Oregon Mortgage Blog
Straight answers about buying and financing a home in Oregon, written by John Moran, a Lake Oswego mortgage broker. Every guide has a matching video.
Start here
Buying a home in Oregon, step by step
Six guides in the order most buyers need them. See the full step-by-step guide.
Step 1
How Much House Can You Afford in Portland, Oregon?
The calculator says one thing, the lender says another, and your comfortable number might be a third. Here's how to figure out all three.
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Step 2
How to Qualify for a Mortgage Loan in Oregon
Every mortgage approval comes down to four things. Here's what lenders really look at, and the details that trip up good buyers.
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Step 3
FHA vs. Conventional Loans in Oregon: Which Should You Pick?
The difference between FHA and conventional is smaller than most people think, but picking the wrong one can cost you. Here's how to choose.
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Step 4
How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy a House in Oregon?
Twenty percent down isn't a requirement. Here's what 3%, 5%, 10% and 20% look like in real dollars, how PMI works, and how to choose.
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Step 5
How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Oregon
Pre-qual, pre-approval, underwritten approval: what they mean, what lenders check, and how to get a letter Oregon sellers actually trust.
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Step 6
Closing Costs in Oregon: Who Pays and How Much?
What closing costs really are, who usually pays what in Oregon, why property taxes vary so much, and how to spot a Loan Estimate that looks cheaper than it is.
Read the guide →Ready to see your real numbers?
The online application takes about 10–15 minutes, and most clients have a pre-approval letter the same day. Prefer to talk first? Call or text John directly.