In this episode of the Open House Podcast, we dive into a timely and nuanced conversation about House Bill 4136 and what it could mean for housing access in Oregon. At its core, HB 4136 is focused on equity.
So what problem is the bill trying to solve?
As Chris Bonner explains, HB 4136 addresses what many see as the most inequitable part of the mortgage interest deduction: the tax subsidy for owning a vacation home. During a time when housing inventory is tight and many would-be buyers are struggling to save for a down payment, the bill proposes redirecting funds currently written off by vacation homeowners into a permanent down payment assistance fund through Oregon Housing and Community Services.
The heart of this conversation is access.
First Time Homebuyers
We know there are homebuyers sitting on the sidelines. Not because they lack the desire to own, but because they cannot bridge the gap of a down payment. HB 4136 seeks to reallocate a relatively small portion of state tax revenue to create a reliable, ongoing funding source for first-time buyers who need that initial boost.
As real estate professionals, this discussion is not abstract. It touches the oath we take and the values we hold. Expanding access to homeownership is not just policy. It is generational stability, wealth-building, and creating a pathway for people to start somewhere.
This episode also unpacks common concerns. The bill is narrowly written. It does not eliminate the mortgage interest deduction for primary residences, rental properties, or homes that are partially rented. It focuses specifically on single-use vacation homes at the state level. The goal is not punishment. The goal is redistribution toward opportunity.
At Living Room Realty, conversations like this matter. Housing policy shapes the market we work in every day. More importantly, it shapes who gets to participate in that market.
If you care about housing access, first-time buyers, and the long-term health of our communities, this episode is worth your time.
Listen to this episode of Open House and join the conversation about HB 4136, equity, and what it means to truly expand the doorway to homeownership.