Oregon Mortgage Overview
Oregon has become more popular in recent
years with a 10 percent increase in population from 2019-2020. As of the
latest census tract, 4.2 million people are living in Oregon and the average
home price is around $312,000.
Oregon has plenty of home loan options,
especially for first-time homebuyers. Here are your basic loan options.
Oregon conventional loans
Good credit
borrowers with at least a 660 credit score, may get a conventional loan. Conventional
loans require first-time homebuyers to put down 3 percent down and subsequent
buyers 5 percent down. Borrowers should have around a 36 percent debt ratio.
Borrowers pay mortgage insurance just until they owe less than 80 percent of
the home's value.
Oregon FHA loans
Borrowers with average or
worse than average credit may qualify for an FHA loan. You need just a 580
credit score and 3.5 percent down. Your down payment can be gift funds or down
payment assistance. The FHA allows lower credit scores too but with a 10
percent down payment. At least 3.5 percent of the down payment must be your own
funds.
Oregon VA loans
Veterans of the military or
current members may secure 100 financing from a VA loan from an Oregon VA
lender. You need a 620 credit score proof of income that shows you can afford
the loan and daily cost of living costs. VA loans have disposable income
requirements that vary by county. VA loans don't have mortgage insurance
requirements, but there is an upfront funding fee.
Oregon USDA loans
If rural living is up your
alley, check out the USDA loan. If your household income is less than 115
percent of the median income for your area, and you have a 640 credit score,
you may qualify. USDA loans have low interest rates and closing costs. You'll
pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan, but the rates are low, and you
don't need a down payment, so it offsets the costs.
First-Time Homebuyer
Programs in Oregon
Oregon Bond Residential Loan
Program
The Oregon Bond Residential Loan Program has two options:
Cash Advantage
You'll receive 3% of your loan
amount for closing costs. You must still contribute 3.5 percent for the FHA
down payment, but the assistance pays your closing costs.
Rate Advantage
You pay the closing costs but
secure a lower interest rate allowing you to maximize savings over the life of
the loan
Down Payment Assistance
You may secure up to $15,000 in down
payment assistance. You must live in specific
counties and meet that county's requirements to qualify.
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