Sarah Oberg, Realtor, KW Boston Metrowest

07/14/2026

Think you earn too much to qualify for first-time homebuyer assistance? Think again!

Massachusetts first-time buyers in Worcester County may qualify for:
• Up to $25,000–$30,000 in down payment assistance
• Household incomes up to $165,645
• Available on homes priced up to $800,000 (single-family or condo)

If you’ve been waiting because you thought you needed a huge down payment, let’s see if this program could help you get into a home sooner.

Governor Maura Healey’s administration has expanded state assistance for first-time homebuyers in Massachusetts.

The biggest recent changes include:

* Up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers.
* 0% interest on the assistance loan.
* No monthly payments while you own and occupy the home.
* Deferred repayment, generally until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
* A $25 million state investment expanded the program so that roughly 1,000 additional homebuyers can qualify.

The assistance can be used toward:

* Down payment
* Closing costs
* Prepaid mortgage insurance and certain other upfront home-buying expenses.

To qualify, buyers generally must:

* Be a first-time homebuyer (with some exceptions under federal rules).
* Meet income limits.
* Purchase a primary residence in Massachusetts.
* Obtain a qualifying MassHousing mortgage.

For Worcester County, the current MassHousing Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program includes the following eligibility limits:

Worcester County (2026)

Maximum Household Income

* $165,645 (up to 135% of Area Median Income)

Maximum Purchase Price

* Single-family home: $800,000
* Condominium: $800,000
* 2-family home: $1,025,000
* 3-family home: $1,240,000
* 4-family home: $1,540,000

Down Payment Assistance Available

* Up to $30,000 for qualifying lower-income buyers (up to 60% AMI) at 0% interest with deferred repayment.
* Up to $25,000 at 0% interest (limited-time Healey Administration expansion for eligible borrowers who lock a MassHousing mortgage during the program period).
* Assistance can be used toward:
* Down payment
* Closing costs
* Prepaid mortgage insurance
* Interest-rate buydowns

07/11/2026

🏡 Thinking About Selling Your Home? Start Here!

First impressions matter, and a little preparation can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells—and for how much.

Here are a few simple ways to get your home market-ready:

✨ Declutter – Pack away personal items, clear countertops, and remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger and brighter.

🧼 Deep Clean – Sparkling kitchens, spotless bathrooms, clean windows, and fresh-smelling rooms help buyers feel at home.

🎨 Freshen Up – Touch up paint, repair scuffs, replace burnt-out light bulbs, and fix those little jobs you’ve been putting off.

🌿 Boost Curb Appeal – Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, add fresh mulch, and place a welcoming planter or two by the front door.

💡 Let the Light In – Open curtains and blinds, clean windows, and turn on lights before every showing.

🛋️ Stage for Success – Arrange furniture to showcase each room’s size and purpose. A few neutral accessories can make a home feel warm and inviting.

🐾 Don’t Forget the Pets – Keep pet areas clean, remove food bowls and litter trays, and, if possible, take pets with you during showings.

📦 Start Packing Early – You’re moving anyway! Packing up items you don’t use every day creates more space and makes moving day much easier.

💰 Price It Right – One of the biggest factors in a successful sale is pricing your home correctly from day one. A well-priced home often attracts more buyers and stronger offers.

Thinking about selling? I’d be happy to provide a complimentary market analysis, recommend simple improvements that offer the best return on investment, and help you develop a strategy to maximize your home’s value.

📞 Sarah Oberg, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Boston MetroWest
📱 774-258-0862

07/08/2026

SOLD

07/02/2026

06/15/2026

Local Real Estate news

I’d describe the Boston MetroWest market as still seller-favored, but far more balanced than the frenzy of 2021–2024.

Here are the biggest trends I’m seeing from current Massachusetts and Greater Boston data:

Inventory is improving

More homeowners are finally listing their homes, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in years. Massachusetts saw notable increases in new listings this spring, which is helping ease the inventory crunch.

Prices are still rising

Prices haven’t crashed—in fact, they’re continuing to creep upward. Statewide median prices remain higher than last year, and Greater Boston single-family homes are still hovering around or above the $1 million median mark in many areas.

