Home financing in Washington County.

Washington County has a population of roughly 16,000 and an economy anchored in timber, agriculture, and small service businesses. Median household incomes are below the state average, and a significant share of workers are self-employed, work in the gig economy, or earn seasonal income — all of which can make standard mortgage qualification harder.

Here is what local qualification generally looks like:

• **Income**: Lenders want to see steady, documentable income. If you are self-employed or a solo contractor, two years of tax returns and bank statements are typically required. USDA loans have income *limits* (you cannot earn too much), but those limits are generous for a rural county like Washington.

• **Credit**: FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. USDA loans generally want 640+, though some CDFIs work with lower scores. If you have no credit history, some lenders accept alternative documentation like rent payment records.

• **ITIN borrowers**: If you do not have a Social Security number but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you are not excluded. Certain credit unions and community lenders in this region make ITIN mortgage loans. You will need 2 years of ITIN-filed tax returns and a larger down payment (usually 10–20%).

• **Down payment**: USDA and VA loans can be zero-down. FHA requires 3.5%. Some state programs offer down payment assistance (see Section 5).

Do not assume you do not qualify before speaking with a local lender or housing counselor.

Gathering your documents before you apply saves time and reduces stress. Here is a practical list:

**For all borrowers:**

- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID)

- Social Security number OR ITIN

- Last 2 years of federal tax returns (all pages)

- Last 2 years of W-2s or 1099s

- Last 2–3 months of bank statements (all accounts, all pages)

- Most recent pay stubs (if employed by someone else)

- Landlord contact or 12 months of rent payment proof (if renting now)

- Documentation of any other income (child support, rental income, disability, etc.)

**If self-employed or a solo contractor:**

- 2 years of business tax returns (Schedule C or full partnership/S-corp returns)

- Year-to-date profit and loss statement

- Business bank statements

**For ITIN borrowers, add:**

- ITIN card or IRS CP565 letter

- 2 years of ITIN-filed tax returns

- Proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreement)

- Additional months of bank statements may be requested

**For the property:**

- Purchase contract (once you have one)

- Property address for USDA eligibility check

Keep digital copies of everything. Lenders often need re-submitted documents if they go stale during a long process.