Massachusetts Mortgage Rates

Massachusetts has some of the highest housing prices in the nation, especially in the popular Boston area. This state has an average overall home value of $464,000, which is much higher than the nationwide average of about $263,000. These high home prices are due, in part, to the central location of the state, the easy access to major metro areas and the many other perks that this state offers.

Despite the high home prices in Massachusetts, this could be the perfect time to buy a home in the state. Not only are the nationwide mortgage loan interest rates low across the board, but the Massachusetts mortgage rates are also at some of the lowest points ever.

Those rates, along with the state’s housing prices, are expected to rise in the next year. If you’re looking to move to Massachusetts, or if you’re a resident of this state and are ready to buy or refinance a home, here’s what you need to know.

Mortgage Rates in Massachusetts

Mortgage rates around the nation have reached their lowest levels ever over the last year due in major part to the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions the Fed took to lower rates during the coronavirus pandemic. Rates began falling in March at the start of the pandemic and have consistently dropped since that time, remaining low into the new year.

Massachusetts buyers may have access to mortgage rates that are even lower than the national average. Though these rates won’t exactly offset the high housing prices, they can help make homeownership a bit more affordable. In the second week of January 2021, the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in Massachusetts was 2.89%. During that time, the average 15-year fixed-rate mortgage loan in Massachusetts had a rate of 2.42%. The average rate for a 5/1 ARM was 2.80%, and the average rate on a 30-year fixed refinance in Massachusetts was just 2.95%.

There’s no way to know how rates will trend in the future, so it’s unclear whether the rates in this state will stay as low as they currently are. That said, many experts expect that rates will increase in early 2021.

[ Read: How to Calculate Your Mortgage ]

Massachusetts mortgage rates overview

The state of Massachusetts has the fourth-highest housing prices in the nation, especially in the Boston area. Prices in this state have increased dramatically over the past decade. The state’s average home price has increased more than $100,000 in just the past five years along.

The bad news for homebuyers is that prices are only expected to increase. Luckily, the state also has some of the most competitive mortgage rates.

Massachusetts homebuyers have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to financing a home. Common mortgage types include:

• Conventional mortgage: Conventional mortgages are available with either fixed or adjustable rates with terms ranging from 15 to 30 years.
• FHA loan: These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration to help low and moderate-income buyers get a mortgage.
• VA loan: Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, these loans are meant to help current and former military members buy a no-down-payment home at a low interest rate.
• USDA loan: Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these loans are used to help rural residents buy a home.

First time home buyer programs in the state of Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts doesn’t directly offer any first-home homebuyer programs, but other organizations within the state do. MassHousing is an independent agency in the state that helps homebuyers find affordable housing solutions. MassHousing’s offerings include:

• The MassHousing Mortgage – This program helps low and moderate-income borrowers buy a home as long as they meet certain income and credit requirements. The mortgage is available through more than 100 lenders in Massachusetts.
• MassHousing Down Payment Assistance – This program provides buyers with down payment assistance for up to 5% of a home’s value. The maximum benefits vary depending on where in the state you are located.

[ Read: First-Time Home Buyer Programs and Grants ]

Most and least expensive places to live in Massachusetts

The average housing price in Massachusetts is well above the national average, but prices vary quite a bit depending on where you go. There’s a difference of more than $800,000 between the most affordable and most expensive cities in the state — showcasing just how wide of a price gap there is between areas in this state.

Least expensive places to buy real estate in Massachusetts

The areas below are based on Zillow’s Home Value Index, which was used to find the most affordable cities to buy real estate in Massachusetts. The numbers below reflect the typical home value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range.

Massachusetts has some of the highest housing prices in the nation, but there are a handful of cities that offer housing prices below (in some cases far below) the national average.

• Springfield, MA: Average home price of $142,100
• Worcester, MA: Average home price of $214,100
• New Bedford, MA: Average home price of $223,400
• Fall River, MA: Average home price of $234,300
• Lawrence, MA: Average home price of $236,800

Most expensive places to buy real estate in Massachusetts

The average home prices below reflect the typical home value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range. A quick glance at a map will show you that each of the most expensive cities in Massachusetts are neighbors.

The top five most expensive places to buy real estate in Massachusetts includes the city of Boston, as well as its four neighbors to the west.

• Newton, MA: Average home price of $982,600
• Brookline, MA: Average home price of $822,900
• Cambridge, MA: Average home price of $726,000
• Somerville, MA: Average home price of $605,100
• Boston, MA: Average home price $554,600

Massachusetts mortgage rates compared to the national average 

As noted, Massachusetts has the fourth-highest home prices in the nation, following only California, Washington, D.C. and Hawaii. One reason for the high home values is that the household income in Massachusetts is $20,000 above the national average. Housing prices in the state have also increased since the pandemic began, which is a trend spotted in many states.

Luckily, Massachusetts home buyers currently have access to lower mortgage rates than much of the nation. The nationwide average interest rate in the second week of January was 2.94% on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, while the average for the same loan in Massachusetts was 2.89%.

Already own a home and want to refinance?

Historically low interest rates make 2021 an excellent time to buy a home, and current homeowners can take advantage of the low rates as well. The refinance rates in this state were 0.06% below the national average as of the second week of January.

If you’re considering refinancing your mortgage, be sure to shop around for the best rate. Your raate will depend on factors, such as your credit score, overall financial picture and current home equity, but rates can also vary quite a bit from one lender to the next.

[ Read: How to Refinance Your Mortgage ]

Mortgage rates in other states

Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Texas