First-time buyer programs
Your first home, with a plan and a person to call
MassHousing, ONE Mortgage and down payment assistance options, plus a loan officer who walks you through every step.
First-time buyer programs: how it works
You count as a first-time buyer if you have not owned a home in the past three years, which includes many people who owned before. That status unlocks programs designed to lower the upfront cash you need.
In Massachusetts the most common options are MassHousing loans with down payment assistance of up to $25,000 for eligible buyers, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership ONE Mortgage with no PMI, and city programs such as the Boston Home Center's assistance for buyers within city limits.
Every first-time buyer at Harborview gets a free homebuyer education session and a written plan showing cash needed, monthly payment and the offer price that keeps you comfortable, not just approved.
What's included with Harborview
- MassHousing and ONE Mortgage options (sample programs)
- Down payment and closing cost assistance review
- Free credit coaching up to 12 months before you buy
- Written affordability plan with your loan officer
- Pre-approval letters updated for each offer
- Help coordinating with your agent and attorney
The process, step by step
Your loan officer stays with you the whole way, and you get status updates by text at every milestone.
Readiness check
A 30-minute call to review credit, savings and your target price.
Program match
We compare assistance programs and show the real cash-to-close for each.
Shop with confidence
Pre-approval letters tailored to each property you offer on.
Close and celebrate
We walk you through closing documents line by line.
Benefits worth knowing
Less cash upfront
Assistance and seller credits can cut what you bring to closing.
Education built in
Know exactly what escrow, points and APR mean before you sign.
One person, start to finish
Your loan officer stays with you through closing and beyond.
Qualifying guidelines
General guidelines only. Exceptions and overlays apply, and your loan officer will review your situation.
| Factor | Guideline |
|---|---|
| First-time status | No ownership interest in a home in the past 3 years |
| Income | Program limits vary by town and household size |
| Credit score | 620 to 640 minimum depending on program |
| Education | Approved homebuyer course required for most assistance |
| Purchase price | Program price caps apply in some towns |
Related programs
Buy a homeFHA loan
Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans make ownership reachable with lower scores and smaller savings.
Learn more
Buy a homeConventional loan
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans with as little as 3% down and mortgage insurance that drops off as you build equity.
Learn more
Buy a homeUSDA loan
USDA Rural Development loans help moderate-income buyers purchase in eligible towns across central and western Massachusetts.
Learn more
First-time buyers questions
More answers in our full FAQ.
Yes, if you have not owned a home in the last three years. Displaced homemakers and single parents who only owned with a former spouse may also qualify.
Plan for the down payment, 2% to 4% for closing costs, and a small cushion. Assistance programs and seller credits can reduce this considerably.
It depends on the program. Some are deferred loans repaid when you sell or refinance, some are forgivable over time. We explain each in writing.
Ready to see your First-time buyers numbers?
A pre-approval takes about 10 minutes online and does not affect your credit score. A local loan officer follows up the same day.
- Soft credit check
- 24-day average close
- 4.9 from 1,284 reviews
