First-Time Homebuyer Program

What is First-Time Homebuyer Program?

First-Time Homebuyer Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Multiple County, Massachusetts.

• The South Shore HOME Consortium is a HUD HOME entitlement consortium consisting of Quincy (lead), Weymouth, Braintree, and Randolph. Its First-Time Homebuyer Program pools HUD HOME funds to provide 0% interest deferred-payment second mortgages up to $20,000 for income-eligible FTHBs buying within member communities. The City of Quincy Department of Planning & Community Development administers the program for all four communities.
• 0% interest deferred-payment second-mortgage loan funded by HUD HOME for first-time homebuyers purchasing single-family, condominium, or townhouse properties in Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, or Randolph (the four South Shore HOME Consortium communities). Maximum assistance varies by community (typically up to $20,000) and is repayable on sale, refinance with cash-out, or loss of primary residence. Administered by the City of Quincy Department of Planning & Community Development / Office of Healthy Homes on behalf of the Consortium.
• Funding comes from HOME, Federal, and Local Government.

How much assistance does it provide?

First-Time Homebuyer Program offers up to $40,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Minimum buyer contribution typically 1.5% of purchase price from own funds.
• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

First-Time Homebuyer Program is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

• Repayment is triggered by Deferred 0% second mortgage and principal repayable upon sale, refinance with cash-out, transfer of title, or loss of primary-residence status. HUD HOME recapture during affordability period.
• The assistance is recorded in 2 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-Time Homebuyer 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-Time Homebuyer Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income at or below 80% AMI Boston-Cambridge-Quincy HMFA (2025): 1-person $92,650 to 8-person $174,650 (per program page income table).
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
• 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-Time Homebuyer Program caps the purchase price at $858,000.

• Eligible property types include Single-family detached, Townhouse, and Condominium.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

First-Time Homebuyer Program serves buyers purchasing in Multiple County, Massachusetts.

• The program targets specific areas: South Shore HOME Consortium: Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree (Norfolk County); Randolph (Norfolk County). Plymouth County subgrants vary.

How do you apply?

Applications for First-Time Homebuyer 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 HUD-approved homebuyer counseling (NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, Quincy Community Action Programs, MAHA, etc.); 8-hour pre-purchase certificate required..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served subject to availability; applicant submits SSHC application package to City of Quincy., 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.