Loan Programs for Every Situation

Conventional Loans

The Gold Standard for Strong Borrowers

Conventional loans are the most popular mortgage type in America, and for good reason. If you have solid credit (620+), they offer the best rates and the most flexibility. As an independent broker, we access wholesale conventional rates from 50+ lenders, often beating what banks quote directly.

Key benefits:

• Down payments as low as 3% (Conventional 97)
• PMI cancels automatically at 80% loan-to-value
• Available in 15, 20, 25, and 30-year fixed terms, plus ARMs
• Can be used for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties
• No upfront funding fee (unlike FHA or VA)

Who it's for: Buyers with 620+ credit scores who want the most competitive rates and flexible terms. Particularly strong for West Linn buyers purchasing homes under the $766,550 conforming limit, think Bolton starter homes or Willamette bungalows.

FHA Loans

The First-Time Buyer's Best Friend

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and designed to make homeownership accessible to buyers who may not qualify for conventional financing. They're especially popular with first-time buyers entering the West Linn market.

• Down payment as low as 3.5% with a 580+ credit score
• More flexible debt-to-income ratios than conventional loans
• Gift funds can cover your entire down payment
• Available for primary residences in all West Linn neighborhoods
• FHA loan limits in Clackamas County support purchases up to applicable limits

Who it's for: First-time homebuyers, buyers rebuilding credit, or anyone who needs more flexibility. Great for purchasing in Bolton or Robinwood where entry-level homes may fall within FHA limits.

Good to know: FHA loans require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. For many West Linn buyers, starting with FHA and refinancing to conventional once you build equity is a smart strategy. Read our first-time buyer's guide for more details.

VA Loans

Zero Down for Those Who Served

If you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible surviving spouse, VA loans are often the single best mortgage product available, anywhere. Zero down payment, no PMI, and rates that consistently beat conventional options.

• Zero down payment, even on West Linn's higher-priced homes
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI) at any loan-to-value ratio
• Competitive interest rates, often 0.25-0.5% below conventional
• No maximum loan amount for borrowers with full entitlement
• Seller can contribute up to 4% of the purchase price toward closing costs
• Can be used for jumbo purchases in West Linn, a huge advantage in our market

Who it's for: Veterans and active military purchasing in any West Linn neighborhood. VA jumbo loans are particularly powerful in neighborhoods like Savanna Oaks or Skyline Ridge where home prices regularly exceed $1M.

USDA Loans

Zero Down for Eligible Areas

USDA loans offer zero-down financing for homes in eligible suburban and rural areas. While most of West Linn proper doesn't qualify for USDA financing, some adjacent areas and surrounding communities may be eligible.

• No down payment required
• Below-market interest rates
• Lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA
• Income limits apply (typically 115% of area median income)
• Must be a primary residence

Who it's for: Buyers open to exploring eligible areas near West Linn. Properties in parts of Stafford, Canby, and other Clackamas County communities may qualify. We'll check eligibility for any property you're considering.

Jumbo Loans

West Linn's Most Important Loan Program

With West Linn's median home price at $811,000 and the 2026 conforming loan limit at $766,550, jumbo loans aren't a niche product here. They're a necessity. This is where our independent broker model truly shines. We access wholesale jumbo rates from dozens of lenders, and our rates frequently beat what the big banks offer by 0.125–0.375%.

• Loan amounts from $766,551 to $3M+ (some lenders go higher)
• Down payments from 10% (some programs offer less with strong reserves)
• Fixed rates and ARMs available
• Interest-only options for qualified borrowers
• Competitive rates through our wholesale lender network
• Multiple lender options means flexible underwriting for complex borrowers

Who it's for: Most West Linn buyers, frankly. Neighborhoods like Savanna Oaks, Skyline Ridge, Parker Crest, and BHT routinely see homes in the $900K–$2M+ range. Read our complete guide to jumbo loans in West Linn.

DSCR / Investor Loans

Build Your Portfolio Based on Cash Flow

DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans qualify based on the property's rental income rather than your personal income, making them ideal for investors, self-employed borrowers, and anyone building a rental portfolio in the West Linn area.

• No personal income documentation required
• Qualification based on property's rental cash flow (DSCR ≥ 1.0)
• Available for single-family, multi-family (2-4 units), and condos
• Loan amounts up to $2M+
• LLC and entity vesting available
• Interest-only options for maximizing cash flow

Who it's for: Real estate investors, self-employed professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to grow a rental portfolio without the documentation burden of conventional investment loans. Particularly relevant for Robinwood and Willamette properties with strong rental demand.