The City of Worcester offers First Time Homebuyers up to $5,000 (1.5%) in down payment and closing cost assistance. Funding provided through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.  To qualify, buyers must meet following criteria:

• Be a First Time Homebuyer with household income at or below 80% AMI Income Limit
• Property purchased, must be located in the City of Worcester and meet HUD habitability standards
• Complete an approved First Time Homebuyer Certification course prior to closing
• Must apply at least 45 days prior to closing
• Applications are submitted to, reviewed and approved by City of Worcester*
• 3 Year Residency Restriction placed on property

To apply and/or for more information on the City of Worcester Down Payment Assistance, contact: (508) 799-1400.

ARPA DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE (Currently on hold until further notice)

Program Overview:

• Provides first-time income-qualified homebuyers with up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Administered by Worcester Community Housing Resources

Eligibility Requirements:

• Buyer must meet the HUD definition of a first-time homebuyer and have an income that does not exceed 80% AMI.
• Buyer must be preapproved for a mortgage.
• Buyer must complete a HUD-certified Massachusetts Homeownership accredited housing education workshop.
• The property must be located in the City of Worcester and be in habitable condition.

For additional information and to fill out an application visit https://www.wchr.org/downpayment-assistance-program

The City of Worcester also offers employees in the City of Worcester up to $5,000 (1.5%) in down payment and closing cost assistance. Funding provided through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.  To qualify, buyers must meet following criteria:

• • Be a First Time Homebuyer with household income at or below 120% AMI Income Limit
  • Currently employed and working in the City of Worcester
  • Property purchased, must be located in the City of Worcester and meet HUD habitability standards
  • Complete an approved First Time Homebuyer Certification course prior to closing
  • Must apply at least 45 days prior to closing
  • Applications are submitted to, reviewed and approved by City of Worcester*
  • 3 Year Residency Restriction placed on property

To apply and/or for more information on the City of Worcester Down Payment Assistance, contact: (508) 799-1400.

• • Worcester Lead Abatement Program
  • Worcester Housing Now Program

For more information on these programs, contact (508) 799-1400

MassHousin offers First Time Home Buyers Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance. To qualify, buyers must meet following criteria.

• First Time Home Buyers* purchasing single family, condo, or pud.
• Income limits up to 135% AMI
• Approved for a regular Mortgage
• Must take a Home Buyer Education class/Landlord class if purchasing a multi-family.
• Contact one of the approved MassHousing Lenders

For more information on MassHousing’s Down Payment Assistance, visit www.masshousing.com

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB) Equity Builder Program offers First Time Homebuyers up to 3% in down payment and closing cost assistance. 

Equity Builder Program Highlights:

• • Up to $15,000 of Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
  • Must be a First Time Homebuyer with household income at or below 80% AMI limit of where you will purchase.                                                     (Program funds available across New England region)
  • Buyers must complete an approved First Time Homebuyer Certification course prior to closing
  • Buyers can only apply through lender that is an approved member of FHLBB. 
  • Buyers must have a signed P&S in order to apply. (Applications are not submitted without a fully executed P&S) 

For more information on the Equity Builder Program, visit: https://www.fhlbboston.com/fhlbank-boston/ebp-overview#/

HOW Grant Program is similar to Equity Builder Program. Amount of funding awarded is determined by FHLBB and distributed by approved lenders.