First Generation Program

What is First Generation Program?

First Generation Program is a grant for homebuyers in Statewide, Massachusetts.

• MAHA-STASH First-Gen Home grant program for first-generation, first-time MA homebuyers. $10,000 Boston / up to $20,000 elsewhere in MA. True grant (no lien, no repayment). Pairs with matched-savings curriculum and HUD-certified homebuyer education. 640 FICO. Min $45,000 income / max 100% AMI. Statewide.
• MAHA's First Generation Program (branded MAHA-STASH First-Gen Home) provides a true grant for first-generation, first-time homebuyers in Massachusetts. Grant amount is $10,000 for purchases in the City of Boston and up to $20,000 for purchases elsewhere in Massachusetts. The grant is non-repayable and combines a matched savings program (borrower saves.
• MAHA matches) with comprehensive homebuyer education and HUD-certified housing counseling. Must be used toward down payment and/or closing costs at purchase. Stacks with MassHousing DPA, ONE Mortgage, ONE+Boston, City/Town local DPA, and any first-mortgage product. Income up to 100% AMI (varies by county/household size.
• published ceiling approximately $218,350 for largest household in highest-cost MA MSA). Minimum income $45,000/year (to demonstrate savings capacity). 640 minimum FICO. Statewide eligibility.
• Funding comes from Nonprofit and State.

Do you have to pay it back?

First Generation Program is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Repayment is triggered by True grant - no repayment, no lien, no recapture. Awarded at closing as a credit toward down payment / closing costs after borrower completes STASH matched-savings curriculum and HUD homebuyer education.
• The assistance is recorded in None position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

First Generation Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

First Generation Program limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income at or below 100% AMI for the county of purchase (HUD AMI tables). Published ceiling approximately $218,350 for 4+ person household in highest-cost MA MSA. Minimum household income of $45,000/year required (demonstrates capacity to save and complete the STASH matched-savings program). Income includes all household members 18+.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

First Generation Program caps the purchase price as follows: MAHA imposes no separate purchase-price cap; first-mortgage product limits apply (e.g., MassHousing $838,717 1-unit; ONE+Boston $585,000 1-unit Boston).

• Eligible property types include Single-family detached, 2-4 unit owner-occupied, condo, townhouse, PUD. Per first-mortgage product overlays.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

First Generation Program names first-generation buyers among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

First Generation Program serves buyers purchasing in Statewide, Massachusetts.

• The program targets specific areas: Boston-specific grant amount ($10,000) vs. balance-of-state ($20,000). MAHA partnerships have historically prioritized Boston, Brockton, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Springfield, and Worcester (Gateway Cities) for outreach and recruitment, though program is open statewide.

How do you apply?

Applications for First Generation Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through MAHA's HUD-certified Homeownership Advising program (8-hour pre-purchase + post-purchase classes); STASH First-Gen Home program graduates complete additional financial-literacy curriculum prior to grant disbursement..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Reserved through MAHA STASH program enrollment (typically 6-12 month program). Funds awarded at closing per STASH graduation. Apply via mahahome.org/STASH or stash@mahahome.org., and are subject to availability.

3. 3

   Work with a lender who handles the program

   Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.