2026 Guide to First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Oregon and Washington

If you are trying to buy your first home in the Pacific Northwest, the process can feel overwhelming—especially when you start calculating the down payment and closing costs. But here is the good news for 2026: both Oregon and Washington have incredibly well-funded state programs designed specifically to help you get the keys to your first home.

Washington First-Time Buyer Programs The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) is the gold standard for buyer assistance.

• Home Advantage Program: This is Washington’s flagship program, offering competitive interest rates that can be seamlessly paired with down payment assistance loans.
• House Key Opportunity: This program provides a second mortgage to cover your down payment. The best part? It typically requires no monthly payments and is only due when you eventually sell or refinance the home.

Oregon First-Time Buyer Programs Oregon is making massive pushes to help buyers through the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) department.

• OHCS Flex Lending: This incredibly popular program provides a fixed-rate first mortgage combined with a second mortgage to cover up to 4% or 5% of the loan amount for your down payment and closing costs. In some cases, these second liens are even completely forgivable!
• Targeted Grants: Oregon also offers specific Down Payment Assistance (DPA) grants that are distributed through local community organizations. Some buyers making under the area median income (AMI) can qualify for tens of thousands of dollars in assistance.

Don't Let the Down Payment Stop You! Most buyers don't realize they qualify for these incredible programs until they ask.

Call us today to get connected with a local, state-approved lender who can help you secure your down payment assistance!

Call: (503) 300-6614