New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency | Live Where You Work (LWYW)
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Home Buyers > Close to Home New Jersey > Live Where You Work > Live Where You Work (LWYW)


Transit Smart
 Live Where You Work
Employer-assisted Housing

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More Information
Trenton
Jersey City

What is the LWYW homebuyer program
What are the eligibility requirements
What are the benefits of LWYW
Expanded benefits for Urban Target Area buyers
More Information on LWYW

What is the LWYW homebuyer program

The LWYW program is a home mortgage incentive program that provides low-interest mortgage loans to homebuyers purchasing homes in towns where they are employed.  The goal of LWYW is to build stronger communities by promoting homeownership and encouraging people to live closer to their jobs.  This, in turn, will reduce the need for cars and increase the use of alternative transportation such as walking, biking and public transit.

If you would like to buy a house in the town where you currently work, then LWYW might be right for you.  Employees benefit from attractive mortgage rates, more flexible loan application review and underwriting criteria, and reduced commuting times to work.  Municipalities benefit from having a committed workforce living nearby, and the activity and economic vibrancy that comes with people living near where they work.

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What are the eligibility requirements

Eligible Properties Must:

  • Be located in a municipality that is currently participating in the LWYW program. 
    Municipalities Currently Participating in the LWYW Program include:
  • Be located in the same town as the buyer's employer
  • Meet the purchase price limits.  Click here for more information.

Eligible Homebuyers Must:

  • Meet the income guidelines of LWYW program.  Click here for more information.


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What are the benefits of LWYW

  • Low interest mortgages for first time homebuyers.
  • Downpayment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the mortgage amount of a home located within a Smart Growth Area.  This assistance does not need to be paid back if you live in the house for more than 7 years.
    • To determine whether a home is in a Smart Growth Area, go to www.njlocator.gov. Choose HMFA Program Eligibility Tool and enter the address.
  • More flexible underwriting criteria for the loan qualification process.  This is based on an anticipated reduction in monthly commuting costs that can then be applied to a mortgage payment.


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Expanded benefits for Urban Target Area buyers

  • Homebuyers do not have to be first time homebuyers.
  • Expanded maximum income limit and purchase price limits. Click here for more information.

To find out if a home is in an Urban Target Area, go to the Urban Area Street Directory (172k pdf), scroll down to the city you wish to buy in, and search for the street where your potential new house is located.

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More Information on LWYW

Consumers:

 

Municipal Officials:

  • Click here to learn how to partner with HMFA to offer the LWYW program in your city or town.


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NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, 637 South Clinton Avenue, P.O. Box 18550, Trenton, NJ 08650
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New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
637 South Clinton Avenue
P.O. Box 18550
Trenton, NJ 08650
609-278-7400
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