Whether you're thinking about downsizing, moving closer to family, staying in your home for the long haul, or helping a parent with their next step, you don't have to figure it out alone. I put this library together for senior veterans, surviving spouses, and their families in the Portland metro and SW Washington. As a Marine Corps veteran and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), I've helped many families through these decisions, and every guide here is written with our local area and your VA benefits in mind.
Choosing Where to Live
Finding the right kind of home and community for this next chapter, or making your current home work for the long haul.
Talking With Family About Your Real Estate Decisions
How to include loved ones without giving up control of your decision.
Read more ›55+ and Active Adult Communities in Portland and Vancouver
Pros, cons, renting vs buying, and the questions to ask before you commit.
Read more ›Aging in Place: Home Changes, Checklist, and Support
Room by room changes, helpful technology, and the support that makes staying home work.
Read more ›Long-Term Care Options and Costs for Veterans
Care options, what they cost, and the VA and state programs that help pay.
Read more ›Planning Finances
Financing a later in life move and planning ahead with confidence.
Preparing to Move
Sorting, downsizing, and moving with less stress, for you or a parent.
Helpful Resources
Local aging services, transportation, and energy efficient living in Portland and SW Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Senior Veteran Resource Center for?
Veterans and surviving spouses age 50 and over, and the adult children helping them, who are thinking about a move, aging in place, or planning for the future in the Portland metro and SW Washington.
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 with later in life moves, housing options, and the financial questions that come with them.
Can senior veterans still use a VA home loan?
Yes. The VA home loan benefit doesn't expire and has no age limit. Many senior veterans use it again to downsize or move closer to family.
Does the VA help pay for long-term care?
It can. Depending on eligibility, VA programs include in home care, Community Living Centers, State Veterans Homes, and a pension with Aid and Attendance for wartime veterans who need help with daily activities.
Are there property tax breaks for senior and disabled veterans?
Yes. Oregon offers an exemption for qualifying disabled veterans and a deferral for homeowners 62 and older. Washington offers an exemption for homeowners 61 and older and for veterans with a qualifying disability rating, with income limits.
Can you help my parent if I live out of state?
Absolutely. I regularly work with adult children from out of the area, using phone and video calls, and coordinating with movers, estate sale companies, and contractors locally.
Search Homes in Portland and SW Washington
Start with single level homes, or browse condos and homes near family across the Portland metro, or across the river in Vancouver, Camas, and Battle Ground. Save your favorites and I'll help you narrow them down.
More Veteran Guides on This Site
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 SRES® consumer resources. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
