First-Time Homebuying Tips and Programs

 Buying your first home is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming process. That’s why Berkshire Bank offers valuable mortgage solutions and guidance to help you through each step of the home buying process. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may be able to take advantage of special government programs to help lower your costs. Regardless of the type of mortgage you select, there are a variety of important tips to consider when buying your first home.

Special Programs & Government Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers

Owning a home is part of the American Dream. To make that dream a reality, both the federal and state governments have created special programs to help first-time homebuyers get into a house of their dreams, or at least one they can afford. Here are some of the federal and state agencies that are making homeownership more affordable:

HUD and FHA Home Loan Programs

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offer several programs to help homeowners afford their home:

• HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door Program: If you are a police officer, pre-K through 12^th grade teacher, emergency medical technician or firefighter, you may qualify for a substantial discount (up to 50%) on your home.
• HUD’s Public Housing Resident Program: If you are currently a resident of public housing, you may be able to convert your rent to a mortgage with this program.
• HUD’s Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program: If you are a Native American or Alaska native, you may be able to take advance of a lower down payment and flexible underwriting.
• FHA Loans: HUD oversees the FHA, and offers a first-time homebuyers program that can help lower your down payment (starting at just 3.5%), lower your closing costs and help you qualify.
• Habitat for Humanity Home Application: For those willing to actively participate in building their new home with other volunteers, consider applying to live in a Habitat home.

Programs in New England and the Tri State Area

In addition to federal programs, many states also offer special help to homeowners. Here are some of our top picks for prospective homeowners living in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

• HUD’s list of programs by state: Find available state and local government programs for rental or homebuying and homeownerships assistance. 
• FHA’s MyHome Assistance Program by state: This program can offer applicants a deferred-payment junior loan up to 3% the purchase price.

First-Time Homebuyer Tips

Besides special programs, there are a lot of tips that first-time homebuyers should consider:

• Separate your wants versus needs: Just because you want a pool doesn’t mean you need a pool. Decide which things you can’t do without and those that are just nice to have.
• Figure out how much home you can afford: A great place to start is our mortgage calculator to get a high-level estimate of what your mortgage payment may be. Remember to account for taxes, PMI, your down payment, closing fees and home insurance. Fannie Mae recommends spending only 28% of your income on your home, but ultimately you need to decide what makes you comfortable. Remember: a house payment that stresses you out doesn’t make for a home you will love.
• Don’t forget about closing costs: It’s a good idea to get an understanding of how much you’ll need to set aside or finance to close on your home. According to this annual closing costs survey, the average closing costs in 2020 were $2,300 in Connecticut, and $2,560 in New York – to name a few.
• Gather your paperwork: Applying for a mortgage involves a lot of paperwork. Get organized by downloading a Mortgage Application Checklist.
• Get your credit in line: It’s a great practice to pull your free annual credit report if you are in the market to buy a home because the higher your credit score, the higher the interest rate on your home loan. Find out if there are any errors and take the time to resolve any issues.
• Find out if you qualify for any tax breaks: In addition to federal and state programs for first-time and prospective homebuyers, there are several tax credits you may be able to take advance of, like the mortgage interest credit, energy efficiency credits and lower-income housing credits.

Want to learn more about buying your first home or getting pre-qualified? Contact us to set up an appointment or speak to a mortgage officer.