Buying in West Roxbury but worried about the down payment? You are not alone. Many Boston buyers have solid income and credit, yet the cash to close feels just out of reach. The good news is that MassHousing’s Down Payment Assistance can help reduce your upfront costs when paired with a MassHousing first mortgage. In this guide, you will learn how the program works, what to verify for West Roxbury, and the steps to apply with confidence. Let’s dive in.

What MassHousing DPA is

MassHousing’s Down Payment Assistance helps cover part of your down payment and sometimes closing costs when you use an eligible MassHousing first mortgage. The assistance is typically a second, subordinate loan with favorable terms. Exact features can vary by product and year.

MassHousing recently expanded access so the assistance is available statewide, which includes Boston neighborhoods like West Roxbury. You apply through an approved MassHousing lender and must meet program and underwriting guidelines.

For current details, review the official MassHousing information on the MassHousing website.

Why it matters in West Roxbury

West Roxbury sits within Boston’s competitive market, where prices and limited inventory can push the cash-to-close higher than many buyers expect. MassHousing DPA can help you:

• Reduce the upfront cash you need to close.
• Meet minimum down payment thresholds while keeping a predictable fixed payment on your first mortgage.
• Enter the market sooner without draining your savings.

Who qualifies: Key checkpoints

Eligibility is multi-part. Confirm each item with current MassHousing materials or an approved lender.

Borrower and household

• First-time buyer status may be required. Verify the current definition and any exceptions.
• Income must be within limits for Suffolk County based on your household size.
• You must qualify for a MassHousing first mortgage, including minimum credit score and acceptable debt-to-income ratios.
• The home must be your primary residence.

Property requirements

• Eligible property types often include single-family homes, condos, and some multifamily homes. Confirm 2–4 unit rules and condo project approvals.
• The home must meet property standards and appraise appropriately for the mortgage to close.

Program steps that affect eligibility

• Homebuyer education through an approved provider is commonly required.
• You must use an approved MassHousing lender. Not every lender participates.
• If you plan to combine assistance with a city or nonprofit program, verify stacking rules.

To check current income and purchase price limits for Suffolk County, go to the MassHousing website and review the latest published tables.

How DPA pairs with your first mortgage

When you use MassHousing DPA, your financing generally has two parts:

• Primary loan: MassHousing first mortgage, often a 30-year fixed.
• Secondary loan: MassHousing DPA, recorded as a subordinate lien with favorable terms that can include deferred payments or forgiveness depending on the product.

Benefits

• Lowers cash needed at closing.
• Keeps your main mortgage payment predictable.
• Helps you compete for homes that fit your budget.

Considerations

• If you sell, refinance, or move out, the DPA may become due. Know the repayment or forgiveness timeline in advance.
• The subordinate lien can affect refinancing until it is repaid or released.
• You still must meet loan limits and underwriting standards for the first mortgage.

West Roxbury specifics to confirm

Suffolk County limits

MassHousing sets income and purchase price limits by county and household size. Review the latest Suffolk County figures before you shop so your search aligns with program caps.

Condo approvals

Condos are common across Boston. If you are considering a condo in West Roxbury, ask your lender to confirm whether the project meets MassHousing requirements.

Stacking programs

Boston and local nonprofits may offer additional assistance. Ask whether you can combine MassHousing DPA with local programs and how that affects your loan structure and timeline.

Step-by-step plan

Follow this sequence to stay organized and speed up your timeline:

1. Review MassHousing DPA details and the latest Suffolk County income and purchase price limits on the official site.
2. Complete an approved homebuyer education course if required by the program and your lender.
3. Contact an approved MassHousing lender and request preapproval that includes the first mortgage and DPA.
4. Receive a preapproval letter that outlines your budget and the DPA product you qualify for.
5. Begin your home search within the confirmed price range and property types. For condos, verify project eligibility early.
6. Once under contract, submit your full application. Your lender will coordinate DPA documentation and closing.
7. At closing, review the DPA note to confirm repayment triggers and any forgiveness schedule.

Smart questions to ask your lender

• Which DPA product is available today, and what are the assistance amount and forgiveness or repayment terms?
• What are the current income and purchase price limits for Suffolk County based on my household size?
• Does the DPA require a recorded lien, and when would it be due?
• Can I combine this with a Boston or nonprofit program? If yes, how does stacking work?
• What fees apply to the DPA or to the first mortgage?

Tradeoffs to keep in mind

• Equity and refinancing: A subordinate lien reduces immediate equity and can affect refinance options until the DPA is repaid or forgiven.
• Future plans: If you expect to sell or move in the near term, understand how that affects any repayment obligation.
• APR and disclosures: Even with favorable terms, review how the assistance affects your APR and closing costs.

Make your West Roxbury dollars go further

A little planning goes a long way. If you set your budget around Suffolk County limits, get a preapproval that includes DPA, and confirm condo eligibility up front, you can shop West Roxbury with confidence. A structured search helps you move quickly when the right home appears.

If you want help aligning your search with MassHousing guidelines, connecting with approved lenders, or navigating condo reviews, reach out. You will get straightforward guidance, clear next steps, and a process designed to protect your budget and timeline.

Ready to explore West Roxbury with a plan that fits your numbers? Let’s Connect with Unknown Company.

FAQs

Who qualifies for MassHousing DPA in Suffolk County?

• Eligibility depends on first-time buyer status, household income within Suffolk County limits, qualifying credit and debt-to-income, and use of a MassHousing first mortgage for a primary residence.

Does MassHousing DPA raise my monthly payment?

• The assistance is usually a separate, subordinate loan with deferred or favorable terms, so your first-mortgage payment stays predictable, but review all disclosures with your lender.

Can I combine MassHousing DPA with Boston programs?

• In many cases you can, but stacking rules vary; confirm with your lender and the program administrators before you apply.

What happens if I sell or refinance later?

• The DPA may become due if you sell, refinance, or move out; know the repayment or forgiveness rules in your DPA note.

Are West Roxbury condos eligible for MassHousing?

• Many are, but condo projects must meet MassHousing requirements; ask your lender to confirm project eligibility early in your search.

Where do I find current income and price limits?

• Check the latest Suffolk County tables and program details on the official MassHousing website.