FHA & VA Manual Underwriting Down to 500 Credit Score
Nike, Intel, tech startups — Portland has high incomes. But Lake Oswego and West Linn lifestyle costs add up. When credit cards get stretched and scores drop, we manually underwrite FHA and VA loans when banks say no.
Joe Shalaby
Founder & Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #139369
"Portland's tech scene brought high incomes but also high expectations. Lake Oswego, West Linn — these are premium neighborhoods with premium lifestyles. Add in the outdoor gear, the Tesla, keeping up with the neighbors... credit cards get stretched. Manual underwriting looks at the full picture."
Why Portland Suburb Homeowners Need Manual Underwriting
Pacific Northwest Lifestyle
Ski passes, hiking gear, the Rivian — Portland lifestyle is expensive. Credit cards get stretched keeping up with the outdoorsy neighbors.
$636k FHA Limit
Portland metro has high FHA limits at $636,150. That covers most homes in Lake Oswego and West Linn.
Tech & Corporate Income
Nike, Intel, Columbia Sportswear — we understand RSU income, bonus structures, and complex tech compensation.
FHA Manual Underwriting
- Credit scores down to 500 FICO
- High-balance limit: $636,150
- RSU and tech income accepted
- DTI up to 50% with compensating factors
VA Manual Underwriting
- No minimum credit score
- $0 down, no PMI
- Portland Air National Guard, Coast Guard
- No loan limit for eligible veterans
Recent Closings in Portland Metro
FHA purchase — Nike marketing director with $72k credit card debt. Denied by US Bank. Manual underwriting approved with strong RSU income.
Coast Guard veteran. Credit dropped during transition to civilian. $0 down, no PMI, closed in 25 days.
Consolidated $65k credit cards. Monthly payments dropped $1,900. Score recovered to 710 in 5 months.
FHA & VA Loan Questions for Portland
Can I get an FHA loan in Lake Oswego or West Linn with a 520 credit score?
Yes. We manually underwrite FHA loans down to 500 FICO in Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tigard, Beaverton, and all Portland metro affluent suburbs.
What's the FHA loan limit in Clackamas and Washington County Oregon?
For 2025, the FHA limit in the Portland metro is $636,150 for a single-family home — matching the high-cost area limits.
Do you work with Nike, Intel, and tech workers in Portland?
Absolutely. Portland has major tech employers. We understand RSU income, bonus structures, and the unique aspects of tech compensation.