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Safe Rate LocalLee index·Updated August 17, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Rates in Lee

5.948%Rate
6.718%APR
$2,790monthly mortgage payment
$0points (0 pts)
Loan Amount $434,614; and Downpayment $15,492
Local Fast Facts
MA34620
Typical Home Value
$442,631
YoY Appreciation
+-1.9%
Area Median Income
$83,750
Estimated Property Taxes
$3,980/yr
Est. Property Tax Rate
0.90%
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)
$806,501
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)
$524,225
Jumbo Threshold (1-unit)
> $806,501
Average Loan to Value
73.6%

Select your Scenario

3.5% Down (minimum)

5.948%

30-year fixed

Payment$2,790/mo
Down$15,492
Loan$434,614

10% Down

5.948%

30-year fixed · shorter MIP

Payment$2,602/mo
Down$44,263
Loan$405,339

15-Year FHA

5.948%

Faster payoff

Payment$3,855/mo
Down$15,492
Loan$434,614

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Lee

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

FHA
Min. down3.5% ($15,492)
Min. credit580+
Rate5.948%
Est. P&I$2,184/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$196/mo
Easiest credit qualification
MIP for life of loan (<10% down)
VA
Min. down0% ($0)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.070%
Est. P&I$2,302/mo
0% down, no monthly mortgage insurance
VA eligibility required; funding fee applies
HomeReady
Min. down3% ($13,279)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.825%
Est. P&I$2,365/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$268/mo
Reduced PMI vs standard conventional
Income limits apply by area
Conventional 20% down
Min. down20% ($88,526)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.930%
Est. P&I$1,972/mo
No PMI; lowest long-term cost
Largest upfront down payment
Pro tip for first-time buyers in Lee

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 Lee, MA?

Today's leading benchmark rate for first-time homebuyer rates in Lee, MA is 6.930% (with an estimated monthly payment of $1,972). Calibrated directly to Lee, 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 Lee, 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 Lee, MA have hovered between a low of 6.573% and a high of 7.016%. 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 Lee, MA?

Choosing between FHA and Conventional depends on your down payment budget and credit score. For a typical home priced at $442,631 in Lee, MA, a standard 20%-down Conventional loan requires an upfront cash down payment of $88,526 but keeps your monthly payment lower at $1,972/mo (at 6.930% interest) with no monthly PMI. In comparison, an FHA loan requires only $15,492 (3.5% down) but has an estimated payment of $2,184/mo (at 5.948% interest) due to mandatory FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Local Nuance: The typical local FHA loan amount of $427,139 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 Lee before needing a Jumbo loan?

The 2025 conforming conventional loan limit for a 1-unit property in Lee is $806,501. With a typical local home value of $442,631 in , a standard 20%-down mortgage requires a loan size of $354,105. 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 Lee, MA impact estimated mortgage payments?

The median home value in Lee, MA is estimated at $442,631. Buying a typical home here with a standard 20% down payment ($88,526) translates to an estimated starting monthly mortgage payment of $1,972 (principal and interest). Compared to the local area median household income of $83,750 ($6,979/mo), this basic housing payment represents approximately 28.3% 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.