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Newburyport Bank
Home/Borrow/First Time Homebuyers

Your journey home starts with these first-time homebuyer programs

Personalized guidance and thoughtfully structured financing to support your first home purchase with confidence.

Take the Course
Talk to a mortgage lender
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We uncomplicate the homebuying process

Lean on our clear guidance, thoughtful financing, and local expertise, so you can focus on finding the right home, not navigating the details.

  • Stress less with experienced lenders 
  • Access special rate discounts
  • Receive down payment and closing cost assistance through qualifying programs
  • Apply online with ease
  • Build confidence through homebuyer education
  • Rely on regional mortgage expertise and guidance
A man lifts a woman joyfully in a bright room filled with moving boxes and a potted plant, capturing the excitement of first time homebuyers moving into their new home.

Available first-time homebuyer programs

Program
First-Time Homebuyer Rate Discount
Lift Up Homeownership1
Housing Our Workforce (HOW)1
Equity Builder Program1,2
Who It’s For

First-time homebuyers
First-generation homebuyers
Eligible homebuyers
Income-eligible first-time buyers
Key Benefits
Discounted mortgage rate
Down payment and closing cost assistance
Grants for down payment and closing costs
Grants for down payment, closing costs, rehabilitation, and education
Income Guidelines
None
≤ 120% area median income
80%–120% area median income
≤ 80% area median income

DISCLOSURES

1 Federal assistance programs are subject to funds availability. Loans are subject to credit approval.

2 Affordable housing assistance available if the income is less than or equal to 80% of the area median income.

Meet our mortgage lenders

Our mortgage team knows the region because it’s home to them. That insight and community connection enable us to provide thoughtful guidance and financing solutions that help you to move forward with confidence.

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Kevin Hulse Vice President, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS #1607746
Phone Number: 603.842.8454 Phone Number: 978.518.9330
A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a navy blazer over a white patterned shirt, smiles at the camera against a plain, light-colored background.
Kathie George O’Neil Vice President, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS #811678
Phone Number: 603.498.9662
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Joshua Sanchez Vice President, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS #2004276
Phone Number: 978.225.8778 Phone Number: 978.476.9663

First-time homebuyer FAQs

What qualifies as a first-time homebuyer?
A first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. Specific programs may have additional criteria.
Can I combine multiple assistance programs?
Some programs may be layered together, depending on eligibility and funding guidelines. A lender can help determine what combinations are available.
Do I need to complete a homebuyer education course?
Yes. Certain programs require an approved education and counseling course, which can often be completed online at your convenience.
Are these programs available year-round?
Some programs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and depend on available funding. Early conversations are encouraged.
How do I get started?
The best first step is speaking with a Newburyport Bank mortgage lender, who can walk through your options and next steps. Schedule a conversation.