Buying a home for the first time is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. In Massachusetts — one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country — it can also feel particularly daunting. This guide breaks the process into clear, manageable steps so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Check Your Finances

Before you talk to a lender, understand your financial baseline. Pull your credit report (annualcreditreport.com provides free reports), review your debt-to-income ratio, and calculate how much you have available for a down payment and closing costs. Most Massachusetts lenders want a minimum credit score of 620–640 for conventional loans, though 700+ will get you the best rates.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)

Pre-approval is a hard credit check and full document review that results in a written commitment from a lender for a specific loan amount. In Massachusetts, sellers will not take your offer seriously without one. Get pre-approved with a local Massachusetts lender — sellers and listing agents prefer local lenders whose underwriting they trust. The process takes 2–3 business days.

Step 3: Explore Massachusetts First-Time Buyer Programs

Do not leave money on the table. Key programs available in 2026: MassHousing loans with 3% down and below-market rates; ONE Mortgage (offered through the Massachusetts Housing Partnership) with no PMI and 3% down; MassHousing Down Payment Assistance up to $50,000 for eligible buyers. Income and purchase price limits apply — ask your lender which programs you qualify for.

The biggest mistake first-time buyers make is waiting until they feel "ready." In Massachusetts, readiness is relative — the market does not pause for you to save an extra $20,000. Start the process, understand your options, and make a plan.

Step 4: Work With a Buyer's Agent

In Massachusetts, buyer representation is free to you — agents are compensated through the seller's commission. A good buyer's agent runs market analyses, identifies off-market opportunities, crafts competitive offers, and guides you through the P&S Agreement and closing process. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer agency agreements are now standard — your agent will explain the compensation structure before you begin working together.

Step 5: Make an Offer

When you find the right property, your agent will prepare a written offer with your pre-approval letter and a proposed earnest money amount (typically 5% of the purchase price). In competitive situations, your agent will advise on pricing strategy, escalation clauses, and which contingencies to include or modify.

Step 6: Hire a Massachusetts Real Estate Attorney

All MA closings require a licensed attorney. Your attorney reviews the Purchase and Sale Agreement (P&S), conducts the title search, coordinates with your lender, and oversees the closing. Attorney fees for a residential transaction run $800–$1,500. Hire your attorney immediately after your offer is accepted — you typically have 10–14 days to sign the P&S.

Step 7: Complete the Home Inspection

Schedule your home inspection within 7–10 days of offer acceptance. A qualified Massachusetts inspector charges $400–$600 for a standard inspection. Review the report carefully with your agent — it is your basis for negotiating repairs or a price reduction before the P&S is signed.

Step 8: Close

Closing day is the finish line. Your attorney coordinates the final title search, prepares closing documents, and collects funds. You will bring a certified or wire-transferred check for your down payment and closing costs. After signatures and fund transfer, the deed is recorded and you receive your keys. Welcome home.