Am I considered a first-time home buyer?

Many programs define it generously: you often qualify as a first-time buyer if you have not owned a home in the last three years, even if you owned one before that. Mindy will confirm your eligibility for the programs that fit you.

What first-time home buyer programs are available in Oregon?

First-time buyers in Oregon can use low-down-payment loans (3% conventional, 3.5% FHA, and $0-down VA or USDA for eligible buyers) and may qualify for down payment assistance that helps cover the down payment or closing costs. Program availability and terms change, so ask Mindy what you currently qualify for.

Can I combine first-time buyer help with Homes for Heroes?

Yes. If you are a firefighter, EMS, law enforcement, military, healthcare worker, or teacher, you can pair first-time buyer programs with Homes for Heroes savings on the lending side when you work with Mindy.

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Guide

First-time home buyer programs in Oregon.

Q: How much down payment do first-time buyers need?

Often much less than 20%. Conventional loans can start at 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, and VA and USDA can be $0 down for eligible buyers. Down payment assistance can reduce the cash you need even further.

If you're buying your first home in Oregon, you have more help than you might realize. Between low-down-payment loans (3% conventional, 3.5% FHA, and $0-down VA or USDA for eligible buyers) and down payment assistance that can cover part of your down payment or closing costs, the path in is often more affordable than people expect. Here's how first-time buyer help works and how to tap it.

By Mindy Hay, Senior Loan Officer · NMLS #292224 · Updated September 2026

Do you count as a first-time buyer?

Probably, even if you've owned before. Many programs define a first-time buyer as someone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years, so a lot of repeat buyers qualify again. Mindy will confirm which definitions and programs apply to you.

Low-down-payment loans for first-time buyers

Conventional from 3% down, with mortgage insurance that can be canceled later.
FHA from 3.5% down, flexible on credit, a first-time favorite.
VA and USDA at $0 down for eligible buyers and areas.

Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance (DPA) is help, often a loan or grant, that covers part of your down payment or closing costs. Oregon, Washington, and Arizona each have programs, and options change over time based on funding and eligibility (things like income limits and home price). Because these shift, the best move is to have Mindy check what's currently available for your situation, it's one of the most overlooked ways first-time buyers get in sooner.

Serve your community? Stack Homes for Heroes

If you're a firefighter, EMS professional, law enforcement officer, military member or veteran, healthcare worker, or teacher, you can combine first-time buyer programs with Homes for Heroes savings on the lending side. It's a simple way to lower your costs even more.

How to get started

The first step isn't finding a house, it's a quick pre-approval so you know your true budget and which programs you qualify for. That makes your offer stronger in a competitive market like the Portland metro, and it means fewer surprises later. Mindy will walk you through it, answer every question, and keep it simple.

Mindy Hay is a senior loan officer with Union Home Mortgage, based in Tigard and serving the greater Portland metro, Southwest Washington, and Arizona.

Frequently asked questions

Am I considered a first-time buyer?

Often yes. Many programs define it as not having owned a home in the last three years, so plenty of repeat buyers qualify again. Mindy will confirm your eligibility.

How much down payment do first-time buyers need?

Often far less than 20%. Conventional can start at 3%, FHA at 3.5%, and VA and USDA can be $0 down. Assistance can lower it further. See our down payment guide.

What programs are available in Oregon?

Low-down-payment loans plus down payment assistance that helps with the down payment or closing costs. Availability and terms change, so ask Mindy what you currently qualify for in Oregon, Washington, or Arizona.

Can I combine this with Homes for Heroes?

Yes. Community heroes can pair first-time buyer programs with Homes for Heroes savings on the lending side.