Zero down is real: VA & USDA loans in Oregon & Washington.

When I tell people there are still zero-down loans, I usually get a skeptical look. But two of them are very real, very common, and have helped a lot of Pacific Northwest families into homes.

VA loans — for those who served

If you're an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or in many cases a surviving spouse, the VA loan is one of the strongest benefits out there:

• $0 down for eligible borrowers, up to your entitlement.
• No monthly mortgage insurance — a big monthly savings versus low-down conventional or FHA.
• Competitive rates and flexible underwriting, including some tougher scenarios.

You served. This is a benefit you earned — and I'd be honored to help you use it.

USDA loans — for eligible areas

USDA loans aren't just for farms. They're designed for rural and many suburban communities — and a surprising number of areas around the edges of the Portland–Vancouver metro qualify. The highlights:

• $0 down on eligible properties.
• Income limits apply (they're often more generous than people expect).
• The home needs to be in a USDA-eligible location.

The two big questions for USDA are simply: is the area eligible, and is your household income within the limit? Both are quick for me to check.

Zero down doesn't mean zero cost — but it can mean getting into a home years sooner.

Even with no down payment, you'll still want to plan for closing costs and a cushion — and there are ways to handle those too. Let's see which of these fits you.