New Members
bankHometown Partners with Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to Offer Equity Builder and Housing Our Workforce Mortgage Programs
OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS, MAY 7, 2021 —bankHometown President and CEO Robert J. Morton recently announced that the bank was selected to participate in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s 2021 Equity Builder and Housing Our Workforce programs. These programs provide grants through approved lenders that assist lower-income homebuyers with specific costs associated with buying a home.
“Home ownership is still very much a part of the American dream and is important for building strong communities and financial stability. However, affordable housing is a critical issue in central Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut,” said Morton. “These programs have made the path to home ownership possible for thousands of families across the Commonwealth, and bankHometown is proud to be selected as a participant.”
With the Equity Builder Program (EBP), qualified borrowers are eligible to receive up to $15,000 in assistance toward down-payment and closing costs as well as homebuyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance. To qualify, household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income of the new home. Since 2003, the EBP has awarded more than $45.9 million in assistance to more than 4,000 homebuyers.
With the Housing Our Workforce (HOW) Program, qualified borrowers are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in a two-to-one match of down payments made at the time of purchase. To qualify, household income must be more than 80 percent but less than 120 percent of the area median income of the new home. Since 2019, HOW has awarded approximately $4.3 million in assistance to nearly 300 homebuyers.
Funds for both programs are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For 2021, bankHometown is eligible to receive up to $150,000 through the Equity Builder Program and $100,000 through Housing our Workforce, depending on availability of funds. Loans are subject to credit approval. Buyers may receive assistance only toward the purchase of an owner-occupied primary residence and must complete a homebuyer counseling and education program.
To learn more about applying for assistance, homebuyers should contact the bank’s residential lending department at 888.307.5887.
About bankHometown
Founded in 1889, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts, and has $1.2 billion in assets and 16 branches located throughout central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. Through its sponsorship and charitable giving program, bankHometown and the Hometown Bank Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and causes throughout Worcester and Windham Counties. In 2020, the bank and foundation donated more than $346,000 and over the last five years donated more than $1.4 million. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.
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