Columbia County, Oregon VA Loan Information

Table of Contents

• What is the VA Loan Limit?
• How to Apply for a VA Home Loan?
• What is the Median Home Price?
• What are the VA Appraisal Fees?
• Do I need Flood Insurance?
• How do I learn about Property Taxes?
• What is the Population?
• What are the major cities?
• About Columbia County
• Veteran Information
• Apply for a VA Home Loan
• VA Approved Condos

FAQ

What is the VA Loan Limit?

2021 VA Home Loan Limit: $0 down payment up to $5,000,000* (subject to lender limits) /2 open VA loans at one time $548,250 (Call 877-432-5626 for details).

How to Apply for a VA Home Loan?

This is a quick look at how to apply for a VA home loan in Columbia County. For a more detailed overview of the VA home loan process, check out our complete guide on how to apply for a VA home loan. Here, we’ll go over the general steps to getting a VA home loan and point out some things to pay attention to in Columbia County. If you have any questions, you can call us at VA HLC and we’ll help you get started.

1. Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
   • Give us a call at (877) 432-5626 and we’ll get your COE for you.
2. Are you applying for a refinance loan? Check out our complete guide to VA Refinancing.
3. Get pre-approved, to get pre-approved for a loan, you’ll need:
   • Previous two years of W2s
   • Most recent 30 days paystubs or LES (active duty)
   • Most recent 60 days bank statements
   • Landlord and HR/Payroll Department contact info
4. Find a home
   • We can help you check whether the home is in one of the Columbia County flood zones
5. Get the necessary inspections
   • Termite inspection: required
   • Well or septic inspections needed, if applicable
6. Get the home appraised
   • We can help you find a VA-Certified appraiser in Columbia County and schedule the process
   • Construction loan note: Construction permit/appraisal info
     1. Building permit
     2. Elevation certificate
7. Lock-in your interest rates
   • Pro tip: Wait until the appraisal to lock-in your loan rates. If it turns out you need to make repairs, it can push your closing back. Then you can get stuck paying rate extension fees.
8. Close the deal and get packing!
   • You’re ready to go.

What is the Median Home Price?

As of September 30, 2020, the median home value for Columbia County is $341,905. In addition, the median household income for residents of the county is $59,714.

How much are the VA Appraisal Fees?

• Single-Family: $775.
• Individual Condo: $825.
• Manufactured Homes: $825.
• 2-4 Unit Multi-Family: $950.
• Appraisal Turnaround Times: 15 days.

Do I need Flood Insurance?

• The VA requires properties are required to have flood insurance if they are in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
• In Columbia County, there are flood hazard areas around the Columbia River that border the county in the north and the east. In addition, areas in the city of Clatskanie are considered flood hazards because of the Clatskanie River. Moreover, the Nehalem River has also flooded areas of the city of Vernonia in the past. 

How do I learn about Property Taxes?

• Sue Martin is the Columbia county tax assessor. Her office can be reached at 230 Strand Street Columbia County Courthouse Annex, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. In addition, her office can also be reached by calling (503) 397-5153.
• Oregon offers businesses that invest and hire in enterprise zones the option to be exempt from property taxes for at least three years. In addition, the Oregon Investment Advantage encourages new businesses to start and relocating to the state. For example, the program offers income tax subtraction, and it can also eliminate state income liability for new businesses for many years

What is the Population?

• The county’s population of 52,354 is 87% White, 5% Hispanic, and 4% Mixed Race.
• Most county residents are between 18 and 65 years old, with 20% under 18 years old and 19% older than 65.
• In total, the county has about 19,296 households, at an average of two people per household.

What are the major cities?

The county has seven cities including the city of St. Helens which also serves as the county seat. The other six cities in the county are Clatskanie, Columbia City, Prescott, Rainier, Scappoose, and Vernonia.

About Columbia County

Columbia County is located on the northwestern tip of Oregon and offers some of the best views of the state’s landscape. The county is home to many beautiful outdoor attractions, including state parks, waterways, city parks, and much more. Everyone will find a way to have fun in the area, thanks to the huge variety of local attractions! If you are interested in local history, then be sure to visit all the county’s amazing historical landmarks and structures. Columbia County was officially founded on January 16, 1854, and was named after the majestic Columbia River. The current population is 52,377, including a veteran population of 5,296.

True nature-lovers are sure to enjoy the many beautiful outdoor attractions in Columbia County. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail brings in avid hikers and cyclists from all over to enjoy in its amazing views of the local landscape and wildlife. Another great place for seeing local wildlife is the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, which is located within Oregon’s wetlands. In addition, Vernonia Lake is a great place to enjoy all your favorite aquatic activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Many beautiful trails and campsites can be found near Vernonia Lake. Other scenic outdoor attractions in the county include Paradise Point State Park and Sauvie Island Beach.

Make sure to visit all the fun and interesting attractions in Columbia County, where people of all ages will have a great time. Rainier City Park is a great place to bring your family on a nice day, featuring several picnic shelters and a variety of playground equipment. In addition, Ilani Casino Resort is home to all your favorite casino games in addition to relaxing rooms. Ilani Casino Resort also features live entertainment, drink specials, and special events. See all the amazing creatures living within the Sloth Center Sanctuary. The county is also home to many excellent shopping and dining options.

Those interested in local history can’t miss out on any of the amazing historical landmarks in Columbia County. The Cox–Williams House is a beautiful historic home that has been standing in the county since 1890 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 1, 1982. The Dr. Charles G. and Lucinda McBride Caples Farmstead is a historic structure that has been standing since 1870 and is home to a museum. Other historical landmarks in the county include the Thomas J. Flippin House and the Longview Bridge.

The are many veteran resources in the area, including the Columbia County Veterans Services Office.

Veteran Information

The county is currently home to 5,035 veterans, and they all have access to:

• Columbia County is home to two VFW post:
  • Post-2994 Clatskanie – 960 NW 5^th St. Clatskanie, OR 97016.
  • Post-1909 Columbia River – 48 W 7^th St. Rainier, OR 97048.
  • Post-1440 Fred Clendening – 350 Belton Rd. Saint Helens, OR 97054.
• County Veteran Assistance Info.
  • Columbia County Veterans Service Office – 125 N. 17^th Street, St. Helens, OR 97051.

Apply for a VA Home Loan

• For more information about VA Home Loans and how to apply, click here.
• If you meet the VA’s eligibility requirements, you will be able to enjoy some of the best government guaranteed home loans available.  
• VA loans can finance the construction of a property. However, the property must be owned and prepared for construction as the VA cannot ensure vacant land loans.

VA Approved Condos

Name (ID): WATTS ROAD CONDOMINIUM (000590) Address:  52055 SW JOHANNA DR SCAPPOOSE OR 97056 COLUMBIA Status: Accepted Without Conditions Request Received Date: 03/22/2020 Review Completion Date: 03/29/2020

Links

Oregon VA Loan Information: https://www.vahomeloancenters.org/oregon-va-home-loan-limits/

VA Loan Information by State: https://www.vahomeloancenters.org/va-loan-limit-maximum-va-loan-amount/