Buying a home is a big mission, and the more you know going in, the smoother it goes. I put this library together for veterans, active duty families, and anyone buying in the Portland metro or SW Washington. Every topic is short, practical, and written with our local market in mind. Pick a section below and dig in, and when you're ready to talk it through, give me a call.
Why Work With Me
I served in the Marine Corps, and I've spent over 25 years helping buyers in the Portland metro and SW Washington. I've also earned four professional credentials that line up with the people I serve most.
Accredited Buyer's Representative
Advanced training focused entirely on representing buyers, from your first showing through negotiation and closing.
Learn about the ABR® ›Military Relocation Professional
Training in VA loans, BAH, PCS timelines, and the challenges of buying or selling on military orders, on top of my own service.
Learn about the MRP ›Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Training to help buyers 50 and over, including senior veterans who are downsizing, moving closer to family, or using their VA benefit again later in life.
Senior veterans ›Certified Investor Agent Specialist
Training in investment analysis for buyers of rental property, including veterans using a VA loan to buy and live in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex.
Veteran investors ›The Home Buying Process
How buying a home works from your first conversation to the day you get the keys.
3 Homebuyer Tips on Credit Scores and Inquiries
Protect your score while you shop for a VA or conventional loan.
Read more ›From Contract to Closing
What happens between an accepted offer and getting your keys.
Read more ›5 Factors to Help Define Your Ideal Home
Get clear on what you really need before you start touring.
Read more ›Renting vs Buying
How to weigh rent against a mortgage, BAH, and long term equity.
Read more ›15 Ways to Save Money for a Down Payment
Even with a zero down VA loan, cash for closing costs and reserves helps.
Read more ›The Potential Pitfalls of Homebuyer Love Letters
Why personal letters to sellers can backfire, and what to do instead.
Read more ›Understand the Differences Between Mortgage Providers
Banks, credit unions, brokers, and VA specialists compared.
Read more ›Don't Be a Victim of Real Estate Wire Fraud
How scammers target closing funds and how to protect yours.
Read more ›4 FAQs About Closing
Who's there, what you sign, and what to bring on closing day.
Read more ›What's a CMA?
How a comparative market analysis helps you offer the right price.
Read more ›Follow Local Real Estate Trends
Reading the Portland and SW Washington market like a pro.
Read more ›The Home Search
Touring homes with a sharp eye and knowing what matters before you fall in love.
The Two House Test
A simple way to compare homes side by side and make a confident choice.
Read more ›What to Ignore and What to Worry About on a Home Tour
Easy cosmetic fixes you can look past, and the real red flags that deserve a closer look.
Read more ›Beyond the Showing: 4 Things to Consider Before You Buy
Commute, neighborhood, noise, and the things a showing won't tell you.
Read more ›Should You Buy a Fixer Upper?
A reality check on projects, budgets, and VA renovation options.
Read more ›5 Dos and Don'ts on Property Tours
Tour etiquette that keeps you in good standing with sellers.
Read more ›Buying a Condo: Pros, Cons, and Questions to Ask
Lifestyle trade offs, HOA questions, and VA approval for Portland area condos.
Read more ›Fair Housing and Your Home Search
Your rights as a buyer and how fair housing law protects you.
Read more ›8 Expensive Homebuyer Mistakes
Costly missteps veteran and first time buyers can easily avoid.
Read more ›Before You Buy
Costs and details to understand before you sign on the dotted line.
A Homebuyer's Quick Guide to Property Taxes
Oregon and Washington property taxes, plus disabled veteran exemptions.
Read more ›6 Ways to Save Money on Your Move
Cut moving costs whether it's a PCS or a move across town.
Read more ›How to Evaluate an HOA
Dues, reserves, and rules to review before you commit.
Read more ›5 FAQs About Condo Insurance
What the master policy covers and what you need on your own.
Read more ›5 First Time Homebuyer Tips
Smart first steps for veterans buying their very first home.
