DPA by county: what's available in the Portland–Vancouver metro.

Down payment assistance isn't one-size-fits-all — it varies by state, county, and sometimes even city. The Portland–Vancouver metro spans two states and several counties, each with its own programs and limits. Here's a county-by-county overview of what to know.

Multnomah County (Portland, OR)

As Oregon's largest county, Multnomah has local programs layered on top of what's available statewide and through lenders. Portland Housing Bureau has historically offered homebuyer assistance for lower-income buyers in specific targeted areas of the city.

Washington County (Beaverton, Hillsboro, OR)

Washington County buyers can use MSF National DPA, the lender program I offer across Oregon and Washington. Washington County Community Action has also historically administered local housing assistance programs.

Clackamas County (Lake Oswego, Oregon City, OR)

Clackamas County buyers have the same access to MSF National DPA as the rest of the metro. Clackamas County's Community Development division has offered local homebuyer assistance as funding has been available. This is one of the more affordable entry points into the Oregon side of the metro, making DPA particularly impactful here.

Clark County (Vancouver, Camas, WA)

Clark County is served by Washington's WSHFC programs — Home Advantage and the House Key programs — giving buyers access to below-market rates and a deferred down payment loan. Clark County's lower home prices relative to Multnomah County mean your DPA dollar goes further. There are also local housing agencies in Vancouver that have occasionally offered deeper assistance for lower-income buyers.

Why county matters

Program income limits, purchase price caps, and specific assistance amounts are all set at the county level. A buyer in Hillsboro and a buyer in Portland may have different qualifying income limits even for the same statewide program. This is why running your specific county is the only reliable way to know what you qualify for.

The zip code you're buying in determines which programs are available — not just your state, but your county.

Tell me the county — or even the city — you're targeting and I'll pull the current program details. Every buyer's situation is different, and the programs are designed to reflect that.