How to Buy a House in Oregon
Updated 2026-03-02 | Data from Zillow, HUD, Tax Foundation
Avg Home Price
$515,474
Closing Costs
$14,524
2.82% of price
Property Tax Rate
0.78%
$3,352/yr median
Days on Market
42
Median
FHA Loan Limit
$472,030
Attorney Required
No
Foreclosure Type
Non-Judicial
Transfer Tax
0.1%
$1.00 per $1,000
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Key Facts About Buying in Oregon
- ✓No sales tax
- ✓Portland metro drives most market activity
- ✓Low transfer tax at 0.1%
- ✓Non-judicial foreclosure state
The Home Buying Process in Oregon
Buying a home in Oregon follows a 10-step process. Oregon does not require an attorney at closing, though you may choose to hire one.
1
Check Your Credit Score & Finances
2
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
3
Find a Real Estate Agent
4
Search for Homes & Make an Offer
5
Get a Home Inspection
6
Secure Your Financing
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First-Time Buyer Programs in Oregon
Oregon Bond Residential Loan Program
Below-market rate mortgages
Below-market rates + Cash Advantage up to $15,000Income: Up to $97,000
Cost of Buying a Home in Oregon
| Down Payment (3.5% FHA) | $18,042 |
| Down Payment (20% Conventional) | $103,095 |
| Average Closing Costs | $14,524 |
| Transfer Tax | $515 |
| Annual Property Tax (est.) | $4,021/yr |
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Legal & Regulatory Details in Oregon
Homestead Exemption
Available
Up to $40,000
Licensing Authority
Oregon Real Estate Agency
Oregon Real Estate Law Overview
| Conveyance Document | Warranty, special-warranty, bargain-and-sale and sometimes quitclaim deeds |
| Security Instrument | Deed of trust; mortgage sometimes used |
| Foreclosure Process | Non-Judicial |
| Attorney Required at Closing | No |
| Deficiency Judgment | No |
| Redemption After Sale | No |
| Reinstatement Available | Yes |
| Seller Disclosures | A property disclosure statement asks sellers to answer questions about insulation, structural problems, systems/fixtures, water sources, title issues, easements and homeowners'-association dues; sellers must also disclose any other material defects. |
