Oregon real estate: buy or sell with a local AXEN agent
Oregon gives you 5 business days to revoke your offer after you read the seller's disclosure, has almost no transfer tax, and caps how fast your taxable value can grow. Here is what is the same everywhere in Oregon, and where to search homes.
Oregon: search homes by city
Tap a city to see the newest homes for sale there.
What every Oregon buyer and seller should know
The seller gives you a disclosure statement
Oregon requires the seller of a home to give each buyer who makes a written offer the seller's property disclosure statement (ORS 105.464). It covers title, water, sewer or septic, the structure, systems and more, based on what the seller knows.
You get 5 business days to revoke
After you receive the disclosure, you have 5 business days to revoke your offer by delivering a separate, signed written statement disapproving the disclosure, unless you signed a waiver of that right (ORS 105.475). If the seller never gives you the statement, you can revoke any time before closing.
There is almost no transfer tax
Oregon does not charge a state transfer tax, and state law stops cities and counties from adding new ones. The one exception is Washington County, west of Portland, which charges $1 per $1,000 because its tax was grandfathered in. The Oregon constitution, through Measure 79 in 2012, now bans new real estate transfer taxes.
Taxable value grows at most 3% a year
Under Measure 50, the maximum assessed value of a property can grow by no more than 3% a year, unless there is new construction, a remodel or a similar change. That means your tax is usually based on a value lower than what you paid. Ask the county for the current assessed value and tax.
Pay by November 15 for a discount
Oregon property tax bills come in the fall. Pay the full year by November 15 and you get a 3% discount, or pay two-thirds by then for 2%. You can also pay in thirds on November 15, February 15 and May 15.
Portland requires a Home Energy Score
If you are selling a house inside the City of Portland, you must get a Home Energy Score and report before you list or advertise it. The score has to be included in listings. This is a city rule, not a state one.
Escrow closes the sale
Most Oregon sales close through a title company's escrow officer, who holds the money, collects signatures and records the deed. By custom the seller pays for the buyer's owner's title policy, and the buyer pays for the lender's policy. The contract can change that.
Well homes must be tested at sale
If the home has a domestic well, Oregon's Domestic Well Testing Act makes the seller have the well water tested for arsenic, nitrates and total coliform bacteria once they accept an offer, and the results go to the buyer and the state (ORS 448.271). Many rural homes also have septic systems. Get your own septic inspection.
Closing costs in Oregon: who pays what
Who pays what in Oregon. There is no transfer tax except in Washington County. The rest is custom and can be negotiated.
| Buyer pays | How it works |
|---|---|
| Lender's title policy | By custom the buyer pays it, if you have a loan. |
| Escrow fee | Usually split with the seller. |
| Recording fees | County clerk fees for the deed and loan. |
| Home inspection | A flat fee. Not required, but worth it. |
| Well test and septic inspection | Only on homes that have them. |
| HOA transfer fees | Whatever the association charges. |
| Prepaid taxes and insurance | Set by your lender and the tax calendar. |
| Your own lawyer | Optional. |
| Seller pays | How it works |
|---|---|
| Transfer tax | None, except $1 per $1,000 in Washington County. |
| Owner's title policy | By custom the seller buys it for the buyer. |
| Escrow fee | Usually split with the buyer. |
| Home Energy Score | Only inside the City of Portland, before listing. |
| Mortgage payoff and reconveyance | Your lender's payoff plus the fee to clear the old loan. |
| Listing agent's commission | Set in your listing agreement. Always negotiable. |
| Tax proration | Your share of the year's property taxes. |
| Repairs you agree to | Only what you agree to in writing. |
Fees change. Washington County's transfer tax is $1 per $1,000. Each county sets its recording fees. Confirm current numbers with your escrow officer.
How a Oregon home purchase runs
The order most Oregon purchases follow. Your purchase agreement sets the exact deadlines, so keep a calendar.
Get pre-approved →-
Get pre-approved. Know your budget and payment before you tour.
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Make a written offer. The seller's disclosure comes to you once you offer.
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Review the disclosure. You have 5 business days to revoke if you do not like it.
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Inspect. Add a well test and septic inspection where they apply.
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HOA? Read the documents. Ask for the rules, budget and any assessments.
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Appraisal and loan approval. The lender orders the appraisal and finishes underwriting.
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Title and escrow. The title company issues the preliminary report and escrow prepares the papers.
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Final walk-through. Check the home is in the condition you agreed to.
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Sign and record. You sign with escrow and the deed is recorded with the county.
Oregon by region
Oregon markets run from Portland's suburbs down the Willamette Valley and over the mountains to Bend. Tap a city to see the newest homes for sale there.
Portland metro
Portland and its suburbs. Washington County is the one place with a transfer tax.
AXEN Realty in Oregon
Every AXEN agent in Oregon works under a licensed managing broker: T Mike Miller (AXEN Realty, LLC, firm license 201263707). See every state on the state brokers page.
Buying? Start with the home buying guide and get pre-approved.
Selling? Read the home selling guide and get your home value.
Moving here? Read buying in a new state.
Oregon real estate questions
Can I back out after reading the seller's disclosure?
Yes. You have 5 business days after you receive it to revoke your offer with a separate signed statement, unless you waived that right. If the seller never gives you one, you can revoke until closing.
Is there a transfer tax in Oregon?
Only in Washington County, which charges $1 per $1,000. Everywhere else, there is no state or local transfer tax, and the state constitution bans new ones.
Why are Oregon property taxes lower than the price suggests?
Measure 50 lets a property's maximum assessed value grow no more than 3% a year, so it is often well below market value. Your tax is figured on that assessed value.
When are property taxes due in Oregon?
November 15 for a 3% discount if you pay the full year, or 2% if you pay two-thirds. Otherwise pay in thirds: November 15, February 15 and May 15.
Do I need a lawyer to buy or sell a home in Oregon?
State law does not require one. Title and escrow companies close most sales. You can hire a lawyer any time, especially for estates or unusual titles.
Who pays for title insurance?
By custom the seller pays for the buyer's owner's policy, and the buyer pays for the lender's policy. The purchase agreement can change that.
What is Portland's Home Energy Score?
A city rule for houses inside Portland: the seller must get a Home Energy Score and report before listing, and include the score in listings. It shows how energy efficient the home is.
Is a home inspection required in Oregon?
No law requires one. Most buyers make the sale depend on one, and you should. Add a well test and a septic inspection for homes outside city water and sewer.