• Municipalities, not the state, offer grants for first-time home buyers.Massachusetts state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  First-time home buyers face a variety of challenges ranging from raising down payments to qualifying for loans. As a result, many states offers subsidy programs to circumvent these challenges. In Massachusetts, the Housing Development Division is instrumental in aiding first-time home buyers through allotments to community developers and non-profit organizations. However, municipalities, and not the state, offer grants for first-time home buyers.
  
  

Individual Development Account

• Massachusetts' Housing and Economic Development Office offers low-income citizens an Individual Development Account Grant. These grants are, in actuality, matched saving accounts that can be used to purchase a home. Ideally, the grant targets residents living in subsidized housing with current employment and a consistent work history. To apply, contact the office of Housing and Economic Development to request an application. Prepare pay stubs as well as a resume to verify current employment and work history. Complete the application and submit it to the Housing and Economic Development Office.
  
  Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Office
  1 Ashburton Place Room 2101
  Boston, MA 02108
  617-788-3610
  mass.gov
  
  

Cambrige Financial Assistance Program

• The Cambridge Financial Assistance Program offers a grant to potential first-time home buyers to put down a payment for a home purchased in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The home must be a primary residence for the buyer and the buyer must agree to restrictions limiting the sale of the property. One-year residency in the city of Cambridge is also a prerequisite. To get started, applicants must prequalify by exhibiting their gross family income (wages, child support, alimony, etc), amount of monthly debt (credit card bills, students loans, etc), available savings for a down payment, and an estimated purchase price of the properties of interest. Next, applicants should contact the Cambridge Community Development Office and request and application.
  
  The Department of Cambridge Community Development
  344 Broadway
  Cambridge, MA 02139
  617-349-4600
  cambridgema.gov
  
  

Taunton First Time Homebuyer Program

• The city of Taunton, Massachusetts assists eligible home buyers with down payment and closing cost assistance. Up to $10,000 of the closing costs are provided in addition to 50 percent of the five percent down payment cost. Eligibility is dependent upon income guidelines as set forth by HUD (Housing and Urban Development Department). Applicants must first gather all proof of income (wages, child support, alimony, stocks, etc.) and debt (car loans, student loans, credit card bills, etc). Secondly, applicants must attend pre-purchase and post-purchase home buyer training courses. Finally, applicants must be prepared to be an actual resident at the purchased property.
  
  Taunton City Hall
  15 Summer St.
  Taunton, MA 02780
  508-821-1024
  taunton-ma.gov