![Family playing with picture frame in new home.](/static/b1df6f208158789d4a956782ae9b884f/399f1/hero-smart-start-012523-XXS.jpg)
![Family playing with picture frame in new home.](/static/067c18ca8a831b9cab7420ed1065866d/b2a5d/hero-smart-start-012523-XS.jpg)
![Family playing with picture frame in new home.](/static/9fbcfdea8340e35d8bfe6304e9cc6091/f5cbf/hero-smart-start-012523-SM.jpg)
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![Family playing with picture frame in new home.](/static/8118f1ebef76aad8b425bf61568e5155/9cdf5/hero-smart-start-012523-LG.jpg)
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![Family playing with picture frame in new home.](/static/71a84e9c61c8fd5bede8a99489ea991a/22ade/hero-smart-start-012523-XXL.jpg)
Smart Start
Owning a home is more than just hype; an affordable home is the gateway to long-term and short-term financial success.
Long-term, you'll build equity you can use in the future and short-term, you'll be able to enjoy potential tax deductions and pay yourself instead of paying rent. Plus, our friendly bankers are available for any questions you might have, big or small.
Ready for a Smart Start? Meet with a WaFd Mortgage Banker to find out how we can help you get into your first home.
Find a Local Loan OfficerAs low as 1%
minimum contribution required*
No private mortgage insurance (PMI) required*
Smart Start Boost
available for downpayment assistance*
Use Smart Start Boost funds toward your down payment, closing costs, or to buy down your interest rate to lower your monthly payments.
Program/Eligibility Information:
- Credit score 640 and above
- Household income limits apply
- Must be used for purchase of primary residence
- Smart Start Boost down payment assistance is a secured second lien
- Gift funds, seller contributions and down payment assistance program funds allowed
All loans subject to credit approval, additional terms and conditions may apply.
*Borrowers are required to contribute a minimum of 1% of the purchase price from the borrower's own funds.
**Minimum down payment for the Smart Start Mortgage is 3% of the purchase price. Smart Start Boost is only available with the Smart Start Mortgage. Smart Start Boost funds may be used to reduce the 3% down payment to 1% of the purchase price, reduce your closing costs, or to buy down your interest rate. Restrictions apply. Ask your loan officer for additional details and qualifications.
![Real estate agent and clients looking at paperwork in new home.](/static/46d18538db17e5809a4fc5d2a78c6926/1904a/card-understanding-smart-start-600.jpg)
Understanding the Smart Start Boost - WaFd Bank's Home Loan Down Payment Assistant Program
Learn how our Smart Start Down Payment Assistance Program works for low-to-moderate income individuals and/or families.
Read ArticleGlossary
Awarded America's Best Big Bank - Three Years in a Row
Best Big Bank in Washington, Idaho, New Mexico
Awarded America's Best-in-State Bank
Best-in-State Bank in Washington, Nevada, New Mexico
Awarded America's Best Big Bank - Three Years in a Row
Best Big Bank in Washington, Idaho, New Mexico
Awarded America's Best-in-State Bank
Best-in-State Bank in Washington, Nevada, New Mexico