Single Family Housing in Oregon

Rural Housing Direct Loans are loans that are directly funded by USDA Rural Development.   These loans are available for low- and very low-income households to obtain homeownership or repair their existing home.  Applicants wishing to purchase in a rural area may obtain 100% financing to purchase an existing dwelling, purchase a site and have a dwelling constructed, purchase a newly constructed dwelling or build their home through the mutual self help program. Household income must be within the household income limit for the area and home purchase can not exceed the area loan limit.  Home must be owner occupied.  Mortgage payments are based on the household's adjusted income.  No down payment is required and there is no mortgage insurance.  These loans are commonly referred to as Section 502 Direct Loans.   Contact the Area Office serving your county for more information and application forms.

 In the Mutual Self-Help Housing program, self-help groups of 8-12 families and/or individuals build each other's homes under the guidance of a construction supervisor hired by a nonprofit housing developer (self-help grantee). These groups perform at least 65 percent of the construction work.  By working together, they complete all of their homes simultaneously. Their labor becomes their down payment, commonly referred to as "sweat equity." Hard work is the key, along with a willingness to work cooperatively with other participants. These groups share the common goal of home ownership and commit themselves to share in the work that will make that goal a reality.  The purchase is completed with a Rural Development Direct Loan.  Contact the Area Office serving your county for more information and application forms.

Guaranteed Rural Housing Loans are originated by approved mortgage lenders to qualified moderate income individuals and families in eligible rural areas.  The loan guarantee protects the lender from risk of loan loss and the lender passes this benefit on to the homebuyer in the form of a loan that requires no down payment or mortgage insurance at a conventional loan interest rate.  Closing costs and necessary repairs can be financed into the loan, up to 100% of the appraised value, or up to 102% of the appraised value if the borrower wishes to finance the 2% guarantee fee.   There is no maximum loan amount, but household income must be within the household income limit for the area.  Borrowers do not have to be first-time homebuyers.

Borrowers can purchase new or existing homes, town homes and condominiums.  New manufactured homes which are purchased through an approved dealer contractor can also be purchased.   Refinancing of an existing Rural Development Direct or Guaranteed loan to reduce the interest rate is permitted.   Contact a local lender to begin the application process or a Rural Development Area Office for names of approved lenders in the area.

Home Improvement Loans and/or Grants are available to homeowners in rural areas to improve or modernize their existing home.  For homeowners 62 and over who cannot repay a loan, grants funds are available to remove health and safety hazards or to remodel dwellings to make them accessible to household members with disabilities.  Loans can be made up to $20,000 at 1% interest.  The lifetime grant limit is $7,500.  Contact the Area Office serving your county for more information and application forms.
 

State Office Contacts:
Rodney L. Hansen, Housing Program Director
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 801
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 414-3353
rod.hansen@or.usda.gov

Rachel Shultz, Guaranteed Housing Loan Specialist
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 801
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 414-3337
rachel.shultz@or.usda.gov

Barb Brandon, Direct Housing Loan Specialist
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 801
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 414-3340
barb.brandon@or.usda.gov

Tangent Office
Bret Dixon, Area Director
541-465-6443 Ext. 123
780 Bailey Hill Road, Suite 5
Eugene, OR 97402
bret.dixon@or.usda.gov

Roseburg Office
Clem Singer, Area Director
541-673-0136, Ext. 110
2440 N.W. Troost #200
Roseburg, OR 97470
clem.singer@or.usda.gov

Redmond Office
Barrie Lasure, Area Director
541-923-4358 Ext. 130
625 SE Salmon Ave., Ste 5
Redmond, OR 97556
barrie.lasure@or.usda.gov

Pendleton Office
Geri Steward, Area Director
541-278-8049, Ext. 131
1229 SE 3rd St., Ste. A
Pendleton, OR 97801-4198
geri.steward@or.usda.gov

“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”
To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).