Buyer Resource Center › Senior Veteran Home Buying
Moving later in life is a different kind of move. Maybe the stairs are getting old, the yard is more work than it's worth, or you want to be closer to the grandkids. Whatever the reason, you've earned a move that's simple and well planned. As a Marine Corps veteran and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), I help senior veterans and their families across the Portland metro and SW Washington make that next move with confidence.
How I Help Senior Veterans
Right Sizing and Downsizing
Finding a home that fits this chapter of life, whether that's fewer stairs, a smaller yard, or less upkeep, and figuring out how much house you really want to manage.
Selling and Buying in the Right Order
Coordinating the sale of your current home with the purchase of the next one, so you aren't paying two mortgages or moving twice.
Moving Closer to Family
Helping you compare neighborhoods near kids and grandkids across the Portland metro and SW Washington, even if family is helping from out of town.
Single Level and Accessible Homes
Spotting the features that make a home easier to live in for years to come, like a main floor bedroom, walk in shower, wide halls, and few or no steps at the entry.
A Trusted Team for the Move
Connecting you with senior move managers, estate sale companies, movers, and contractors I've worked with, so you aren't sorting through it all alone.
Patient, No Pressure Guidance
Plenty of time for questions and room for family to be part of the conversation. You set the pace, and I make sure nothing gets missed.
Benefits and Programs Worth Knowing
These are the programs I see make the biggest difference for senior veterans buying or selling in Oregon and Washington. Rules and income limits change, so always confirm the details with the agency or your tax professional.
Your VA Home Loan Benefit Never Expires
There's no age limit on a VA home loan, and lenders can't turn you down because of your age. If you used your benefit years ago, selling that home and paying off the loan restores your full entitlement. If you paid it off and kept the home, the VA offers a one time restoration, so you may be able to buy again with no down payment.
Funding Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Veterans who receive VA compensation for a service connected disability are generally exempt from the VA funding fee, which can save thousands at closing.
Oregon Property Tax Help
Oregon's Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral program lets qualifying homeowners age 62 and older borrow from the state to pay their property taxes, with the balance repaid when the home is sold. Income and net worth limits apply. Oregon also offers a property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans and surviving spouses.
Washington Property Tax Help
Washington offers a property tax exemption for qualifying homeowners age 61 and older, people retired due to disability, and veterans with a qualifying service connected disability rating, based on income. Income limits are set by county and are scheduled to rise starting in 2027.
Selling Your Current Home
If you've owned and lived in your home for at least two of the last five years, a large part of your gain on the sale may be excluded from federal capital gains tax. Every situation is different, so talk with your tax professional before you sell.
Adaptive Housing and Long Term Care Benefits
Veterans with certain service connected disabilities may qualify for VA housing adaptation grants to make a home more accessible. Others may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which helps with the cost of in home care or assisted living.
The bottom line: You don't have to figure out the next move on your own. Between your VA benefit, state property tax programs, and a team that's done this many times, there's usually a smarter path than most people expect. Let's sit down, with your family if you'd like, and map it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)?
The SRES® is a designation from the National Association of REALTORS® for agents trained to help buyers and sellers age 50 and over. It covers later in life moves, downsizing, housing options for seniors, and the financial and benefit questions that often come with them.
Can I use my VA loan again if I already used it once?
Yes. Your VA home loan benefit can be used more than once. Selling the home and paying off the earlier VA loan restores your full entitlement. If you paid off the loan but kept the home, you may qualify for a one time restoration. A VA lender can check your Certificate of Eligibility.
Is there an age limit for a VA home loan?
No. There's no age limit, and lenders can't deny a loan because of your age. You'll still need to meet the lender's income and credit guidelines, and retirement income, pensions, and Social Security can all count toward qualifying.
Do seniors get a property tax break in Oregon or Washington?
Oregon offers a property tax deferral for qualifying homeowners age 62 and older, plus an exemption for qualifying disabled veterans. Washington offers an exemption for qualifying homeowners age 61 and older and for veterans with a qualifying disability rating. Both have income limits, so check with your county assessor.
Should I sell my house before I buy my next one?
It depends on your equity, your loan options, and the market. Some sellers buy first using their equity or a bridge option, while others sell first and rent briefly. I'll walk through both paths with you and your lender so you only move once if possible.
Can my adult children help with the process?
Absolutely. Many of my senior clients have family involved, sometimes from out of state. I'm happy to include them in calls, share updates by email, and make sure everyone is on the same page, while keeping the decisions in your hands.
Meet Your Veteran Realtor
Troy Doty, Principal Broker
Troy Doty is a Principal Broker with Northwest Realty Source in Portland, with 25 years in real estate and over 1,000 homes sold across the Portland metro and SW Washington. As a Marine Corps veteran, Troy has a true passion for helping Portland veterans and active duty military families buy and sell homes, whether you're PCSing in, transitioning out, buying your first home, investing in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, or right sizing later in life.
Schedule a Call or Video Meeting ➜ More About Troy ➜ Free Veteran Buyer E-BookPrefer to call or email? 503.997.4169 · troy@nwrealtysource.com
Troy Doty, Principal Broker, Northwest Realty Source. Licensed in Oregon and Washington. ABR®, MRP, and SRES® are credentials of the National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliates. CIAS™ is a designation of U.S. Realty Training. Content adapted in part from ABR® consumer resources. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
