If you live in Massachusetts, you’ve probably felt it: prices are high, inventory is tight, and every headline seems to say something different about where the housing market is headed.
Here’s a clear, Massachusetts-focused guide you can share with your clients, built on current data, state programs, and what we’re seeing on the ground across Eastern MA.
Where the Massachusetts market stands right now
Home values in Massachusetts are still climbing, but not at the breakneck pace of a few years ago. According to Zillow’s statewide data, the average home value is about $645,000, up a little over 1% year over year, with homes going under agreement in roughly 17 days. Zillow
Recent reports from the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® show:
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Median single-family price around $660,000 as of October 2025, up about 2–3% compared with a year earlier. Boston Agent Magazine+1
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Closed single-family sales increasing year-over-year, even as condos are a bit more mixed.
Local forecasts suggest prices may keep rising modestly (roughly 2–3% a year) as demand stays strong and inventory remains limited, especially in Greater Boston and desirable commuter suburbs.
What that means in plain English:
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It’s still a seller-leaning market, but no longer the “anything sells in 48 hours” frenzy.
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Buyers have slightly more leverage in some areas (more price drops, a bit more inventory), but affordability is still a real challenge.
Key advantages Massachusetts buyers have right now
Yes, prices are high—but Massachusetts buyers also have tools that many other states don’t offer.
a) Powerful down payment assistance
MassHousing, the state’s quasi-public housing agency, offers:
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Down payment assistance up to $30,000 statewide for eligible first-time buyers, when paired with a MassHousing mortgage.
This can be a game-changer for buyers who can afford the monthly payment but are short on upfront cash.
Other MA-specific options include:
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ONE Mortgage Program – a long-running affordable loan product for low- and moderate-income first-time buyers, with reduced down payment requirements and no private mortgage insurance.
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Local city programs – for example, Boston’s First-Time Homebuyer Program offers financial assistance for income-eligible buyers purchasing in the city.
b) Homebuyer education and counseling
Massachusetts strongly supports first-time homebuyer education, including:
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State-approved homebuyer counseling classes (often required for MassHousing and ONE Mortgage).
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Online and in-person workshops that walk buyers through budgeting, credit, down payment options, and working with REALTORS.
Buyers who complete these programs usually understand their options better, write stronger offers, and make fewer costly mistakes
How a brokerage firm like ACB Realty, Inc. helps
Data and programs are great—but execution is what gets deals done.
A strong local brokerage can:
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Run a detailed market analysis using real Massachusetts data down to the town, neighborhood, and even school district level.
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Connect buyers to the right lenders and programs, including MassHousing, ONE Mortgage, and local grant programs.
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Design a pricing and marketing plan for sellers that matches the current reality—not last year’s headlines.
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Negotiate smartly around credits, repairs, and timelines so both sides feel like they’ve won.
If you’re planning a move in Eastern Massachusetts—whether it’s your first condo, a move-up single-family, an investment property, or downsizing into something more manageable—having a local team in your corner is the difference between hoping and knowing you got it right.