If you are ready to buy a home through HARP, it is important to know what kind of home qualifies. This page will help you understand the basic requirements, but remember, a final inspection will be done by ReOregon to make sure the home meets all the standards.What are the location requirements?
Your new home must:
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Be located in Oregon
- NOT be in an airport runway area
- NOT be in a flood zone or flood plain (Check on FEMA’s website:
fema.gov/flood-maps)
What are the required utilities and features for a new home?
Before you buy your new home, make sure it is safe, livable, and in good condition. To qualify for HARP, your home must have these basic utilities and features:
- Electricity that powers lights and appliances safely.
- Running water (hot and cold).
- At least one working bathroom.
- Doors and windows that open and close easily.
- Cabinets and appliances that work properly.
- A working sink, stove, oven, refrigerator, and countertop.
- The number of bedrooms should match the needs of your family. For example, a family of four should have around three bedrooms.
- At least one working bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower or tub.
- Windows that open and can be used as an escape route in case of an emergency.
- A heating system for winter and a cooling system (if needed) for summer.
- The house should be strong with no serious cracks in the foundation or rot and a roof that is in good condition.
- It should be free of hazards like exposed wires or broken stairs.
- It should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- The roof should not have leaks or missing shingles.
- The home should not have peeling paint or rotting wood.
Your new home should have added fire safety features. Here are some examples of what to look for:
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Fire-resistant roofing: The roof should be made of fire-resistant materials like metal, tile, or special fire-rated shingles.
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Siding: The siding (outside walls) should be made of fire-resistant materials, such as fiber cement or Hardie siding.
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Windows and doors: Windows should have double-paned glass for added protection, and doors should be made from non-combustible or fire-rated materials.
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Decks and porches: Any decks or porches should also be made from fire-resistant materials. Avoid wood decks in burn areas unless treated for fire resistance.
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Vents: Vents in the attic or crawl space should be covered with a fine metal mesh to keep embers from getting inside.
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Trim and fascia: The trim around windows, doors, and eaves (fascia) should be fire-resistant, using materials like metal or fiber cement.
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Gutters: Gutters should be made of metal and kept clear of leaves and debris to prevent fire from spreading to the roof.
What if I am buying a manufactured home?
If you are buying a manufactured home, it must:
- Meet all the requirements above.
- Be permanently attached to a foundation. All temporary parts, like wheels and hitches, must be removed.
How can I get started?
- Complete the
Eligibility Questionnaire on the HARP website to see if you qualify. If you have already submitted an Eligibility Questionnaire or an application, you do not need to reapply.
- Complete a HARP application and submit the required documentation
by Dec. 31.
- Receive an award determination based on your eligible expenses and any other aid you received.
Visit the HARP
applicant journey webpage for additional details about getting started.
What am I responsible for after receiving an award determination?
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Schedule a meeting with a HARP homebuying specialist. HARP will use this meeting to go over the next steps in the homebuying process and answer any questions you might have.
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Select a real estate agent. Begin your search for a home.
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After you find a home, send HARP the address to begin a pre-review. HARP will review the home for eligibility and get back to you within two business days.
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HARP will inform you of the home’s eligibility. If HARP determines that the home is eligible, you may move forward with making an offer on the home.
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Include specific contingencies in the purchase agreement. You must include the following contingencies:
- At least 25 days for inspections
- At least 60 days to close
- A satisfactory environmental review
- A standard home inspection, including radon testing, lead-based paint inspection (if applicable), and asbestos testing (if applicable)
- An appraisal confirming the home's value meets or exceeds the purchase price
- A clear title confirmed by a title search
- Availability of ReOregon funding at closing
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Finalize the terms of the sale. Once you and the seller agree to the terms of the sale, you may sign the purchase agreement.
- Any counteroffers cannot exclude the required contingencies listed above.
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Submit the signed purchase agreement. As soon as your home is under contract, send your signed purchase agreement to your HARP homebuying specialist right away.
What am I responsible for after signing a purchase agreement?
Within 30 days of signing the purchase agreement, you must complete the following steps. Please note: If the seller wants to close the sale sooner than typically allowed by HARP, these items may be due earlier.
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Schedule and complete an environmental review. HARP staff will work with you to schedule an environmental review of your home. This review is critical and will determine if your home complies with environmental regulations.
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Schedule a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing quality standards (HQS) inspection. HARP staff will work with you to set up an on-site inspection of your home, which you must attend. The HARP HQS inspection does not replace a traditional home inspection with a licensed inspector, which is a normal part of purchasing a home and strongly encouraged. Once the inspection is complete, HARP will inform you if the home is eligible or ineligible — or if repairs must be made before the purchase.
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Order an appraisal of your new home. A certified appraiser must complete this appraisal, and you must send it to your HARP homebuying specialist. The appraised value of the home must be equal to, or higher than, the total amount needed to buy the home — this includes your HARP award, any money you are putting in, and any other funds needed to complete the purchase.
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Select a title company or escrow/closing agent. You must provide the contact information for this company or agent to your HARP homebuying specialist.
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Get a title inspection report. Your title company or escrow/closing agent must provide written proof that the property has a clear title and can legally be sold. Once you get this confirmation, you must let your HARP homebuying specialist know within 30 days. After you buy the home, you must also get a title insurance policy and submit a copy of it.
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Shop for homeowner’s insurance. Before you close, you must show proof that you have insurance for the first year. ReOregon strongly recommends keeping full insurance coverage (including fire insurance) on your home for as long as you live there. Please note: HARP funds cannot be used to pay for your insurance.
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Prepare your final HARP award amounts and grant agreement. About 10 to 14 days before your scheduled closing date, HARP will use your documentation to calculate your final award amount, prepare your grant agreement, and email it to you for your signature. You must electronically sign it within 48 hours, or your closing may be delayed.
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Make sure you have enough money to pay your share of the home purchase and any other costs due at or before closing. If there is a “funding gap” between the total cost and your HARP award, you may need to work with a mortgage lender to cover the difference. HARP will not put money into your escrow account for closing until you show proof that you have enough funds to pay your portion.
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Stay in touch during the closing process and make sure you meet all deadlines. This means submitting required documents on time, as outlined by HARP staff. If you miss a deadline, it could delay your home purchase or you could lose your HARP funding.
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