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Safe Rate LocalMethuen index·Updated August 17, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Rates in Methuen

5.995%Rate
6.760%APR
$3,648monthly mortgage payment
$0points (0 pts)
Loan Amount $565,593; and Downpayment $20,161
Local Fast Facts
MA40710
Typical Home Value
$576,026
YoY Appreciation
+5.3%
Area Median Income
$108,424
Estimated Property Taxes
$5,272/yr
Est. Property Tax Rate
0.92%
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)
$806,501
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)
$524,225
Jumbo Threshold (1-unit)
> $806,501
Average Loan to Value
75.4%

Select your Scenario

3.5% Down (minimum)

5.995%

30-year fixed

Payment$3,648/mo
Down$20,161
Loan$565,593

10% Down

5.995%

30-year fixed · shorter MIP

Payment$3,403/mo
Down$57,603
Loan$527,496

15-Year FHA

5.995%

Faster payoff

Payment$5,030/mo
Down$20,161
Loan$565,593

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Methuen

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

FHA
Min. down3.5% ($20,161)
Min. credit580+
Rate5.995%
Est. P&I$3,188/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$255/mo
Easiest credit qualification
MIP for life of loan (<10% down)
VA
Min. down0% ($0)
Min. credit620+
Rate5.992%
Est. P&I$3,316/mo
0% down, no monthly mortgage insurance
VA eligibility required; funding fee applies
HomeReady
Min. down3% ($17,281)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.774%
Est. P&I$3,417/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$349/mo
Reduced PMI vs standard conventional
Income limits apply by area
Conventional 20% down
Min. down20% ($115,205)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.866%
Est. P&I$2,845/mo
No PMI; lowest long-term cost
Largest upfront down payment
Pro tip for first-time buyers in Methuen

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 Methuen, MA?

Today's leading benchmark rate for first-time homebuyer rates in Methuen, MA is 6.866% (with an estimated monthly payment of $2,845). Calibrated directly to Methuen, 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 Methuen, 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 Methuen, MA have hovered between a low of 6.407% and a high of 6.866%. 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 Methuen, MA?

Choosing between FHA and Conventional depends on your down payment budget and credit score. For a typical home priced at $576,026 in Methuen, MA, a standard 20%-down Conventional loan requires an upfront cash down payment of $115,205 but keeps your monthly payment lower at $2,845/mo (at 6.866% interest) with no monthly PMI. In comparison, an FHA loan requires only $20,161 (3.5% down) but has an estimated payment of $3,188/mo (at 5.995% interest) due to mandatory FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Local Nuance: The typical local FHA loan amount of $555,865 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 Methuen before needing a Jumbo loan?

The 2025 conforming conventional loan limit for a 1-unit property in Methuen is $806,501. With a typical local home value of $576,026 in , a standard 20%-down mortgage requires a loan size of $460,821. 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 Methuen, MA impact estimated mortgage payments?

The median home value in Methuen, MA is estimated at $576,026. Buying a typical home here with a standard 20% down payment ($115,205) translates to an estimated starting monthly mortgage payment of $2,845 (principal and interest). Compared to the local area median household income of $108,424 ($9,035/mo), this basic housing payment represents approximately 31.5% 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.