Massachusetts Homebuyer / Homeowner Programs

Click on a program name for more information:

• 2008, 2009, and 2010 Housing Tax Credits

  Federal tax incentives that offers a substantial tax credit to eligible first-time homebuyers, and a property tax deduction to homeowners who do not itemize deductions on their income taxes.

• MassHousing Homebuyer Tax Credit Loan Program

  An advance on the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit that allows homebuyers to use the tax credit for down payment or closing costs.

• Soft Second Loan Program

  A Massachusetts Housing Partnership program for first-time homebuyers offering low down payments, a subsidized mortgage, and no mortgage insurance requirement.

• MassHousing Mortgage Program

  A MassHousing program with affordable fixed rate mortgages, a zero down payment option for single-family homes and condos, MassHousing's own mortgage insurance, and flexible qualifying ratios.

• Homebuyer Education

  Courses that give homebuyers the information they need to find and purchase a home and to qualify for many homebuyer assistance programs.

• Down Payment and Closing Costs Assistance

  Financial assistance to help lower-income households pay some of their initial home purchase costs.

• Lead Paint Removal Assistance

  Grants, loans, and tax credits to help homeowners pay the costs of deleading their property.

• Fannie Mae Community Lending

  A variety of affordable mortgages for low and moderate-income households, offered through area banks and loan companies.

• Freddie Mac Home Possible® Mortgages

  Affordable loans with low down payment requirements, flexible qualifying ratios, and other options, for low and moderate-income households.

• Government Insured Mortgages (FHA, VA, RHS)

  Loan guarantees by the FHA, VA, and RHS, for homebuyers who make down payments of less than 20% and do not qualify for private mortgage insurance.

• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program

  A program that allows families with Section 8 rental vouchers to use their vouchers to help buy a house of their own.

• Habitat for Humanity

  Habitat for Humanity sells modest homes at no profit and with a no interest mortgage to families in need of better housing. Homes are built with volunteer labor and donated materials.

You can get information about all of these homeownership programs from any non-profit homeownership agency serving your community.

For a list of agencies, see Home Buyer Counseling Agencies on the MassHousing web site. You may also call MassHousing at 888-843-6432 or the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund toll-free at 877-MHP-FUND.