Buying in West Roxbury and wondering if Boston Home Center grants can help you compete? You are not alone. West Roxbury homes are popular and often sell quickly, so every dollar you can stack for your down payment matters. In this guide, you will learn what the Boston Home Center offers, how MassHousing down payment assistance fits in, and the steps to qualify and apply without slowing your timeline. Let’s dive in.

Boston Home Center programs

First-Time Homebuyer grant

The City describes a grant for eligible first-time buyers that is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price and then capped. Some city pages reference 3 percent up to a $50,000 cap for households at or below 100 percent of AMI and 2 percent up to $35,000 for 101 to 135 percent AMI, while other pages use different wording. Because the City’s pages sometimes conflict, confirm current terms on the official First-Time Homebuyer Program page before you write an offer that depends on grant funds. See the City’s overview of eligibility and steps on the First-Time Homebuyer Program.

ONE+Boston discounted mortgage

ONE+Boston offers eligible first-time buyers lower fixed interest rates plus additional help with down payment and closing costs when you work with a participating lender. You must live in Boston, have lived in Boston within the past two years, or work in Boston, meet income limits, complete education, and use a participating lender. Learn more on the ONE+Boston Homebuyer Program page.

Homebuyer education and events

Boston Home Center requires you to complete Homebuying 101 and provides workshops and meet-the-lender events that can clarify stacking rules and timelines. Register for classes on Boston Home Center classes and check the City’s housing resource fair calendar.

MassHousing DPA overview

What MassHousing provides

MassHousing offers down payment assistance paired with a MassHousing first mortgage. Recent updates expanded help for middle-income buyers. Depending on income tier and county, assistance may include up to $30,000 as a 0 percent deferred second for lower-income tiers, or up to $25,000 as an amortizing second at 2 to 3 percent for higher tiers. Review current tiers and terms on MassHousing Down Payment Assistance.

Can you combine programs?

In many cases buyers pair a Boston Home Center grant with MassHousing DPA and a MassHousing or participating lender first mortgage. Stacking is program dependent, and lien priority and repayment terms matter. Coordinate early with your lender and the City. See MassHousing’s overview of pairing options on Homebuyer Loans.

West Roxbury price reality

West Roxbury is a high-demand Boston neighborhood with a strong mix of single-family and small multi-family homes. Recent market snapshots show typical purchase prices ranging from the mid to high 700s into the 900s. In this price band, a percent-based city grant can help, but you may still need additional funds to meet down payment and closing-cost requirements, which is why pairing assistance can be valuable.

Quick math on an $850,000 home

• If a city grant equals 3 percent, that is $25,500, subject to the current cap. At 2 percent, it is $17,000, also subject to the cap.
• MassHousing could add up to $25,000 to $30,000 depending on your tier and product.
• In total, assistance could reduce your cash-to-close by a meaningful amount, but final numbers depend on your income tier, program caps, stacking rules, and lender underwriting. Always confirm the active caps and terms with the City and your lender before you submit an offer.

Eligibility at a glance

• First-time buyer status, generally no homeownership in the last 3 years. See the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Program.
• Live in Boston, have lived in Boston within the past two years, or work in Boston for certain products such as ONE+Boston. See ONE+Boston.
• Income limits apply, often up to 135 percent of AMI for some assistance; MassHousing and the City use AMI adjusted by household size.
• Asset limits apply and may differ by program; City pages have referenced figures such as $75,000 or $100,000, so verify the current limit for your target program on the City’s site.
• Complete Homebuying 101. Register at Boston Home Center classes.
• Use a participating or approved lender for City programs.
• Property types are typically one- to three-family homes and condominiums, with owner-occupancy requirements for multi-family purchases in many cases.

Step-by-step application plan

1. Take Homebuying 101 and get your certificate from Boston Home Center classes.
2. Review the City’s current checklists and grant descriptions on the First-Time Homebuyer Program and Homebuying Support Hub.
3. Get pre-approved with a Boston Home Center participating lender and ask about stacking with MassHousing DPA.
4. Complete the City’s application and upload documents per the current checklist.
5. Work with your lender to coordinate closing timelines and any second-lien documents for City and MassHousing assistance.

Pitfalls to avoid

Conflicting program details

Some City pages have inconsistent wording about grant percentages, caps, or asset limits. Always rely on the current program checklist or confirm with staff before you submit an offer that depends on grant funds. Start at the First-Time Homebuyer Program.

Timeline in a competitive market

West Roxbury homes can move fast. Complete education, get pre-approved with an approved lender, and understand grant approval timing before you shop so your closing date stays competitive.

Lien and resale rules

Many assistance programs are structured as a second mortgage that is deferred, amortizing, or forgivable over time, and some include occupancy or resale provisions. Review loan notes and deed restriction language, and consult the City’s program pages for loan management details on the Boston Home Center.

Condo and multi-family checks

If you are buying a condo or a 2 to 3 family, confirm property eligibility, any condo project requirements, and owner-occupancy rules. Program pages outline permitted property types and underwriting expectations.

Documents to prepare

• Photo ID and Social Security numbers for household members counted in income
• Recent pay stubs, last two years of W-2s and tax returns
• Bank and asset statements, including retirement accounts
• Homebuying 101 completion certificate
• Pre-approval letter from a participating lender
• Purchase and sale agreement when under contract
• Any program-specific forms listed on the City’s checklist

The bottom line for West Roxbury buyers

With planning, Boston Home Center grants and MassHousing DPA can make a real difference in West Roxbury. Your best move is to complete education early, get pre-approved with an approved lender, confirm today’s grant caps and stacking rules, and build a realistic budget for your target price point. If you want a clear plan tailored to your goals, connect with Sean Preston to map your next steps.

FAQs

Who qualifies for Boston Home Center grants in Boston?

• Eligibility generally includes first-time buyer status, income and asset limits, Homebuying 101 completion, and use of a participating lender. Start at the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Program.

How much assistance can West Roxbury buyers receive?

• City pages describe percent-of-price grants with caps, and MassHousing offers up to $25,000 to $30,000 by tier. Because City pages sometimes conflict, verify current caps on the First-Time Homebuyer Program page and check MassHousing DPA for tiers.

Can I stack a Boston Home Center grant with MassHousing DPA?

• Often yes, subject to program and lender rules on stacking and lien priority. Coordinate with your participating lender and review MassHousing homebuyer options.

What education is required before I apply?

• You must complete the City’s Homebuying 101 class and obtain a certificate. Register at Boston Home Center classes.

Are there price limits or property restrictions for assistance?

• Many programs cap purchase price or limit assistance by percentage, and they specify eligible property types such as one- to three-family homes and condos. Review details on the Homebuying Support Hub and confirm with the City and your lender.