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Safe Rate LocalAmherst-Pelham index·Updated August 18, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Rates in Amherst-Pelham

6.019%Rate
6.785%APR
$3,608monthly mortgage payment
$0points (0 pts)
Loan Amount $557,999; and Downpayment $19,890
Local Fast Facts
MA01920
Typical Home Value
$568,292
YoY Appreciation
+7.7%
Area Median Income
$79,681
Estimated Property Taxes
$8,266/yr
Est. Property Tax Rate
1.45%
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)
$806,501
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)
$524,225
Jumbo Threshold (1-unit)
> $806,501
Average Loan to Value
71.6%

Select your Scenario

3.5% Down (minimum)

6.019%

30-year fixed

Payment$3,608/mo
Down$19,890
Loan$557,999

10% Down

6.019%

30-year fixed · shorter MIP

Payment$3,365/mo
Down$56,829
Loan$520,413

15-Year FHA

6.019%

Faster payoff

Payment$4,970/mo
Down$19,890
Loan$557,999

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Amherst-Pelham

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

FHA
Min. down3.5% ($19,890)
Min. credit580+
Rate6.019%
Est. P&I$2,865/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$251/mo
Easiest credit qualification
MIP for life of loan (<10% down)
VA
Min. down0% ($0)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.014%
Est. P&I$2,979/mo
0% down, no monthly mortgage insurance
VA eligibility required; funding fee applies
HomeReady
Min. down3% ($17,049)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.797%
Est. P&I$3,070/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$345/mo
Reduced PMI vs standard conventional
Income limits apply by area
Conventional 20% down
Min. down20% ($113,658)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.890%
Est. P&I$2,556/mo
No PMI; lowest long-term cost
Largest upfront down payment
Pro tip for first-time buyers in Amherst-Pelham

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 Massachusetts for additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are current first-time homebuyer rates today in Amherst-Pelham, MA?

Today's leading benchmark rate for first-time homebuyer rates in Amherst-Pelham, MA is 6.890% (with an estimated monthly payment of $2,556). Calibrated directly to Amherst-Pelham, MA'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 Amherst-Pelham, MA?

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 Amherst-Pelham, MA have hovered between a low of 6.492% and a high of 6.952%. 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 Amherst-Pelham, MA?

Choosing between FHA and Conventional depends on your down payment budget and credit score. For a typical home priced at $568,292 in Amherst-Pelham, MA, a standard 20%-down Conventional loan requires an upfront cash down payment of $113,658 but keeps your monthly payment lower at $2,556/mo (at 6.890% interest) with no monthly PMI. In comparison, an FHA loan requires only $19,890 (3.5% down) but has an estimated payment of $2,865/mo (at 6.019% interest) due to mandatory FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Local Nuance: The typical local FHA loan amount of $548,402 exceeds the local HUD FHA limit of $524,225 for a 1-unit property, meaning entry-level buyers here will likely require conventional financing or a larger down payment to comply with government limits.

What is the maximum conforming loan limit in Amherst-Pelham before needing a Jumbo loan?

The 2025 conforming conventional loan limit for a 1-unit property in Amherst-Pelham is $806,501. With a typical local home value of $568,292 in , a standard 20%-down mortgage requires a loan size of $454,634. 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 Amherst-Pelham, MA impact estimated mortgage payments?

The median home value in Amherst-Pelham, MA is estimated at $568,292. Buying a typical home here with a standard 20% down payment ($113,658) translates to an estimated starting monthly mortgage payment of $2,556 (principal and interest). Compared to the local area median household income of $79,681 ($6,640/mo), this basic housing payment represents approximately 38.5% of gross monthly household income. Because this housing cost exceeds the standard 36% lender DTI guideline, buyers in this high-value area may need larger down payments, lower debt balances, or co-borrower income to qualify.