Straight answers on rates, loans, and buying a home — written by Mitch Tugaw so you can borrow with confidence.
FHA or conventional for your first home in Multnomah County? Compare down payments, credit scores, MIP vs. PMI, and 2026 loan limits to see which program actually costs less over time.
Portland's median home price is $535K. See how much house a VA loan can actually get you, with $0 down and no loan-limit cap for most veterans.
"Self-employed contractor. Two loan paths, one $40K repair curveball. See how a conventional loan beat a bank statement loan for this Portland-area buyer.
VA loans let eligible veterans and service members buy in Vancouver or Portland with $0 down and no PMI. Here's how the benefit works, what's changed for 2026, and what it means for buyers in Clark County and Multnomah County.