Registration is the first step in accessing Portland Housing Center’s services. Registration can be done online, or by printing our registration form (in English or Spanish), and returning it to our office. There is a non-refundable $99 due at registration. Once you complete your registration we’ll ask you some questions to help determine your next step in the homebuying process, which could include scheduling a class or a one on one meeting with a HomeBuying Specialist.

At Portland Housing Center! Financial assistance to buy your first home can take several forms: grants, assistance in the form of low rate loans, and matched savings programs. Learn more about these types of programs.

No. Portland Housing Center has down payment assistance programs that make 100% financing an option. Other loan programs require as little as 3.5% down payment. We’ll help you evaluate what you can borrow, and connect you to the loan program that makes sense for you.

Though the industry overall has tightened credit criteria, our lending practices have not dramatically changed. Talk to us and see where you stand. If your credit is a challenge, Portland Housing Center will work with you to help improve it, increasing your options and eligibility for a mortgage loan that meets your home-buying needs.

Yes. Portland Housing Center has down payment assistance programs that range from a matched savings grant program (the Individual Development Account, or IDA) to the Mortgage Assistance Program. That means 100% financing is still an option for Portland Housing Center customers.

The IDA program helps eligible buyers save for down payment and/or closing costs. To be eligible borrowers must be at or below 80% of the Portland area median income, complete the Financial Fitness class and schedule an appointment to discuss eligibility. Please call (503) 282-7744 for more information.

When you register, Portland Housing Center will obtain your credit report as part of your initial home buyer assessment. If you ask us to do so while participating in our program, we will obtain another copy of the report. However, we will charge you for the cost associated with obtaining the new report.

Yes. Portland Housing Center has a panel of “Participating Lenders and Realtors™.” These are financial and real estate professionals who have been thoroughly screened by Portland Housing Center. All panel members have demonstrated a passion for working with Portland Housing Center’s first-time buyers.

The list is available here.

Portland Housing Center collaborates with select lenders, real estate agents, and home inspectors. We have the highest quality standards for our partners, and reserve our partner relationship for professionals who can demonstrate that they are committed first-time home buyer experts who will take the time to meet the needs of our buyers. Please email questions about Portland Housing Center Partners to the Deputy Director, or call her at (503) 797-4023. Annually Portland Housing Center accepts applications to join the Partner Realtor list. When the application process is open these applications are available here.