Flex Lending

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has developed a first-of-its-kind lending program to help fulfill OHCS’ mission of providing homeownership opportunities for Oregonians, which may be paired with down payment assistance (DPA). Flex Lending helps Oregonians buy homes in partnership with approved mortgage lenders statewide.

DPA funds may be used for up to 100% of the borrower’s cash requirement to close, including down payment, closing costs, pre-paid items, upfront borrower-paid mortgage insurance, and other related loan fees and expenses.

Flex Lending consists of two loan products: FirstHome and NextStep. Both of these are first mortgage loans that can be paired with the OHCS Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program.

Flex Lending loan comparison

In creating equitable pathways to homeownership, OHCS provides support for all Oregonians regardless of their first language. For support in a language other than English, email languageaccess@hcs.oregon.gov.

Homebuyer education

Any borrower who has not owned a primary residence within the past three years is required to attend a homebuyer education class with an OHCS-approved homeownership center. Figuring out when and how to buy a home is a big decision, but the good news is there are resources available to help you.

To navigate through the process of what it takes to buy a home, there are knowledgeable, dedicated, and experienced housing counselors who are certified in the homebuying process and specialize in helping families plan for and buy homes. Learn more about housing counseling and how to find one closest to you.

Find a Housing Counselor

Although OHCS encourages in-person counseling, there are situations where homebuyers would prefer online counseling. OHCS recommends one of the following options:

Idaho Housing and Finance Association, OHCS’ master servicer: Finally Home! Homebuyer Education
Neighborworks America: Framework Homebuyer Education Course
Portland Housing Center’s hybrid option: Homebuyer Education Registration

Approved lenders

Locating the right loan originator can make all the difference when buying your first home. We want to help connect you to a lender who specializes in first-time homebuyer programs.

Below is a list of the top loan originators who specialize in Flex Lending and are ready to help you along the path to homeownership.

Below is a full list of lenders that are offering Flex Lending loan products. Enter a county or lender into the search box to find their contact information. The following approved lenders may originate Flex loans in all Oregon counties.

Contact us

Get in touch with the Flex Lending team at HCS_HomeownershipLending@hcs.oregon.gov.