Knowledge Base

The First Time Homeowner Downpayment Assistance Program provides up to $6,500 for downpayment and/or closing costs for eligible first time homebuyers purchasing a property located in one of the targeted low and moderate income inner-city Haverhill neighborhoods as established by HUD based on US Census data. The Assistance takes the form of a 0% interest loan with a five year term secured by a note and a mortgage. The loan is payable on the sale or transfer of the property. The amount owed under the mortgage is a declining balance: every year that you live in the property as your primary residence, 20% of the original balance is forgiven. After five years, you will owe nothing.