New Jersey first-time homebuyer guide

Your first home, one clear step at a time.

Buying in New Jersey may come with assistance paths worth exploring. Start with the official program facts, understand the full payment, and see how an application moves from pre-approval to closing.

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Program information checked September 17, 2026 · Official NJHMFA terms and availability can change.

NJHMFA program overview

A helpful path to investigate early—not after you find the house.

NJHMFA defines a first-time homebuyer generally as someone who has not owned a home during the previous three years. The home must be in New Jersey and used as the buyer’s primary residence.

Down Payment AssistanceOfficial state program

What the assistance may provide

  • $10,000 or $15,000The amount is based on the county where the home is purchased.
  • No interest or monthly paymentStructured as a five-year forgivable second loan under current NJHMFA terms.
  • Down payment and eligible closing costsThe assistance cannot cover every possible purchase expense.
  • Paired financingThe DPA must be combined with an eligible NJHMFA first mortgage through a participating lender.
Read the current NJHMFA program page
Many North Jersey countiesUp to $15,000Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union are listed at this level in the June 17, 2026 fact sheet.
Sussex and Warren countiesUp to $10,000County amount is determined by the property location, not the buyer’s current address.
Qualified first-generation buyersAdditional $7,000When paired with NJHMFA DPA and an eligible NJHMFA first mortgage.
Türkçe kısa özet

New Jersey’de ilk evinizi mi alıyorsunuz?

NJHMFA programı, şartları sağlayan alıcılara evin bulunduğu ilçeye göre peşinat ve uygun kapanış masrafları için $10.000 veya $15.000 destek sunabilir. Şartları sağlayan birinci nesil ev alıcıları için ek $7.000 destek de mümkün olabilir. Gelir, ev fiyatı, kredi profili, borç/gelir oranı, ikamet ve program kuralları geçerlidir. Bu bilgiler onay veya uygunluk garantisi değildir.

The homebuying process

From application to keys.

The order can overlap or change by transaction. Select a step to see what is happening, what you may be asked for, and what to keep in mind.

01

Build the file

Application & document collection

Share the purchase goal and financial picture so the lender can begin reviewing income, assets, debts, credit, and funds for closing.

  • Income and employment documents
  • Asset statements and funds-to-close plan
  • Credit and monthly obligations

Start with the right questions

Let’s map your purchase plan before the pressure of an offer.

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