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First-time homebuyer programs · Oregon

2 First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Oregon

Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Oregon buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.

Available programs in Oregon

Oregon Cash Advantage

Administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services

Up to $15,000

Down payment assistance as 0% interest deferred loan. Repaid when you sell or refinance.

Income limit Income limits apply
Minimum credit score 620
First-time buyer required Yes
Special requirements: Must use with Oregon Bond first mortgage.
View official program page Apply through OHCS-approved lender. Verified December 2024

Oregon Bond Residential Loan

Administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services

Below-market rate + Cash Advantage up to $15,000

Low-rate mortgage with down payment assistance up to $15,000. DPA repaid on sale/refinance.

Income limit Income limits vary by county
Minimum credit score 620
First-time buyer required Yes
Special requirements: Must be first-time buyer. Homebuyer education required.
View official program page Apply through OHCS-approved lender. Verified December 2024

Federal programs (also available to Oregon buyers)

Good Neighbor Next Door

HUD · Federal program

50% off list price

Law enforcement, teachers, firefighters, and EMTs can buy HUD homes at 50% discount in revitalization areas.

Fannie Mae HomeReady

Fannie Mae · Federal program

3% down payment

Low down payment mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance. Allows income from non-borrower household members.

FHA Loan

Federal Housing Administration · Federal program

3.5% down payment

Government-backed loan allowing as low as 3.5% down payment. More flexible credit requirements than conventional loans.

Freddie Mac Home Possible

Freddie Mac · Federal program

3% down payment

Low down payment option with flexible sources for down payment including gifts and grants.

USDA Rural Development Loan

US Department of Agriculture · Federal program

0% down payment

No down payment for homes in eligible rural areas. Below-market interest rates available.

VA Loan

Department of Veterans Affairs · Federal program

0% down payment

No down payment required for eligible veterans. No private mortgage insurance. Competitive interest rates.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?

Most Oregon programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.

What credit score do I need?

Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Oregon programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.

How do I actually apply?

Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.

Can I combine multiple programs?

Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.

Do these programs cost anything?

The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.