Guidance for First-Time Home Buyers in Massachusetts

From the desk of Donna Whritenour, REALTOR® — Lamacchia Realty

Buying your first home is one of the biggest milestones in life — and as exciting as it is, I know it can also feel overwhelming. Between saving for a down payment, understanding mortgage terms, and trying to figure out what programs you qualify for, it’s easy to feel lost in the process.

That’s why I love helping first-time home buyers. I’ve guided so many families through this same journey, and one of the most important pieces of advice I can give you is this: Massachusetts offers amazing programs and funds through Mass.gov and other state resources that can make homeownership far more affordable — if you know where to look.

Let’s walk through some of the best options and what steps you can take today.

1️⃣ Start by Exploring State Assistance Programs

Massachusetts has a few key programs designed specifically for first-time home buyers. These can help reduce your down payment, cover closing costs, or even lower your monthly mortgage.

🏠 ONE Mortgage Program

This program, offered through the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), is one of the most popular — and for good reason.It offers:

• Low fixed interest rates

• As little as 3% down

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

For buyers with moderate income, there’s even an interest subsidy to help make payments more manageable in the first few years. You’ll need to take a first-time homebuyer education course (which I can help you find), meet income limits, and work with an approved lender.

2️⃣ Take Advantage of Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance

If your main concern is coming up with enough cash to close, you’re not alone. Thankfully, Massachusetts provides help through several programs:

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance

Qualified buyers can receive up to 5% of the purchase price (or $15,000) toward their down payment or closing costs.This is a fantastic opportunity that can bridge the gap between renting and owning your own home.

MassDREAMS Grant Program

This grant (not a loan!) helps cover down payment and closing costs — sometimes up to $50,000 depending on your income and location. Availability depends on state funding, so it’s always worth checking the latest details on mass.gov.

Local City & Town Grants

Many Massachusetts cities — including Boston, Salem, Gloucester, and Lawrence — offer their own programs to support first-time home buyers. These can include grants, forgivable loans, or 0% interest programs to help you with upfront costs.If you tell me where you’re hoping to buy, I can point you toward the right city or town options.

3️⃣Take the Required Homebuyer Education Course

Most programs require you to complete a certified first-time homebuyer education course, which is actually a great benefit — it prepares you for the real-world details of budgeting, financing, and owning a home. I always recommend this as your first step, because knowledge truly is power in this process.

4️⃣ Get Preapproved with the Right Lender

Not every lender participates in these programs. I always connect my first-time buyers with trusted lenders who are familiar with MassHousing, ONE Mortgage, and down payment assistance programs. That way, you know from day one what you qualify for — and we can focus on finding homes that fit your budget.

5️⃣ My Advice from Experience

After years of working with buyers throughout Massachusetts, here’s what I’ve learned:

✨ Start early. Even if you’re six months or a year out, it’s never too soon to talk about your options.✨ Don’t assume you won’t qualify. Many of my clients are surprised to find out they do qualify for assistance programs.✨ Use all available tools. Combining multiple programs can help reduce your costs significantly.✨ Lean on your team. Your agent, lender, and attorney are your biggest allies in this process.

6️⃣ Let’s Take the Next Step Together

Buying your first home is a journey — but you don’t have to walk it alone. I’m here to help you find the right home andmake sure you’re taking advantage of every possible opportunity to save money through state and local programs.

If you’re thinking about buying in 2025 or 2026, let’s talk now. We’ll go over your goals, review what you qualify for, and build a step-by-step plan to get you into your first home — with confidence.

Let’s make homeownership happen — together.