ARE YOU BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME IN OREGON?
Few first-time buyers have saved enough for a 20% down, but the good news is that you really don’t need that much. Borrowers can often get into a new home with as little as 3% or even 0% down. Most low down payment programs also let you use gifted money or down payment assistance (DPA) to cover your down payment and closing costs. Depending on your mortgage loan, you could potentially get into a new house with minimal cash out of pocket.
FirstHome - Down Payment Assistance
We proudly offer FirstHome, in coordination with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). This program provides favorable rate mortgages for Oregonians with low to moderate incomes, including those in rural areas, obtain funds for a down payment and closing costs to buy a home. This program helps establish roots and build generational wealth through homeownership.
- Competitive-market interest rates - Great for first-time homebuyers and veterans.
- Down payment assistance (DPA) available up to 4% or 5% of the loan amount
- DPA can cover closing costs, prepaid expenses, and down payment.
- Eligible property types include single-family homes, condos, planned unit developments, and manufactured homes.
Program Highlights
- Target Audience: First-time and first-generation home buyers.
- Focus: Making homeownership accessible, particularly for those facing financial barriers.
- Interest Rates: Interest Rates are set by Oregon Housing but are typically lower than standard published rates. We will be able to provide you a detailed breakdown of interest rates, funds to close, eligibility and payment information.
- Income and Purchase Price Limits: Specific limits vary by county. Please contact your loan officer for your purchase location.
- First-Time Buyer Definition: You qualify as a first-time homebuyer if you haven’t owned a home in the past three years. Exceptions apply for certain targeted areas or if you are a veteran using the one-time veteran exemption.
- Homebuyer Education: Often required as part of the program, providing valuable information about the home buying process and responsible homeownership.
What Are Your NEXT Steps?
Let’s find a plan that fits your budget—and get you home.
Connect with one of our affordable housing specialists today!
First-time Homebuyer Loan Officers - Oregon Housing
Sheena Brown
Tri-Cities Home Lending
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NMLS# 185610 8486 W Gage Blvd Suite A Phone: |
Sheena joined 1st Security Bank as a Loan Officer in 2014. She has over twenty years of experience in the lending industry. Her journey began at a local Escrow Company, where she worked her way to the mortgage side, first in funding, then processing, and ultimately discovered her passion in lending sales. A graduate of SouthRidge High School, Sheena attended Columbia Basin College while working in the Mortgage Industry and calls Tri-Cities her home. She is dedicated to finding right fit portfolio products for her clients and creatively uses her vast knowledge of loan programs - from Conventional, to FHA, VA, USDA, 1st Time Home Buyers with down payment assistance needs, Custom Construction, lot loans, and all those that don’t fit in the box – to achieve this goal. Her vision is to get her clients what they want with the least amount of stress possible. When you choose Sheena to be your lender, know that she will strive to ease the burden of paperwork and approval for you as much as is humanely possible! Sheena believes “Buying a house should be one of the most important & exciting times in your life - up there with Getting Married and having kids - and that the process should be fun, enjoyable, and unforgettable for all the right reasons.” In her free time, Sheena enjoys snowmobiling, golf, swimming, and time with friends and family, alongside her husband and two young daughters. |
Sabrina Flores
Vancouver Home Lending
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NMLS# 491946 1111 Main Street Phone: |
Sabrina grew up in the areas she serves, from Portland to Seattle. This gives her the knowledge to educate her clients about their relocation, whether it be across the street or across state lines. When she’s not working to help her clients realize their home financing goals, Sabrina enjoys supporting her community by eating out and volunteering at community events. Sabrina’s family are avid Trail Blazer, Thorns, and Timber fans. She also enjoys time at home with family, starting new remodeling projects, gardening, enjoying a glass of wine at a local vineyard, or tasting a new blend of roasted coffee. |
Katie Gaumer
Tri-Cities Home Lending
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NMLS# 180250 8486 W Gage Blvd Suite A Phone: |
Katie Gaumer is a trusted loan advisor who is proud to accommodate all your home financing needs. With a specialty in first-time homebuyers, refinances and building your dream home, Katie knows there is a loan for every borrower. Katie will provide a customized solution tailored for you at competitive rates with no hassles or surprises. |
