared to the local area median household income of $170,247 ($14,187/mo), this basic housing payment represents approximately 29.5% of gross monthly household income. This housing cost is well within standard lender affordability guidelines (under the 36% DTI benchmark), demonstrating healthy local purchasing power.