MaineHousing News

Press Inquiries:
Scott Thistle, Communications Director | (207) 624-5799 |

Freedom of Access Act Requests:
Ashley Carson, Chief Counsel | (207) 626-4600 |

MaineHousing Press Releases

MaineHousing increases down payment assistance for first time homebuyers.

Released: Apr 11, 2022

AUGUSTA – MaineHousing is pleased to announce it will increase its Advantage down payment assistance grant available to first time homebuyers from $3,500 to $5,000. The increase will add to the savings of hopeful first-time homebuyers to help overcome one of the biggest hurdlest to securing financing for a mortgage.

While MaineHousing's base interest rate is increasing slightly going from 2.85 percent to 3.50 percent, the rate remains well below the current private market rate average of nearly 5 percent.

“MaineHousing remains committed to keeping our interest rates as low as possible to help as many Mainers as we can find the route to home ownership,” said MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan. “We are hopeful our low rates combined with increasing down payment assistance will be the key to that first home for many Mainers.”

MaineHousing’s low interest rates can save the average homebuyer thousands of dollars over the full term of their loan. MaineHousing's First Home Loan mortgage options include a low interest rate and little or no down payment.

This new low rate, effective Monday, April 11, coupled with the $5,000 Advantage grant toward down payment and closing costs, makes it a great choice for first-time homebuyers.

As always rates are subject to daily changes based on market conditions.

More information about MaineHousing's current rates and First Home programs can be found at: mainehousing.org.

Archived Press Releases

MaineHousing increases down payment assistance for first time homebuyers.

Released: Apr 11, 2022

AUGUSTA – MaineHousing is pleased to announce it will increase its Advantage down payment assistance grant available to first time homebuyers from $3,500 to $5,000. The increase will add to the savings of hopeful first-time homebuyers to help overcome one of the biggest hurdlest to securing financing for a mortgage.

While MaineHousing's base interest rate is increasing slightly going from 2.85 percent to 3.50 percent, the rate remains well below the current private market rate average of nearly 5 percent.

“MaineHousing remains committed to keeping our interest rates as low as possible to help as many Mainers as we can find the route to home ownership,” said MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan. “We are hopeful our low rates combined with increasing down payment assistance will be the key to that first home for many Mainers.”

MaineHousing’s low interest rates can save the average homebuyer thousands of dollars over the full term of their loan. MaineHousing's First Home Loan mortgage options include a low interest rate and little or no down payment.

This new low rate, effective Monday, April 11, coupled with the $5,000 Advantage grant toward down payment and closing costs, makes it a great choice for first-time homebuyers.

As always rates are subject to daily changes based on market conditions.

More information about MaineHousing's current rates and First Home programs can be found at: mainehousing.org.

2024 Summer/Fall Newsletter
Release Date: September 3, 2024

• MaineHousing visits Washington D.C., a new supportive housing development opens in Presque Isle, MaineHousing celebrates homeownership with partners at the Sea Dogs, a new Eviction Prevention Program is set to open this fall, and more.

Archived Newsletters

2024 Spring/Summer Newsletter
Release Date: May 28, 2024

• New money assigned to affordable housing by Gov. Mills, Housing Data, 2023 Annual Report now available, Development news, First Gen Program success, and more.

2023 Autumn Newsletter
Release Date:November 21,2023

• New Rural Affordable Housing Program celebrates first ground breaking, West End II Development opening, New Housing Laws in Maine , First Gen Homeownership Program, Welcome new employees, and more.

2023 Summer Newsletter
Release Date: May 25, 2023

• Affordable housing developments grand openings & in the works, Homeowner Assistance Fund re-launches at MaineHousing, First Generation Loan Program starts, accolades, accomplishments, dates to remember, and more.

2022 Autumn Newsletter
Release Date: November 11, 2022

• MaineHousing's Restart Program honored with an award, new Board of Commissioner appointments, HEAP Funds released early, program updates and more.

2022 Summer Newsletter
Release Date: August 12, 2022

• New developments open, staff appointments and staff retirements, printable homes of the future and more.

January 2021 Newsletter
Release Date:January 29, 2021

• Rent Relief coming soon, Furman Block development opening, Affordability Indexes, New Homeless Shelters and more!

November 2020 Newsletter
Release Date: November 30th, 2020

• Rent Relief Program extended, Community Solutions Grantees info, HUD 2021 Annual Action Plan public forum and hearing, Supportive & Affordable Housing workgroup and more!

October 2020 Newsletter
Release Date: October 30th, 2020

• $500k for new homeowners, national recognition, and more!

September 2020 Newsletter
Release Date: September 30th, 2020

• COVID-19 Rent Relief Program winds down, Fair Market Rent comments, MaineHousing awarded ESG funding from the CARES Act, and more.

August 2020 Newsletter
Release Date: August 28th, 2020

• Our lowest interest rate ever, COVID-19 Expanded Rent Relief Program launched, changing Maine's approach to homeless services and more.

June 2020 Newsletter
Release Date: June 29th, 2020

• The importance of home, additional HEAP funds received and more.

May 2020 Newsletter
Release Date: May 26th, 2020

• We're moving next month.

April 2020 Newsletter

• Release Date: April 17th, 2020
• Over the last month, MaineHousing has shifted into high gear to respond to Mainers’ critical housing needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re proud to serve Maine by supporting homeless shelters, funding temporary shelters across Maine, and helping Maine renters who are struggling to pay their landlords because of loss of income or other COVID-19 related problems.

March 2020 Newsletter
Release Date: March 24th, 2020

• The health and safety of our employees, their families and friends, and our partners and colleagues is foremost in our minds as we all respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.e.

February 2020 Newsletter
Release Date: February 27th, 2020

• Census 2020, MaineHousing's Annual Accomplishments, New Landlord program, and more.

January 2020 Newsletter
Release Date: January 27th, 2020

• MaineHousing Announces Senior Housing Bond Awards, Annual Discretionary Funding Allocations awarded, Census 2020 and more.

December 2019 Newsletter
Release Date: December 20th, 2019

• Low Income Tax Credits awarded, Perceptions of Housing in Maine report released, Building Family Futures Program moves from pilot to full time program status and more.

November 2019 Newsletter
Release Date: November 26th, 2019

• MaineHousing receives two community partner awards, Heat Pump Program and Community Solutions Program launched, Maine designated an age friendly state and more.

Post Purchase Newsletter

MaineHousing continues its relationships with First Home Loan customers after they've moved into their new homes by providing tips and advice through a newsletter. Our goal is to help them be successful homeowners!

Mainely Landlords Newsletter

A newsletter for landlords with tenants who have Housing Choice Vouchers from MaineHousing.