Oregon Down-Payment Assistance Programs You’re Overlooking
For many buyers in Central Oregon, the biggest hurdle isn’t finding the right house—it’s saving enough cash to get in the game. But here’s the secret: Oregon has programs designed to help you cover down payments and closing costs. If you don’t know about them, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
1. Oregon Bond Residential Loan Program
This program offers two powerful options:
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Cash Advantage Loan: Grants buyers 3% of the loan amount to use toward down payment or closing costs.
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Rate Advantage Loan: Provides a below-market interest rate that can save you tens of thousands over the life of your loan.
2. Local Assistance Programs in Central Oregon
Deschutes County and city programs often provide extra support, especially for first-time buyers. For example, Bend has historically offered affordable housing initiatives tied to income limits—worth exploring if you qualify.
3. Federal Options You Shouldn’t Ignore
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FHA Loans: Require as little as 3.5% down.
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VA Loans: No down payment for qualifying veterans (a huge opportunity for our local military community).
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USDA Loans: Zero-down financing for rural areas—yes, parts of Redmond, La Pine, and Sisters often qualify.
4. Who Qualifies?
Most programs target buyers with mid-range incomes, decent credit scores, and a willingness to complete a homebuyer education course. The catch? These programs have funding caps and deadlines—once the money’s gone, it’s gone.
Why This Matters in Central Oregon
With median home prices in Bend hovering in the $600Ks, a little assistance goes a long way. Imagine shaving $15,000 off your upfront costs—suddenly, homeownership isn’t “someday,” it’s now.
Don’t Leave Free Money on the Table
At Nexus 360 Realty, we connect buyers with lenders who know how to maximize every available program. Don’t buy blind—let us help you unlock the tools that make homeownership possible today.
Don’t leave free money on the table:
👉 Let’s talk about your options