Read more ›The Negotiating Process
Making a strong offer, handling inspections, and protecting your interests.
7 Negotiation Mistakes Buyers Often Regret
Avoid buyer's remorse with a smarter negotiating plan.
Read more ›The Home Inspection Process
What an inspector checks, how to get the most from your inspection, and how VA appraisals differ.
Read more ›The Real Estate Negotiating Process
Offers, counteroffers, and how a deal comes together.
Read more ›Winning in a Competitive Market: Low Inventory and Multiple Offers
How to compete when homes are scarce, without overpaying or waiving key protections.
Read more ›Appropriate (and Unreasonable) Inspection Repair Requests
What's fair to ask for after an inspection, and what isn't.
Read more ›Choosing the Right Representation
Why having an experienced buyer's agent in your corner matters.
3 Key Differences Between Real Estate Agents
Agent, REALTOR®, or broker? What the titles really mean.
Read more ›Questions to Ask When Selecting a Buyer's Rep
Interview questions to find the right agent for you.
Read more ›Client or Customer? Agency, Loyalty, and Expectations
How agency works in Oregon and Washington and why being a client matters.
Read more ›What Your Buyer's Agent Does for You
Everything a buyer's agent handles, and how to choose the level of service you want.
Read more ›Planning to Purchase New Construction? Rely on a Buyer's Rep!
The builder's sales rep works for the builder. Here's why you need your own.
Read more ›Why Veterans Hire an ABR® Buyer's Agent
How an Accredited Buyer's Representative helps you win with a VA offer and protects your interests.
Read more ›Your First Meeting with a Buyer's Agent
What to expect, what to bring, and the six topics to cover in your first conversation.
Read more ›5 Reasons to Sign with a Buyer's Agent
How a written buyer agreement protects you.
Read more ›Frequently Asked Questions
Who are these home buying guides for?
They're written for veterans, active duty service members, and military families buying in the Portland metro and SW Washington. The basics apply to any buyer, and each page includes tips specific to VA loans and military life.
What is an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®)?
The ABR® is a designation from the National Association of REALTORS® for agents who complete additional training focused on representing buyers. It shows an agent has made buyer representation a specialty.
Can I buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex with a VA loan?
Yes. A VA loan can be used on a property with up to four units with no down payment, as long as you live in one of the units as your primary residence. Rent from the other units can often help you qualify. As a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS™), I help veterans run the numbers before making an offer. My veteran investor page, duplex buying guide, and free investment calculator are all on this site.
What do the MRP and SRES® credentials mean?
The Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification from the National Association of REALTORS® covers VA loans, BAH, PCS moves, and the unique needs of military buyers and sellers. The Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation is for agents trained to help buyers and sellers 50 and over with later in life moves. I hold both, along with the ABR®.
Can senior veterans still use a VA home loan?
Yes. Your VA home loan benefit doesn't expire, and there's no age limit. Many senior veterans use it again to downsize, move closer to family, or buy a single level home, and lenders can't turn you down because of your age. If you've used your benefit before, your full entitlement can usually be restored once that earlier loan is paid off and the home is sold, and there is a one time option to restore it even if you kept the home.
Do I need a written agreement to work with a buyer's agent?
Yes. Under current REALTOR® practices, you'll sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes with an agent. It spells out the services you'll receive and how your agent is paid, so everyone starts with the same expectations.
How is a buyer's agent paid?
Compensation is negotiable and isn't set by law. It's written into your buyer agreement, and in many cases a seller or builder agrees to cover some or all of it as part of the deal. We'll go over your options together before you start your search.
Can I buy a home in Oregon or Washington with no down payment?
Eligible veterans and service members can often buy with no down payment using a VA home loan, and there's no monthly mortgage insurance. You'll still want some cash for closing costs, inspections, and reserves, though sellers can sometimes help with closing costs.
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.
