FHA loan limits for homes located in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties will remain the same until September 30, 2011.

• 1 Unit – $567,500
• 2 Unit – $726,500
• 3 Unit – $878,150
• 4 Unit – $1,091,350

I have the FHA loan limits for other counties in Washington posted here.   FHA still allows 3.5% down payment, which can be gifted (or loaned) by family; 5% down will provide slightly improved mortgage insurance rates.   FHA insured loans may be assumable which may be a huge benefit for future home sellers when they are able to offer today’s rate in a higher rate environment.

VA Loan Limt effective January 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011 for King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties is $500,000.   This is a slight increase from $481,250 in 2010.  Here is a list of VA loan limits for all counties in Washington.

Qualified veterans can do 100% financing up to $500,000.   If a sales price is above $500,000, the veterans down payment is 25% of the difference between the loan amount and sales price.   

For example, if a veteran purchases home in Bellevue with a sales price of $600,000; their down payment is $25,000.   600,000 – 500,000 = 100,000.  100,000 x 25% = $25,000.   

Any seller should include buyers who are using FHA or VA for financing or they are seriously limiting their potential for selling their home.