Get Your Journey Started
Owning a home in Central Oregon may feel out of reach, but it doesn’t have to be. RootedHomes is here to guide you every step of the way with clear support, trusted partners, and opportunities designed for the people who live and work in our community. Whether you are just beginning to explore or ready to take the next step, your path to homeownership starts here.
View available homes
Explore homes that are available now or coming soon in our communities. Each home is thoughtfully designed to be high quality, energy efficient, and permanently affordable so you can build stability for the long term.
Attend an info session
Start with a clear understanding of the process. In these sessions, you’ll learn how RootedHomes works, what to expect at each stage, and how to move forward with confidence.
Speak with a lender
Connect with lenders who understand our program and are experienced in working with first-time homebuyers. They will help you understand your budget, explore financing options, and take the steps needed to become mortgage-ready.
Available Communities
Rooted At 19th
8 Homes Available
Rooted At Antler
18 Homes Available
Explore Other Communities
Start Your Housing Journey
Complete the Short Interest Form! This quick form helps us understand your household and determine your potential eligibility, while ensuring you receive updates about new communities and application openings. It is not a full application or commitment, just a way to stay informed and prepared. When homes become available, you will be invited to take the next step and apply.
Review Basic Qualifications
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RootedHomes serves households earning between 60% and 120% of Area Median Income (AMI), depending on the community.
To qualify, you will need to:
Be a first-time homebuyer
Not own other real estate in the last 3 years
Show 1 year of consistent income (2 years if self-employed)
Be pre-qualified for a traditional mortgage
Meet credit and criminal record policy requirements
Get Mortgage Ready
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This is one of the most important steps, and starting early makes a big difference. A lender will help you understand what you can afford and how to prepare financially.
To apply, you will need:
A pre-approval letter for the home price
Proof of at least 1% of the purchase price for earnest money
A minimum credit score of 620
No bankruptcy in the past 4 years
No foreclosure in the past 5 years
Your lender will walk you through estimated costs and next steps so you feel confident moving forward.
Attend an Info Session
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Before applying, all applicants must attend an information session to understand the program, timeline, and expectations.
Selected homebuyers will also complete homeownership education through NeighborImpact before moving into their home.
When homes become available, you will:
Submit a full application during the posted window
Upload your pre-approval letter for the purchase price of the home
Provide proof of savings - 1% of the purchase price for earnest money
Confirm attendance at an information session
Once submitted, qualified applicants will be entered into the selection process.
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We offer financial support to help make homeownership more accessible:
Up to $18,000 for first-time homebuyers (First Time Homebuyer DPA)
First-time homebuyers (Veterans): Receive up to $30,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less.
First-generation homebuyers (Veterans): Receive up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less.
This assistance can help reduce the amount you need to bring to closing and improve affordability.
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80% AMI Cap
1 Person — $64,050
2 Person — $73,200
3 Person — $82,350
4 Person — $91,450
5 Person — $98,800
6 Person — $106,100
7 Person — $113,400120% AMI Cap
1 Person — $96,000
2 Person — $109,800
3 Person — $123,360
4 Person — $137,360
5 Person — $148,200
6 Person — $159,120
7 Person — $170,160Please review the AMI level for the specific home you are applying for. (These will change in April)
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Applicants may receive up to five preference points:
First-generation homebuyer — 1 point
Housing Works client — 1 point
Employee of an Employer Partner — 2 points
Veteran — 1 point
After the application period closes, applicants are assigned a random number and placed into tiers based on preference points. Selection begins with the highest point tier and continues until homes are filled. Two waitlist positions are selected per home.
RootedHomes does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
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If an applicant is chosen for a home through our selection, a criminal background check will be pulled within 90-days prior to closing on the home for all adults who will be on the title of the home.
All potential homeowners must meet Criminal Record Policy requirements.
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Apply During Open Application
“If I could buy my home again, I would choose RootedHomes every time.”
Homeowner Testimonials
Our homeowners are at the heart of everything we do. Their stories show what’s possible when homeownership is designed to be accessible, sustainable, and rooted in community.
Recommended Lenders
Matt Martino
Columbia Bank
541-312-4853
MattMartino@columbiabank.com
Joseph Portillo
Washington Trust Bank
503-778-7067
JPortillo@watrust.com
Se habla español
Katie Fox
CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC
541-735-9869
akatie.fox@ccm.com
Malia Sprague
Se habla español
Columbia Bank
541-434-3028
MaliaSprague@columbiabank.com
Aide Gonzalez
Se habla español
Sunflower Bank
541-610-7341
Aide.Gonzalez@sunflowerbank.com
Community Resources
Housing Works of Central Oregon
Services: Affordable rentals and rental assistance.
WorkSource
Services: Job training, Employment referrals and support services.
Full list of services
Latino Community Association (LCA)
Services: Workforce Empowerment program and Client Services, LCA can help the prospect buyer to complete their application, gather documentation, and fill out forms.
NeighborImpact
Services: Homeownership counseling and classes.