🏡 First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Oregon, Washington & Idaho
Smart strategies to buy your first home in 2025 — even with rising prices
Buying your first home is a big step — and the current market might feel intimidating. But here’s the truth: if your budget works and you’re ready to put down roots, there are still great loan programs designed just for you.
I’m Matt Jolivette, a mortgage broker based in the Portland metro area. I’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho get into homes with as little as 3% down — sometimes even zero.
Let’s walk through what you actually need to know (no fluff, no sales pitch).
🎯 Who Qualifies as a First-Time Home Buyer?
If you haven’t owned a home in the past three years, you’re considered a first-time buyer. That opens the door to special loan programs with:
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Lower down payment requirements
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More flexible credit options
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Down payment and closing cost assistance
Yes — even if you’ve owned before, you may qualify again.
🔍 First-Time Buyer Loan Options (2025)
I’ll help you compare all of these based on your situation and location.
📈 Local Market Reality Check (2025)
Here’s what first-time buyers are facing in the markets I serve:
Portland Metro / Oregon
Washington
Idaho
💡 What You Actually Need to Buy
Forget the myths — here’s what you really need:
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✅ A 3% to 3.5% down payment (on most programs)
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✅ A credit score of 580 or higher (FHA is most flexible)
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✅ A 2-year job or income history (doesn’t have to be at the same job)
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✅ Realistic expectations — and someone who explains the full picture
🧠 Real Talk: Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
Prices are still high. Rates are still bouncing around. But here’s the key: if the payment fits your budget, that’s a green light.
Don’t wait for some mythical crash or 3% rate — those aren’t coming back soon. You can always refinance later if rates drop, but buying today locks in your housing cost and starts building equity.
💬 I’ve had clients buy at 6.75%, then refi 18 months later to 5.5% — and they were glad they didn’t wait.
🤝 What I Do for You
As a mortgage broker, I:
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Shop multiple lenders to find the best loan for you
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Help you understand all the real costs upfront (no games)
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Make sure you’re pre-approved and ready to compete
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Work closely with your real estate agent so your offer stands out
I’m local, independent, and always available to answer questions — not some call center with a script.
📞 Let’s Get You Started
Whether you’re buying in Portland, Boise, Vancouver, Spokane, Eugene, or anywhere else in the Northwest — I can help.
Associated Mortgage Brokers is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any government agency.
