Berkshire Bank, a leading community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, is proud to announce a new down payment assistance program to help first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership. Rising home prices and low inventory are creating affordability challenges for potential homebuyers, especially those looking for their first home. The new offering from Berkshire will help make that dream a reality and the program can be combined with many local, state and federal down payment assistance offerings.

Berkshire provides a wide range of tailored solutions to help homebuyers including Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Fannie and Freddie mortgage solutions. With the Berkshire Bank Down Payment Assistance Program, first-time homebuyers, specifically low-to-moderate income borrowers defined as those earning up to 80% the area-median income or those purchasing a home located in a low-to-moderate census tract, can be considered for the down payment assistance funds which are in the form of a grant and can be used towards down payment and closing costs.

Ellen Steinfeld, Sr. EVP, Head of Consumer Lending, stated, “With the price of homes so high, the experience of purchasing a home can be overwhelming. Berkshire Bank’s Down Payment Assistance Program was created to help first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership and reduce the financial stress of the increasing down payment required to buy a home. Our experienced mortgage loan officers are here to educate and provide guidance to customers on the loan programs available to them from Berkshire Bank. Our goal is to make the mortgage process as easy as possible.”

Key elements for the Down Payment Assistance program include:

• Eligible borrowers purchasing a home in a qualifying area may receive down payment assistance from $3,500 to $10,000 towards the purchase price.
• The grant is considered a gift, and no lien is filed.
• The Bank will consider an alternative credit if needed. (i.e., Rent statements, electric bills, phone bills) when applying for certain mortgage products
• Programs are available on a first come/first serve basis.

Eligibility requirements include:

• The property must be located in an approved area of Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, or Rhode Island.
• Primary residence includes a single-family (detached or attached), two-family, condos or properties located within homeowners’ associations.
• Must be a first-time buyer or have not owned a home in the last three years.
• Borrowers must complete a homebuyer counseling course.
• Two-family borrowers must take homebuyer course and landlord training course.

In addition to the Down Payment Assistance Program, Berkshire also provides robust wrap around programs to educate and empower homebuyers including first time homebuyer programs.

For more info on terms and conditions, contact your local Mortgage Loan Officer by visiting First-Time Buyers – Berkshire Bank (berkshirebankhomelending.com)

El Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority (FRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the community’s educational and cultural enrichment by generously donating $50,000 to the Fitchburg Public Library’s OWL (Offering a World of Learning) Capital Campaign.

El OWL Capital Campaign, a visionary initiative to enhance the facilities and services of the Fitchburg Public Library, has garnered significant support from various community partners within the city. The FRA’s contribution further underscores its dedication to fostering growth, accessibility, and innovation in the heart of Fitchburg.

“The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority is proud to contribute to the OWL Capital Campaign, which aligns seamlessly with our mission to promote the economic vitality and quality of life in our city,” stated Meagen Donoghue, executive director of the FRA. “Libraries are integral community resources that empower individuals, promote lifelong learning, and foster a sense of unity. We believe that by investing in the expansion and modernization of the Fitchburg Public Library, we are investing in the future of our city.”

The $50,000 donation from the FRA will play a pivotal role in advancing the library’s capital campaign goals, including the renovation and creation of innovative spaces, expanded programming opportunities, and improved accessibility for all patrons.