Mortgage Loans in Pierce County, Washington
Pierce County is Peter Irungu's home market — from the neighborhoods of Puyallup and Tacoma to Lakewood, Bonney Lake, and the communities surrounding Joint Base Lewis-McChord. As part of the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue high-cost lending area, Pierce County shares elevated conforming loan limits, which means more homes qualify for conventional financing before reaching jumbo territory.
Pierce County conforming loan limits
FHFA sets conforming limits per county. Loans above the limit are jumbo.
- 2025 one-unit limit
- $1,037,300
- 2026 one-unit limit
- $1,063,750
- 2025 FHA one-unit limit
- $1,037,300
The 2026 county-specific FHA figure is not yet confirmed — verify in HUD's FHA Mortgage Limits database before applying. Limit applies to the loan amount, not the purchase price.
Market snapshot
Median sale price — Puyallup
$549,137
Period: August 2026 · Source: Redfin (Puyallup housing market)
Prices vary widely by neighborhood, size, and condition. Use comparable sales, not a citywide average, to gauge value.
Serving these communities
Puyallup, Tacoma, Lakewood, Bonney Lake, Auburn, Federal Way, DuPont, Gig Harbor, Sumner, Orting
NEXA Lending, LLC is a private mortgage lender/broker and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of FHFA, HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or any government agency. Reviewed 2026-10-07.
Puyallup & Pierce County market context
Puyallup's median home sale price was approximately $549,137 in August 2026 (Redfin), though prices vary significantly between South Hill, downtown Puyallup, and surrounding communities. Pierce County generally offers lower purchase prices than many King County neighborhoods, though total ownership cost depends on property taxes, insurance, and commuting — not just the sticker price.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord anchors the south Pierce County market. Eligible service members and veterans stationed at JBLM can use VA financing for a qualifying primary residence with no down payment, and lenders still evaluate income, residual income, and repayment history even though the VA sets no universal credit minimum.
Sample affordability scenario
On a $549,137 purchase with 20% down, the loan amount is about $439,310 — well within Pierce County's $1,063,750 conforming limit, so this would be a conforming, not jumbo, loan. Property taxes, insurance, and any mortgage insurance add to the monthly cost. This is an educational estimate, not underwriting approval or a commitment to lend.
Loan programs in Pierce County
Peter offers the full range of mortgage programs to qualified borrowers in Pierce County.
FHA Loans
3.5% down, credit scores from 580
Learn moreVA Loans
0% down for Veterans & active duty, no PMI
Learn moreConventional Loans
Competitive rates, PMI drops at 20% equity
Learn moreJumbo Loans
Financing above the conforming limit for high-value WA homes
Learn moreUSDA Loans
0% down in eligible rural Washington areas
Learn moreDown Payment Assistance
WA state & Pierce County grant programs, may never need repayment
Learn moreBank Statement Mortgages
Qualify using business bank statements, not W-2s
Learn moreSelf-Employed Mortgage Options
Flexible qualification beyond traditional W-2 income
Learn moreITIN Mortgages
Financing for borrowers with an Individual Taxpayer ID
Learn moreForeign National Mortgages
Financing for non-U.S. citizens buying Washington property
Learn moreAsset Depletion Mortgages
Qualify using qualifying liquid assets
Learn moreConstruction-to-Permanent Loans
Build a home in Washington with one streamlined loan
Learn moreFHA 203(k) Renovation Loans
Buy and renovate with one FHA-insured loan
Learn moreHomeStyle Renovation Loans
Conventional renovation financing for Washington homes
Learn moreManufactured Home Loans
Financing for manufactured and mobile homes in Washington
Learn moreDSCR Loans
Investment properties qualified on rental income, no W-2
Learn moreBridge Loans
Short-term financing between buying and selling
Learn moreFix-and-Flip Loans
Short-term capital for Washington rehab investors
Learn moreReverse Mortgage
For homeowners 62+, access equity and stay in your home
Learn moreHELOC & Home Equity Loans
Access your home equity without replacing your first mortgage
Learn moreMortgage Refinancing
Lower your rate, change your term, or access equity
Learn moreMortgage FAQ — Pierce County
Answers to common questions from Pierce County homebuyers and investors.
How much does a home cost in Puyallup, Washington?
Puyallup's median home sale price was approximately $549,137 in August 2026, although prices vary significantly by location, property size, and condition. Buyers comparing homes in downtown Puyallup, South Hill, and surrounding communities should evaluate recent comparable sales rather than relying on a citywide average. Historical 2025 pricing should be reviewed separately when comparing annual trends.
Is Puyallup more affordable than Seattle or King County for homebuyers?
Puyallup and parts of Pierce County may offer lower purchase prices than many Seattle-area neighborhoods, although affordability varies by property and location. Buyers should compare mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, commuting expenses, and household needs. The lower purchase price of one home does not necessarily mean its total ownership costs will be lower.
What areas near Puyallup should first-time homebuyers consider?
First-time homebuyers may want to compare properties in South Hill, downtown Puyallup, parts of Tacoma, Lakewood, and nearby Bonney Lake based on their budget and commuting needs. Housing choices vary by neighborhood, including condominiums, townhomes, smaller single-family houses, and newer developments. Buyers should compare individual properties and avoid assuming that one neighborhood is universally more affordable or suitable.
How much are property taxes when buying a home in Pierce County, Washington?
Pierce County property taxes depend on the property's assessed value, local taxing districts, voter-approved levies, and applicable exemptions. Buyers should review the property's current tax information through the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer rather than assuming a single countywide rate. Property taxes can materially affect the monthly mortgage payment and overall affordability.
Where should JBLM military families look for homes in Pierce County?
Military homebuyers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord often compare communities such as Lakewood, DuPont, Tacoma, Puyallup, and nearby areas based on commuting distance, budget, and household needs. Eligible buyers may be able to use VA financing for qualifying primary residences. Commute estimates should account for base access points, traffic conditions, and work schedules.
Is it cheaper to buy a home in Tacoma or Puyallup?
Home prices differ across Tacoma and Puyallup, and neither city is consistently less expensive for every property type. Buyers should compare similar homes based on size, age, condition, neighborhood, tax obligations, and transportation costs. A property-specific affordability analysis is more useful than comparing citywide median prices alone.
How long does the mortgage approval and closing process take in Pierce County?
Many home purchases financed with a mortgage close in approximately 30–45 days after an offer is accepted, although timing varies. Appraisals, underwriting, escrow procedures, title review, and documentation can influence the schedule. Buyers who obtain preapproval early may be better prepared to meet contractual deadlines.
Can a Puyallup mortgage loan officer help me buy a home anywhere in Washington State?
A mortgage loan originator licensed in Washington may assist eligible borrowers with qualifying mortgage transactions throughout the state, subject to employer authorization and applicable lending requirements. Peter Irungu, NMLS #2751063, serves borrowers in Puyallup, Tacoma, Lakewood, Bonney Lake, Auburn, Federal Way, Pierce County, and King County through NEXA Lending, LLC, NMLS #1660690. Peter is licensed in Washington State only.