Linda Mariani
Vancouver Home Lending
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NMLS# 1492162 1111 Main Street Phone: |
With over 20 years in the mortgage business, covering a variety of specialties, Linda Mariani brings the seasoned experience and knowledge that her clients can trust. Linda’s goal with every client is to educate first, so expectations are met and satisfaction is achieved. She understands the demands of lending and strives to make the entire mortgage process as smooth as possible for her clients. Earning a referral from a client is not only an essential part of her business, but a sign that she has made a client happy, throughout the lending process – from start to finish. When not assisting her clients, Linda spends her spare time enjoying family and friends, Oregon State University sporting events, cooking, shopping, and camping. For more information about how Linda can help you have the home financing experience you’re looking for, contact her today. |
Eric Melling
Tri-Cities Home Lending
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NMLS# 815225 8486 W Gage Blvd Suite A Phone: |
Eric joined 1st Security Bank in 2015 and has been in the finance industry for over a dozen years. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to meet local families and provide financing for their homes. I work hard to exceed my clients’ expectations and want the buying process to be a great memory and milestone in their lives. Since I started in the business in 2005, I have helped hundreds of families achieve their dreams of owning a home. “Whether you are a new or past client buying another home, I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about your financing options.” Born and raised in the Tri-Cities, the Washington State University graduate (Business Administration), loves the outdoors and enjoys “spending time with my beautiful daughter and chocolate lab.” |
Yoell Mendoza
Tri-Cities Home Lending
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NMLS# 2159190 8486 W Gage Blvd Suite A Phone: |
1st Security Bank is a relationship-driven financial services company committed to returning value to our stakeholders. We deliver home lending, banking and financial services to local families, regional businesses and industry niches in a manner that “wows” customers so much they become champions for the Bank and actively promote the Bank to others. Welcome to 1st Security Bank, I look forward to working with you. |
Nik Sandberg
Tri-Cities Home Lending
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NMLS# 613580 8486 W Gage Blvd Suite A Phone: |
1st Security Bank is a relationship-driven financial services company committed to returning value to our stakeholders. We deliver home lending, banking and financial services to local families, regional businesses and industry niches in a manner that “wows” customers so much they become champions for the Bank and actively promote the Bank to others. Welcome to 1st Security Bank, I look forward to working with you. |
Matt Schiefer
Vancouver Home Lending
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NMLS# 487462 1111 Main Street Phone: |
Matt Schiefer has lived in the Northwest since 1989 earning a Bachelors Degree in Education from Western Washington University. A background in education serves as a foundation to help inform and empower clients with the knowledge necessary to make one of the greatest financial decisions of a lifetime. Matt has been serving clients in the mortgage industry since 2004. He has the ability to provide clients with a myriad of home financing products important in achieving a successful financial portfolio. Whether you’re a First Time Homebuyer, seasoned homeowner, or real estate investor, Matt will find loan programs tailored to fit your needs. Through competitive rates, stellar service and a commitment to accomplishing your goals, Matt is looking forward to earning your business and more importantly, your trust, in years to come. |
Dago Velasquez
Tri-Cities Home Lending
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NMLS# 815225 8486 W Gage Blvd Suite A Phone: |
1st Security Bank is a relationship-driven financial services company committed to returning value to our stakeholders. We deliver home lending, banking and financial services to local families, regional businesses and industry niches in a manner that “wows” customers so much they become champions for the Bank and actively promote the Bank to others. Welcome to 1st Security Bank, I look forward to working with you. |
Miguel Velasquez
Tri-Cities Home Lending
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NMLS# 803081 8486 W Gage Blvd Suite A Phone: |
1st Security Bank is a relationship-driven financial services company committed to returning value to our stakeholders. We deliver home lending, banking and financial services to local families, regional businesses and industry niches in a manner that “wows” customers so much they become champions for the Bank and actively promote the Bank to others. Welcome to 1st Security Bank, I look forward to working with you. |