Get & compare mortgage quotes anonymously Start in My Home
Safe Rate LocalZIP Code 04354 index·Updated August 17, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Rates in ZIP Code 04354

5.945%Rate
6.714%APR
$1,919monthly mortgage payment
$0points (0 pts)
Loan Amount $298,973; and Downpayment $10,657
Local Fast Facts
ZIP 04354
Typical Home Value
$304,488
YoY Appreciation
+17.6%
Area Median Income
$80,415
Estimated Property Taxes
$2,459/yr
Est. Property Tax Rate
0.81%
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)
$806,501
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)
$524,225
Jumbo Threshold (1-unit)
> $806,501
Average Loan to Value
76.9%

Select your Scenario

3.5% Down (minimum)

5.945%

30-year fixed

Payment$1,919/mo
Down$10,657
Loan$298,973

10% Down

5.945%

30-year fixed · shorter MIP

Payment$1,790/mo
Down$30,449
Loan$278,835

15-Year FHA

5.945%

Faster payoff

Payment$2,651/mo
Down$10,657
Loan$298,973

See Safe Rate's top scoring FHA lenders for Palermo

We rank active Palermo lenders across our 5 P's of mortgage shopping. No pay to play, independent rankings.

View lender rankings
Pivoting daily rate history data...

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in ZIP Code 04354

Compare the top low-down-payment programs side by side

FHA
Min. down3.5% ($10,657)
Min. credit580+
Rate5.945%
Est. P&I$2,310/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$135/mo
Easiest credit qualification
MIP for life of loan (<10% down)
VA
Min. down0% ($0)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.065%
Est. P&I$2,435/mo
0% down, no monthly mortgage insurance
VA eligibility required; funding fee applies
HomeReady
Min. down3% ($9,135)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.821%
Est. P&I$2,502/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$185/mo
Reduced PMI vs standard conventional
Income limits apply by area
Conventional 20% down
Min. down20% ($60,898)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.917%
Est. P&I$2,084/mo
No PMI; lowest long-term cost
Largest upfront down payment
Pro tip for first-time buyers in ZIP Code 04354

Most states offer first-time homebuyer assistance programs that can be stacked with FHA or HomeReady loans — covering down payment or closing cost assistance. Ask your Safe Rate loan officer about programs available in Maine for additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are current first-time homebuyer rates today in 04354, , ME?

Today's leading benchmark rate for first-time homebuyer rates in 04354, , ME is 6.917% (with an estimated monthly payment of $2,084). Calibrated directly to 04354, , ME's local housing market, Safe Rate shows up-to-the-minute interest rates and points across Conventional, FHA, VA, and Jumbo loan programs daily.

What is the recent trend for first-time homebuyer rates in 04354, , ME?

Mortgage rates for first-time homebuyer rates have shown typical daily fluctuations driven by inflation data and bond yields. Over the past 90 days, rates for first-time homebuyer rates in 04354, , ME have hovered between a low of 6.551% and a high of 6.995%. You can track these daily movements by using the 90-day rate history and trajectory chart featured on this page.

Is an FHA or Conventional loan more cost-effective in 04354, , ME?

Choosing between FHA and Conventional depends on your down payment budget and credit score. For a typical home priced at $304,488 in 04354, , ME, a standard 20%-down Conventional loan requires an upfront cash down payment of $60,898 but keeps your monthly payment lower at $2,084/mo (at 6.917% interest) with no monthly PMI. In comparison, an FHA loan requires only $10,657 (3.5% down) but has an estimated payment of $2,310/mo (at 5.945% interest) due to mandatory FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Local Nuance: The typical local FHA loan amount of $293,831 falls comfortably within the local HUD FHA loan limit of $524,225 (1-unit), making FHA financing an exceptionally accessible, high-leverage entry point into the market.

What is the maximum conforming loan limit in 04354 before needing a Jumbo loan?

The 2025 conforming conventional loan limit for a 1-unit property in 04354 is $806,501. With a typical local home value of $304,488 in , a standard 20%-down mortgage requires a loan size of $243,590. Because this is within the $806,501 conforming threshold, buyers can qualify for standard conforming conventional financing with competitive rates.

How does the median home value in 04354, , ME impact estimated mortgage payments?

The median home value in 04354, , ME is estimated at $304,488. Buying a typical home here with a standard 20% down payment ($60,898) translates to an estimated starting monthly mortgage payment of $2,084 (principal and interest). Compared to the local area median household income of $80,415 ($6,701/mo), this basic housing payment represents approximately 31.1% of gross monthly household income. This housing cost is well within standard lender affordability guidelines (under the 36% DTI benchmark), demonstrating healthy local purchasing power.