RealHomeCost.net

King County, WA Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your monthly mortgage payment in King County with local property tax rates, homeowners insurance, and 2026 FHA and conforming loan limits.

Local Home Values & Affordability

With a median home value of $780,000, King County is 152% above the national median of $310,000 — placing it firmly in premium territory where careful loan-type selection matters.

A 20% down payment on a median King County home requires $156,000 in cash — or $27,300 for an FHA-minimum 3.5% down payment. Buyers with less than 20% down will also need to budget for PMI or FHA MIP.

Property Tax in This Market

Based on the 0.93% effective rate and a median home value of $780,000, a typical homeowner in King County pays approximately $7,254 in annual property taxes — or $605 per month added to their mortgage payment.

King County's property tax rate of 0.93% is close to the national average of 1.10%. On a median-priced home of $780,000, expect an annual tax bill of approximately $7,254.

Sources: Tax Foundation 2025

Homeowners Insurance Costs

Insurance costs in King County are relatively modest at an estimated $1,100/year — about $92/month added to your mortgage payment, and 31% below the national average.

Premium quotes in King County typically range from $750 to $1,600 per year depending on home age, construction type, coverage limits, and your insurer. Always get multiple quotes.

Sources: NAIC 2024

Loan Limits & Financing Options

A buyer purchasing the median King County home ($780,000) with FHA's minimum 3.5% down would borrow $752,700 — well within the $1,063,750 elevated FHA limit for this county. FHA financing is a viable option for most buyers here.

King County is designated a high-cost area by both FHFA and HUD, meaning local FHA and conforming limits are elevated above the national baseline. This expanded purchasing power is a meaningful benefit for buyers compared to most-of-the-country baseline markets.

With 20% down on a median-priced home, the loan amount of $624,000 stays $439,750 below the $1,063,750 conforming limit — giving buyers access to conventional Fannie/Freddie pricing without jumbo underwriting.

Sources: HUD ML 2025-23, FHFA 2026

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%

≈ $156,000

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Illustrative — check with your lender

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Extra Monthly Payment

$

Estimated Monthly Payment

$4,827

Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend.

FHA Eligible

Loan Amount: $624,000

LTV: 0.01%

P&I Payment

$4,131

Total Interest

$863,000

over loan life

Payoff

30 yr

Closing Costs

$16,770–$31,304

est. range

Monthly Payment Breakdown

2026 Loan Limit Context

FHA Limit

$1,063,750

Conforming Limit

$1,063,750

Amortization Schedule

Mo.PaymentPrincipalInterestBalanceTotal Interest
1$4,131$517$3,614$623,483$3,614
2$4,131$520$3,611$622,964$7,225
3$4,131$523$3,608$622,441$10,833
4$4,131$526$3,605$621,916$14,438
5$4,131$529$3,602$621,387$18,040
6$4,131$532$3,599$620,855$21,639
7$4,131$535$3,596$620,321$25,235
8$4,131$538$3,593$619,783$28,827
9$4,131$541$3,590$619,242$32,417
10$4,131$544$3,586$618,698$36,003
11$4,131$547$3,583$618,150$39,587
12$4,131$550$3,580$617,600$43,167
Months 112 of 360

2026 Loan Limits — King County, WA

Limit Type2026 LimitNote
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)$977,500Max loan for FHA-insured mortgage
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)$977,500Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac eligible

Source: HUD / FHFA. Data as of 2025-01-15.

FAQ — King County Mortgage

What is the property tax rate in King County?
The effective property tax rate in King County is approximately 0.93%. This means a home worth $780,000 would have an estimated annual tax bill of about $7,254.
What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in King County?
The 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home in King County, WA is $977,500.
What is the conforming loan limit in King County?
The 2026 conforming loan limit in King County is $977,500. Loans above this amount are considered jumbo loans.
How does Washington's no state income tax affect housing affordability in Seattle?
Washington has no state income tax, which boosts take-home pay for workers here. However, Seattle metro home prices are among the highest in the country, and Washington funds state services through sales taxes and other means. King County's conforming loan limit is $1,063,750 in 2026, reflecting the region's elevated home prices.
What is Washington's Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)?
Washington levies a graduated Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) on property sales. The rate is 1.1% on the first $525,000, 1.28% from $525,000–$1.525M, and 2.75% above that. For a $700,000 home, the seller would pay approximately $9,600 in REET. In practice, buyers and sellers negotiate who bears this cost, and it's typically the seller's expense.
What credit score do I need to buy a home in King County?
Most conventional lenders require a minimum 620 credit score, though the best rates go to borrowers with 740+. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or 500–579 with 10% down. VA loans have no official minimum but most lenders want 580–620. Your credit score affects both loan eligibility and the interest rate you receive — a difference of 50–100 points can change your rate by 0.25–0.75%.
How much should I budget for closing costs in WA?
Closing costs typically range from 2–5% of the loan amount. For a $350,000 loan, that's roughly $7,000–$17,500. WA buyers should also account for state and county transfer taxes, title insurance, and prepaid escrow items (property taxes and insurance). Always request a Loan Estimate from your lender within 3 days of application — it itemizes every cost.

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