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Vance questions authority of US judges to challenge Trump; UAW contract negotiations at VW focus on higher wages, health care, retirement; Report highlights how Georgia can unlock rural infrastructure, broadband; Leftover fish parts could help keep industrial fishing waste low.

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Gov. Kotek's budget supports first-time homebuyer assistance

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025   

More than half of all renters in Oregon and a third of homeowners experience a housing cost burden, according to new research. Housing advocates say investing $45 million in down payment assistance will help open the door to homeownership.

Karen Saxe, director of policy, advocacy, and strategic relationships with Dev Northwest, said Culturally Responsive Organization Down Payment Assistance funds would help lessen the gap between rising housing prices and what people can actually afford.

"Our team works with people every day that have put in the hard work and face the ongoing challenge of saving for a down payment as prices throughout their lives continue to climb," she explained.

In many cases, rent can be higher than a mortgage payment would be for a similarly sized house or condo. The down payment assistance is part of Governor Kotek's proposed budget for 2025 to 2027, and is expected to directly benefit 750 first-time homebuyers.

Challenges with buying a home are more severe for first-generation homebuyers, many of whom are people of color. Saxe explains the organizations receiving the funding, including her own, are culturally responsive, meaning they cater to the needs of the communities they serve.

"So that might be language access. That might be when classes or counseling are offered. It might be the amount of down payment assistance," she continued.

Oregon Housing and Community Services' first "state of the state's housing" report found that for every dollar Oregonians earned in wage increases, the median sales price of a home increased by over $7. Though she says there is still a long way to go, Saxe is optimistic that Oregon is heading in the right direction.

"It's exciting to see the governor's request budget, when we were seeing investments in a home ownership like we've never seen before," she said.

Saxe added that Dev Northwest's average client needs about $40,000 in down payment assistance in order to make a mortgage affordable.


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