First-Time Home Buyer Tips for Salem & Keizer, Oregon in 2026

First-Time Home Buyer Tips for Salem & Keizer, Oregon in 2026

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re trying to make sense of advice that doesn’t quite match what’s happening here in Salem and Keizer.

I’m Hannah Fouts-Sparks with Sparks Property Group at SMI Real Estate, and I work with first-time buyers across Keizer, Salem, and surrounding Marion and Polk County communities. My job isn’t just helping you get into a house—it’s helping you understand what to expect before you’re under contract, so there are fewer surprises along the way.

If 2026 might be your year to buy, here’s what I want first-time buyers in our area to know.

How should first-time buyers prepare their credit in 2026?

You don’t need perfect credit—but you do need to be intentional.

Most first-time buyers I work with in Keizer and Salem qualify with credit scores in the mid-600s, depending on the loan program. What matters most is:

• Making on-time payments consistently

• Avoiding new debt right before applying

• Keeping credit card balances manageable

A quick conversation with a local lender can tell you whether you’re six weeks away or six months away from being ready—and that clarity alone helps a lot.

How much should a first-time buyer realistically budget?

This is where online advice often misses the mark.

In 2026, many first-time buyers in the Salem–Keizer area are shopping in a range that still allows for:

• Mortgage payments similar to rent

• Reasonable utility costs

• Room for repairs and maintenance

What buyers don’t always expect are costs like inspections, appraisal fees, and initial repairs—even with assistance programs. Planning for those upfront makes the process far less stressful.

What are home prices like in Salem and Keizer for first-time buyers?

Price ranges vary by neighborhood, and that’s important.

In Keizer, homes closer to McNary High School, Gubser Elementary, and central Keizer neighborhoods often price differently than areas farther out. Salem offers a wider spread, with opportunities in North Salem, South Salem, and surrounding communities depending on lifestyle and commute needs.

Understanding where flexibility exists—not just the list price—is one of the biggest advantages first-time buyers gain from working with a local agent.

What do first-time buyers not expect (but should)?

A few things come up again and again:

• The process takes longer than people think—but moves fast once it starts

• Emotions run higher than expected

• The “right” home doesn’t always look like the original plan

I also see buyers underestimate how much timing matters. Many want to be settled before community traditions and school calendars ramp up—especially events like the Gala of Trees in Salem, winter traditions like Keizer’s best Christmas light displays, or family favorites such as holiday events across Salem and Keizer and where to see Santa in Keizer each year.

Those moments are often part of why people want to buy locally in the first place.

Is 2026 a good year to buy your first home in Salem or Keizer?

For many buyers, yes—if the timing fits your life.

Buying your first home isn’t about chasing the market. It’s about stability, community, and choosing a place that supports your everyday routine—school drop-offs, work commutes, and the events that make Salem and Keizer feel like home.

The best first step is simply understanding your options.

Thinking about buying your first home in Salem or Keizer?

You don’t have to have everything figured out to start the conversation.

I’m Hannah Fouts-Sparks with Sparks Property Group at SMI Real Estate, and I help first-time buyers across Keizer and Salem feel confident, informed, and supported from day one. If you’re thinking about buying, upgrading, or staying local, I’d love to help you explore what makes sense for 2026.

Have a great day!