First-Time Buyers
Your first home isn't out of reach.
Buying your first place feels like a maze of numbers, jargon, and "can I even afford this?" You don't have to figure it out alone — or save 20% before you start. I'll walk you through every step, in plain English, at your pace.
START HERE
Everyone told you buying was impossible. Let's check that.
Prices are high and the process is confusing — that part's real. But a lot of what stops first-time buyers is stuff nobody explained: how much you actually need down, what help exists, and what the steps even are. Clear that up, and "someday" often turns into "sooner than you thought." That's the whole point of this page.
IS THIS YOU?
You might be more ready than you feel
If any of these sound familiar, a 20-minute conversation will tell you exactly where you stand.
Tired of rent going up
You're paying a mortgage-sized check every month — just on someone else's mortgage.
Not sure you've saved "enough"
You've heard you need 20% down. For most first-timers, that's a myth (more below).
No idea where to start
Agent? Lender? Preapproval? We'll put the steps in order so it stops feeling like a maze.
Worried about your credit
You don't need perfect credit — you need a plan. Often it's a few fixable things.
.
Wondering what you can afford here
What your budget really buys in the Portland metro may surprise you — up or down.
Getting a little family help
A gift toward the down payment is common and totally workable. We'll show you how it fits.
down is often all it takes
You probably don't need to save 20%.
It's the single biggest thing that keeps people renting years longer than they need to. Plenty of loans let qualified first-time buyers in with 3–5% down — and some assistance programs go lower still. Let's find the number that's actually true for you, not the one you heard at a barbecue.
Oregon Help You Might Not Know About
There's real money set aside for buyers like you
Oregon runs down-payment-assistance and first-generation homebuyer programs that most people have never heard of — and never think to ask about.
up to
$60,000
in down payment assistance for eligible Oregon first-time and first-generation buyers*
Whether you qualify depends on your income, location, and a few other details — and that's exactly the kind of thing I help sort out early, before it becomes a roadblock.
THE ROADMAP
The home buying process, in four steps
No surprises. Here's how we go from "just curious" to keys in hand.
Let's chat
We'll talk through your goals, concerns, timeline, and current market conditions. You'll learn where you stand and what steps you need to take next step to home ownership.
Reality check
We'll explore what your budget will buy in Portland metro. This enables you to focus your search on neighborhoods and homes that match your budget.
Find & tour homes
Together we'll build a custom online home search. Then we'll tour homes that match. I'll provide you with market analysis to ensure you're making a smart long term investment.
Offer to close
When we find the right home, I write a strong offer and negotiate for you. Then I manage all the paperwork, deadlines, inspections, and negotiations to get you to closing.
Learn before you leap
Answers to what you're actually Googling
No surprises. Here's how we go from "just curious" to keys in hand.
REPRESENTATION
Why do I need an agent?
The listing agent works for the seller. A buyer's agent works for you. Learn what an ABR does for you.
DOWN PAYMENT
How much down do I need?
Spoiler: almost certainly not 20%. The real numbers for first-time buyers.
MORTGAGE
Six steps to getting a mortgage
From "can I afford this?" to a preapproval that makes your offer stronger.
COSTS
Don't get surprized by closing costs
What that 2–5% actually covers — and how to keep it from blindsiding you.
INSPECTIONS
Do you need a home inspection?
What inspectors check, what it costs, and why it protects your money.
RENT VS. BUY
Is buying worth it right now?
An honest look at renting vs. buying in the Portland metro today.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Rachel Bradley
I've been helping people buy homes across the Portland metro since 2012, and first-time buyers are some of my favorite clients — there's nothing like handing someone the keys to their very first place.
I know how overwhelming it feels from the outside, so I take the mystery out of it: straight answers about your budget, honest takes on neighborhoods, and zero pressure. As an Accredited Buyer's Representative, I've trained specifically to protect buyers — so you've got someone in your corner from the first question to closing day.
Come with every "dumb" question you've got. I promise there aren't any.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
You're in good hands
★★★★★
"I Love Rachel , she came to my rescue again ! She’s always on top of everything, professional , and listens to my concerns and needs .
I highly recommend Rachel Bradley for your real estate needs.
This is my second time using Rachel."
-- Jan Lemme
★★★★★
"Impressive, outstanding, superb, brilliant - I could go on. Rachel knows her business and did a magnificent job helping us through the sales AND pending purchase of our next. I would say I even consider her a part of the family now. She has been there for us every step of the way and I could not recommend her enough."
-- Chris Jackson
★★★★★
"Rachel was patient and helpful as we went through the process of making a determination on what type of house best met our needs. She is a great example of what a Realtor should be. I look forward to working with her again."
-- Michele Grigorioff
COMMON QUESTIONS
First-time buyer FAQ
Do I really need 20% down?
For most first-time buyers, no. Plenty of loan programs allow 3-5% down for qualified buyers. The right number depends on your situation.
My credit isn't great. Can I still buy?
Often, yes –– and if not quite yet, we'll build a plan to get you there. Many buyers are closer that they think; sometimes it's just a couple of fixable items. A quick chat with a lendeer wull tell us exactly wheere you stand.
How much home can I afford in the Portland area?
That comes down to your iincome, debts, and down payment –– amd a preapproval turns it into a real number. I'll connect you with a trusted local lender, then we'll match that budge ti neighborhoods that actually fit your life.
How much does it cost to work with you as a buyer's agent?
Our first conversation is free and no-pressure. How buyer representation is structured and paid has some moving parts that we'll discuss together up front, in plain language, so there are no surprises –– that's what the buyer consultation is for.
Can I buy if I'm getting help from family?
Absolutely –– gift funds toward a down payment are common and completely workable. There are a few simple rules lenders follow and we'll make sure it's set up correctly so it helps rather than holds things up.
I'm just starting to think about this. Is it too early to talk?
Not at all –– the earlier the better. Even if you're a year out, a conversation now tells you what you need to save, what you need to fix, and what to expect, so when the time is righ, you'll have areal plan instead of a guess.
Rachel Bradley
Principal Broker | Licensed in OR
503-936-3373