Buyers have a little more leverage

Homes are generally taking longer to sell than they did during the bidding-war years, and buyers are becoming more selective. Well-priced, updated homes still move quickly, but overpriced properties are sitting longer and seeing price reductions.

Interest rates remain the biggest challenge

Mortgage rates in the 6%+ range continue to affect affordability. Many homeowners are reluctant to give up their existing low-rate mortgages, which keeps inventory lower than it would otherwise be.

What this means in MetroWest towns

In towns such as Northborough, Westborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury, Grafton, Hopkinton, and Framingham:

* Updated homes in desirable neighborhoods are still attracting multiple offers.
* Homes needing significant work are taking longer to sell and buyers are negotiating harder.
* First-time buyers remain challenged by affordability.
* Move-up buyers are becoming more active because they have more inventory to choose from than a year ago.

For your market specifically in Northborough and the surrounding MetroWest towns, I’d call it a 7 out of 10 seller’s market right now—not the 10 out of 10 market we saw a few years ago, but certainly not a buyer’s market either.

If you're thinking of buying or selling your home (or an investment property) and would like a market analysis - call or text me at (774) 258-0862

04/21/2026

🏡 Northborough Market Update – What’s Really Happening Right Now

If you’ve been wondering whether the market has slowed down… the answer is not exactly—it’s just gotten smarter.

Here’s what I’m seeing locally in Northborough right now:

✨ Home values are holding strong
✨ Homes are still selling quickly (just not instantaneously)
✨ Inventory remains LOW (this is the big one 👀)
✨ Buyers are more selective—and negotiating a bit more

💡 What does that mean?

👉 Sellers: You still have the advantage—but pricing and presentation matter more than ever
👉 Buyers: There’s a little more breathing room, but competition is still very real

This is no longer a “throw a number out there and hope for 10 offers” market…
It’s a strategy market—and that’s where the right guidance makes all the difference.

Thinking about making a move in Northborough?
I’m always happy to chat—no pressure, just good advice 😊

📲 774-258-0862
— Sarah Oberg, KW Boston MetroWest

04/06/2026

🏡 Massachusetts Real Estate Market Update – 2026 📊

The Massachusetts housing market is evolving—and whether you're buying, selling, or simply watching the trends, understanding what’s happening right now can help you make smarter decisions.

📍 Current Market Snapshot
Home values across Massachusetts remain strong, with median sale prices hovering around the mid-$600K range statewide. Prices have continued to rise modestly—up roughly 2–3% year-over-year—showing stability rather than the rapid spikes we saw in previous years. ()

At the same time, the number of homes sold has declined by nearly 9%, reflecting a more cautious market as buyers navigate affordability and interest rates. ()

📉 Inventory & Market Balance
Inventory is slowly improving, with more homes available compared to last year, but supply is still relatively tight. New listings are actually down year-over-year, which continues to limit options in many areas. ()

This creates a more balanced market—not the extreme seller’s market of past years, but not fully a buyer’s market either.

⏱️ Days on Market
Homes are taking slightly longer to sell, averaging around 40 days on market, compared to faster sales in prior years. ()
This shift gives buyers more time to make decisions—and creates more pressure on sellers to price correctly from the start.

📈 Pricing Trends & Forecast
Experts predict continued, steady appreciation in the range of 3–5% through 2026, signaling long-term strength without overheating. ()
In high-demand areas like Greater Boston, median single-family home prices remain significantly higher, often around $800K or more. ()

🔑 What This Means for Sellers
• Proper pricing is more important than ever
• Well-presented homes are still selling—but not instantly
• Early spring remains one of the best times to list

🔑 What This Means for Buyers
• More negotiating power is emerging
• Slightly increased inventory = more choices
• Opportunities exist, especially for well-prepared buyers

💡 Bottom Line
The Massachusetts market in 2026 is defined by stability, opportunity, and strategy. We’re seeing a shift toward a healthier, more sustainable market—where both buyers and sellers can succeed with the right approach.