Every state has down payment or homeownership assistance programs; some states have both. The programs are designed to provide affordable housing opportunities to homebuyers who might not ordinarily be able to afford a house.
Each program can have their own income and eligibility requirements but primarily the programs are available for first-time homebuyers or low-income families.
Keep in mind if you had no ownership in a principal residence in the previous 3 years, you are also considered a first-time homebuyer even if you owned a home prior to that 3-year period.
The programs are not usually administered directly through the State. Instead, they are nonprofit based and handled through a third party agency. The list below will start you on your search but be sure to confirm the program is currently available.
(Source: HUD.gov)
Statewide and Regional Programs
MassHousing – homebuyer programs, including downpayment and closing cost assistance
Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development – mortgage, downpayment and closing cost information for first-time homebuyers
Massachusetts Housing Consumer Education Centers – find a center nearest you that offers homebuyer classes
Massachusetts Housing Partnership – Soft Second Loan Program for first-time homebuyers
Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association – Massachusetts Home of Your Own Program for people with disabilities
Massachusetts Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity – through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Housing – homebuyer programs in rural communities
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern New England – get help with budgeting, debt management and credit issues
Programs by City/Town
Adams
Arlington
Boston
Cambridge
Fall River
Framingham
Gloucester
Haverhill
Lawrence
Lowell
Melrose
New Bedford
Newton
Quincy
Somerville
Springfield
Taunton
Waltham
Weymouth