The Massachusetts Housing Partnership’s (MHP) SoftSecond loan program has changed its guidelines to help more low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers purchase affordable units in condominium developments.

Borrowers with a strong rent and bill payment history who have not made extensive use of credit may now be eligible for a SoftSecond loan, according to a statement.

"This change will allow SoftSecond to serve more under-banked households that have an excellent track record of paying their rent, utility and other bills," said Gina Govoni, MHP’s homeownership director. "Our analysis has shown that borrowers who had limited credit use prior to getting a SoftSecond loan have performed extremely well."