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How-to · Housing & utilities

Apply for ReOregon down payment help (2020 wildfires)

First-time buyers affected by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires may qualify for a forgivable loan toward a down payment. Funds are limited.

Steps

5 steps
  1. Review the required documentsThen submit one Housing Support Services application to the community action agency closest to you.
  2. Get a lender pre-approval letterYou need pre-approval from a qualified mortgage lender. The loan is for a home bought in one of the eight affected counties.
  3. Finish a HUD-approved homebuyer classEvery borrower in the household must complete a class approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
  4. Wait for approval before making an offerDo not sign a purchase agreement or make an offer yet. If you go ahead before approval, you or the home may not qualify.
  5. Shop once DPA staff say you are approvedDPA staff will tell you when you are approved and ready to look for a home.

Bring

  • Photo ID (or two other ID documents)
  • Proof of household income
  • Proof of your 2020 home address
  • Lender pre-approval letter
DPA funds are limited. Households with verified home losses are prioritized.
  • How-to

    Appeal your Lane County property value

    Housing & utilities
    1. Get the petition formUse the Real Property or Personal Property petition and read the instructions that come with it.
    2. Gather evidence of the property's valueShow value as of January 1, 2026, such as a recent sale, independent appraisal, comparable sales or repair estimates.
    3. File with the County ClerkFile by mail or in person with the filing fee. Filing opens the day after tax statements are mailed.
    + 2 more steps in the full guide
    BringEvidence of value as of Jan. 1, 2026Authorization to Represent (if used)
    Cost$35 per tax account; $350 maximum for same-owner, same-subdivision accounts
    Lane County Clerk, Property Value Appeals Board541-682-4321
  • How-to

    Apply for Homes for Good housing or a Section 8 voucher

    Housing & utilities
    1. Choose Public Housing, Section 8 or bothYou can apply for one or both. Your household income must be within the limits in the page's table.
    2. Find a property with an open wait listPick a property, then open its page to find the application if its wait list is open.
    3. Or see all open applicationsHomes for Good keeps a list of every application that is open now.
    + 2 more steps in the full guide
    CostRent is set at 30% of adjusted gross income (Firwood and Village Oaks are fixed)
    Homes for Good Housing Agency541-682-3755
  • How-to

    Apply to defer property taxes (senior or disabled)

    Housing & utilities
    1. Check the 2026 income limitHousehold income includes all taxable and non-taxable income of you and your spouse living in the home for 2025.
    2. Read the application bookletThe booklet has the full documentation and eligibility rules.
    3. File the applicationYou can file an online application.
    + 1 more step in the full guide
    Cost6% interest a year, not compounded, on taxes the state pays for you
    Oregon Department of Revenue and Lane County Assessor541-682-4321