There are many first time home buyer options for those looking to buy a home in New Jersey. There are specific mortgage loans, as well as down payment assistance and grant options to help a buyer obtain funds for both the down payment and/or closing costs.
There are various programs offered. Primarily they can be broken down into state-based programs that are available throughout each and every county (often in designated areas), and there are county-based programs that often require one to live and or work in that specific county.
These programs may offer s assistance in the form of percentages, such as 2 or 4% of the loan amount, or they may be flat dollar amounts, such as $3,000, $5,000, even $10,000 or more. Again, these options can be used for the down payment requirements such as the 3.5% needed for an FHA loan, or for closing costs that need to be paid at settlement. Or they may be used for both.
New Jersey's SMART START program is one of the more popular first time home buyer options. This program is limited to participating lenders, and even at that, it is important that the specific loan officer you work with is experienced with writing these type of loans.