This document provides information for prospective homebuyers in Boston. It discusses several key points about the financial benefits of owning a home over renting, popular affordable neighborhoods for young people, down payment requirements which have decreased nationwide and in Boston, and the importance of checking your credit report and score in preparation for a mortgage application. The overall message is that home ownership may be more attainable than initially thought.

1. DID YOU KNOW? A guide for the prospective homebuyer.
Learn more at ONEin3Boston.com/housing

2. Consider staying for
awhile.
Boston
DID YOU KNOW…
$1,100 / month in rent
adds up to $40,000
over 3 years.
$40,000 could be a substantial
portion of a down payment.
Money you pay
towards a home
is an investment.
Money you pay towards rent goes
to the landlord.
Boston
Fixed Rate Mortgages provide a stable, locked rate during the
repayment period.
Landlords have the ability to raise your rent.
Boston Esplanade
Sources: nolo.com, bankrate.com, trulia.com
Learn more at ONEin3Boston.com/housing

3. Make yourself
at home.
Charlestown
DID YOU KNOW…
Popular neighborhoods
among 20-34 year olds
include Allston,
Roslindale and
Jamaica Plain.
Homes in up and coming
neighborhoods such as
Roxbury, Dorchester and
East Boston have a cost
per square foot of
under $300.
Leave your keys at
home. Living in
Boston cuts down
on transportation
costs associated with
commuting from the
Greater Boston Area.
Charles River
Boston Commons
Sources: nolo.com, bankrate.com, trulia.com
Learn more at ONEin3Boston.com/housing

4. Home ownership could be
closer than you think.
Boston
DID YOU KNOW…
The average down
payment has fallen
to 16% nationwide.
26% of ONEin3ers
bought a home with
less than a 5% down
payment.
Loans through the
Federal Housing
Agency only require
3.5% down.
Fanueil Hall
Masshousing Loans allow you finance up to 97% of the cost of
the home.
Boston
Sources: nolo.com, bankrate.com, trulia.com
Learn more at ONEin3Boston.com/housing

5. Give yourself
some credit.
Boston
DID YOU KNOW…
You should check
your credit report 612 months before
applying for a
mortgage.
Payment history
makes up to 35% of
your credit score.
Late or missed payments
remain on your credit
report for up to 7 years.
If you're applying for
a loan with a spouse
be sure to check
both of your credit
scores.
Boston Harbor
To improve your credit score make payments on time and be
smart about opening new accounts. Also consider seeing a
credit counselor.
North End
Sources: nolo.com, bankrate.com, trulia.com
Learn more at ONEin3Boston.com/housing