NeighborhoodLIFT Program

LIFT is a national down payment assistance program sponsored by Wells Fargo and NeighborWorks® America. NHS facilitates down payment and closing cost assistance. We do NOT provide the funding for these loans.

The LIFT program provides eligible homebuyers (not limited to first-time buyers) with up to $20,000 to use toward down payment and closing costs on qualified homes. For veterans and service members, teachers, paraprofessionals, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, the program provides up to $22,500. (View requirements and definitions for First Responder, Military, and Teachers.)

LIFT Program Requirements

- Borrowers must choose from list of approved participating lenders.
- Successful completion of a homebuyer class.
- Borrowers’ annual income, in combination with household size, must be at or below the income limits set for the program in the Boston area.

There are limited LIFT funds available and restrictions apply. Properties qualified for the program must be:

- Located in Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, Essex, or Plymouth Counties. View map.
- The primary and owner-occupied home of the buyer(s).
- A single-family home (attached or detached); a two- to four-unit home, condominium, or townhome; PUD, co-op, land trust, or qualified manufactured home.

How to Apply for LIFT Assistance

To start the application process, you will need to make an income verification appointment that we refer to as an Eligibility Determination Session (EDS).

Please Note!

You need to schedule your EDS appointment at least 30 calendar days prior to your closing date; minimum of 21 calendar days is required.

Schedule Your EDS Appointment

LIFT Application Process

FIRST, you must sign up for an EDS appointment online — appointments CANNOT be made by phone. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to funds available. Once these appointments are filled, the only open appointments will be a result of a cancellation. Remember, you MUST complete your EDS appointment at least 21 calendar days prior to your closing date.

There is NO waiting list. Homebuyers should check the registration site for any new availability.

SECOND, you must submit the two (2) required documents within 24 hours of making your appointment. Documents must be submitted to lift@nhsmass.org.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL. Your lender or real estate professional may be able to assist you with submitting these documents online. Failure to submit these documents within 24 hours or submitted incomplete documents will automatically cancel your appointment.

Schedule Your EDS Appointment

Required Documentation

You will need to electronically submit:

Mortgage Preapproval from a NeighborhoodLIFT approved lender (Required.)
Purchase & Sale Agreement, signed by all parties. (Required.)
Homebuyer Education Certificate (If completed within the past 12 months.NOTE: successful completion of a certified homebuyer education class is required prior to closing.)

We will confirm scheduled appointment requests within 48 business hours from receipt of all documents. You will receive a confirmation email stating that your “appointment was accepted.” This only confirms the EDS appointment, this is NOT a confirmation of your eligibility for the program.

IMPORTANT: If you fail to submit all required documents within 24 hours of your EDS appointment request, or submit only partial documents, your appointment will be cancelled and you will be notified via email of the cancellation. Get help from your lender or real estate professional if needed!

Schedule Your EDS Appointment

IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS

After receiving the Letter of Intent and Loan Estimate, and if you meet the eligibility requirements, and your required documentation is confirmed, you will receive a NeighborhoodLIFT Commitment Letter, via email, typically within three business days of your EDS appointment.

Timing is critical and it’s imperative you submit documents in the required time frames in order to be eligible to receive LIFT assistance.

Upload Required Documents: You will receive an email inviting you to login to a ShareFile® folder created for you so you may securely upload the next necessary documents (see checklist). You MUST upload these documents within 72 hours of the invite so our counselors have ample time to review them and prepare for your EDS appointment.
Attend EDS Appointment: Attend your appointment to confirm eligibility. Failure to attend your appointment will cause your appointment to be cancelled. You will only be able to reschedule if/when a new appointment becomes available.
Lender Documents: Your Lender must submit all required documents to NeighborWorks® Housing Solutions no less than 14 calendar days prior to your closing date. See the checklist for more info.