Average Mortgage Payment in Portland? (real estate, house, buy)

[dborden]

Hi-

My husband and I are relocating from Athens, GA to Portland, OR this fall (yes, we realize this is not the best time to move to Portland). I'm interested learning what we might expect to pay for a house and an approximate mortgage payment? We would prefer to live near downtown (I will be working downtown). We will be making ~120k/yr between the two of us. We don't have children and very few expenses. We will probably have ~20k to put down and could probably afford around a 2k - 2.5k mortgage payment I would guess? Is it unrealistic to think we will be able to afford a house in town other than a shack? We are fairly adamant that we don't want to live in the burbs and will sacrifice in house size, etc in order to live closer in. Any thoughts/input would be greatly appreciated!!

Deb

[Clear2land]

Your income could support a house payment of about $3,500 a month, which should buy you some pretty nice digs in Portland. When I look for property, I always ask myself how easy will this be to sell when the time comes.

Google Portland Real Estate to begin your search. You will love living in the Pacific Northwest.

[dborden]

Thanks so much for the reply! I feel much better about the prospects. We are trying to find that happy medium between finding a nice/funky house in a good location and not getting ourselves in deep with a large mortgage payment. This will be my first home buy (and my husband's second) so I'm stepping into the responsibility with plenty of precaution! I've got alot to learn about the process.

I know we are going to love Portland and the northwest. Growing up in Montana, I've spent plenty of time out that way and have always wanted to live there. Georgia has been a wonderful place to live but we are ready for the west coast experience.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the input!!

[tiffela74]

Im sure you will find a very nice place for that amount.
and I wouldnt worry too much about moving here in the fall. Autumn in Oregon is incredibly beautiful. The colors are stunning. Might be a bit chilly and rainy, but its still one of my fav. times of year. The crisp cold days where the leaves are crunchy and in a thousand different colors make it worth the rainy ones inbetween!
Just an opinion, Id try to get a house with a fireplace. Not much better than to have a rainy(or snowy) evening with a crackeling fire going. Makes it all cozy rather than dreary.
Tiffany