Community Corner

Free Homebuyer Education Program and Grant Funds Available

If you have ever considered buying a home the “Step by Step” program is for you. 

“Step by Step” is a pre-purchase homebuyer education program for individuals and families who want to buy their first home. The program is offered by the Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC). The “Step by Step” program will give people the opportunity to examine their housing needs, analyze their financial situation and develop strategies to improve their finances in an effort to better prepare themselves for homeownership.

In addition there are grant funds for down payment/closing cost funds if eligible households want to purchase a home in SomersetCounty. Grant awardees must prove they will be able to pay all the required expenses related to owning if they purchase a home. All grant applicants should complete a pre-purchase program such as Step by Step PRIOR to signing a purchase agreement or contract of sale. All grant applicants should complete a pre-purchase program such as Step by Step PRIOR to signing a purchase agreement or contract of sale.  Step by Step meets that pre-purchase requirement. For those that cannot attend on Nov. 13, other options are available.  All household members whose names appear on the deed or affordable housing application must attend pre-purchase education.  Attendees on Nov. 13 will be provided with a certificate which will be good for one year.

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Other benefits of obtaining a certificate include: lower mortgage rates and reduced legal fees

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The next program will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the CJHRC office, 619 East Main StreetBridgewaterNew Jersey. The program will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. and is scheduled to end at 9:30 p.m. A light dinner will be served.

 

Julie Burt a mortgage representative from Peapack Gladstone Bank will discuss “How to Get a Mortgage” and “Closing Costs”, Realtor will discuss numerous topics as well as information on Homeowners Insurance and an attorney will provide information on using a Real Estate attorney, closing expenses and home inspection.  Other topics will include: credit, debt and budgeting, the State of NJ Low and Moderate Income Program, Grant Opportunities and Home Maintenance.

 

“Purchasing a home and securing a mortgage is more difficult then in the past. We want to help families and individuals who are ready, responsible and qualified to shift from renter to homeowner” said Sharon Clark, Executive Director. “We want low and moderate income families to achieve home ownership, but more importantly, we want them to maintain homeownership.”

 

Registration is required. To register, contact CJHRC at 908-704-9649 or online by visiting www.cjhrc.org and clicking on Step by Step.   If you get voicemail please leave your name, address, and daytime phone number.

 

The “Step by Step” Program is made possible through the generosity of the following funders: Bank of America, Capital One, Chase Community Giving, Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, Franklin Township CDBG, GE Capital Retail Bank, Hudson City Savings Bank, Hunterdon County Human Services, Investors Bank, Investors Foundation Inc., Johnson & Johnson Somerset County Companies, Magyar Bank, Novartis, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, PNC Bank, Roselle Savings Bank, Somerset County Human Services, Somerset Savings Bank, SLA, Sovereign Bank, State Farm Foundation, TD Bank, United Way of Northern NJ and Wells Fargo Housing Foundation.

 


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