How to Overcome Barriers to Homeownership in Ocean County
Homeownership is often considered a key milestone in achieving the American dream, providing stability and a sense of belonging. However, numerous barriers can make it challenging for individuals and families to attain this goal.
One significant barrier is the high cost of purchasing a home. Escalating real estate prices, coupled with the need for substantial down payments and closing costs, can be prohibitive for many potential homeowners. To overcome this, individuals can explore government-backed mortgage programs, such as FHA loans, which require lower down payments, or consider shared equity arrangements, where they partner with organizations or investors to purchase a home jointly, reducing the upfront financial burden.
New Jersey Has Several Programs that may help:
The NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) provides up to $15,000 for qualified first-time homebuyers to use as down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing a home in New Jersey. The DPA is an interest-free, five-year forgivable second loan with no monthly payment.
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To participate in this program, the DPA must be paired with an NJHMFA first mortgage loan. The first mortgage loan is a competitive 30-year, fixed-rate government-insured loan (FHA/VA/USDA) or conventional mortgage, originated through an NJHMFA participating lender. Certain restrictions such as maximum household income and purchase price limits apply. View the income and purchase price limits here.
Buying your first home? The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency's (NJHMFA) First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program provides qualified New Jersey first-time homebuyers with a competitive 30-year, fixed-rate government-insured loan (FHA/VA/USDA) or conventional mortgage, originated through an NJHMFA participating lender.
NJHMFA's First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program is the foundational mortgage program that can be combined with the NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance Program, to provide qualified buyers with up to $15,000 as an interest-free, five-year forgivable second loan with no monthly payment that can be used to cover down payment and closing costs.
Active members of the New Jersey Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) with one year of creditable service are eligible for this program. The interest rate is 30-year fixed. Members may buy a home as a first-time buyer, trade up or trade down.
Homeownership offers a range of advantages, including the opportunity to build equity, stability, tax benefits, and the freedom to customize your living space. While homeownership barriers are pervasive, various strategies can help individuals overcome them. These strategies include exploring affordable financing options, improving creditworthiness, managing finances wisely, and advocating for fair and equitable housing policies.
By addressing these challenges head-on, more individuals and families can achieve the dream of homeownership and enjoy the benefits it offers.
Karl Hess provides expert real estate services to residential buyers and sellers in Ocean County. Contact us today for more information on Ocean County Real Estate and for professional assistance navigating this complex home market.
Sources
1. https://nj.gov/dca/hmfa/roadhome/