State Buyer Programs

First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in Massachusetts

Down payment assistance, transfer tax rates, and what to expect at closing when buying your first home in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts First-Time Buyer Overview

State Housing Agency
MassHousing

Your state's HFA is the primary source for below-market mortgages and down payment assistance programs.

Down Payment Assistance Programs
MassHousing Down Payment Assistance
Up to $30,000 (or $50,000 in certain Gateway cities)

Income limits based on household size and location.

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ONE Mortgage
Below-market rate with no PMI and low down payment

Income limits at 100% of AMI; strictly for first-time buyers.

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Transfer Tax Rate
0.456% (state excise)

Massachusetts Excise Tax on Deeds is $4.56 per $1,000 of value (0.456%). Cities and towns do not add separate transfer taxes.

Attorney Required at Closing?
Yes — attorney state

Massachusetts is an attorney-state. A licensed Massachusetts attorney must conduct the title examination and closing.

Tools for Buying Your First Home in Massachusetts

Pre-approval, inspection, insurance, and moving — the same trusted tools, relevant wherever you're buying in Massachusetts.

Get Pre-Approved

Our Pick
Better Mortgage
Online pre-approval in minutes

Get a real pre-approval letter in about 3 minutes with no origination fee and no commission-hungry loan officer. Fully online — you won't get pressured into a bigger loan.

Get Pre-Approved
Credible
Compare rates from multiple lenders

See real mortgage rates from multiple lenders side by side without your credit score taking a hit. Takes 3 minutes and you don't have to commit to anything.

Compare Rates

Home Inspection

Inspectify
Book a licensed inspector online

Never skip the inspection. Inspectify lets you book a certified home inspector in your area in seconds. Digital reports, same-day availability in most markets.

Book an Inspection

Home Insurance

Lemonade
Instant homeowners insurance quotes

Get a homeowners insurance quote in 90 seconds. Lemonade uses AI to underwrite policies faster than any traditional insurer — and claims are often paid in minutes.

Get a Quote

Home Warranty

American Home Shield
Coverage for systems and appliances

When the HVAC dies three weeks after closing, you'll be glad you have a home warranty. AHS covers major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical — plus appliances.

View Plans

Moving

Moving.com
Compare moving company quotes

Get quotes from licensed movers in your area. Moving.com vets companies for licensing and insurance so you're not handing your stuff to a random guy with a truck.

Get Moving Quotes

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