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A fixed interest rate home mortgage to qualified first-time and urban area home buyers with immediate home improvement needs. Homeowners are allowed to finance up to $15,000 toward home repairs and improvements as part of the first mortgage. Improvements allowed include replacing a roof, painting, installing improved heating or air conditioning systems, renovating a kitchen or bath, renovating plumbing or electrical systems and enlarging rooms. Energy conservation and solar energy improvements are also eligible. Handicap accessibility improvements are also eligible repairs. Please see the latest income and purchase price limits. Further detail is available on our Fact Sheet or call 1-800-NJ-HOUSE.
FACT SHEET
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This program is used to purchase a residence and to provide funds for the cost of minor home improvements (up to $15,000), all included in one loan. Improvements may include retrofitting necessary to make the home handicapped-accessible.
- INTEREST RATE: Please check with your Lender for the current interest rates.
- MORTGAGE LOAN MATURITY: 30 year maximum term, conventional, fixed rate.
- FEES: Borrowers must pay one percent at time of application. The Lender will reimburse borrower at the time of closing on a zero (0) point loan. In addition, there will be a $200 fee at the time of application for the home improvement portion of the loan. Inspection fees of up to $75 per inspection for the home improvement work will also be charged.
- ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES: Existing single family homes (not more than 1 unit dwelling) in the Statewide and Targeted Areas.
The home improvement portion of the proceeds may only be used for alteration, repairs or improvements to substantially protect or improve the basic livability or energy efficiency of the acquired property. Eligible alterations, repairs and improvements include such items as a new roof, painting, installation of improved heating or air conditioning systems, renovation of a kitchen area, plumbing or electrical systems, and the addition of living space. Energy conservation and solar energy improvements are also eligible. Amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, saunas or other recreational or entertainment facilities are not eligible improvements.
Permanent improvements that improve the basic livability for handicapped individuals are also eligible. These include, but are not limited to: ramps, levered door handles, wheel chair accessible kitchen counters, bathroom modifications, grab bars, stair elevators, telephone and doorbell light indicators for the deaf, and the repositioning of electrical outlets.
After improvement, properties must appraise at least 95% Loan-To-Value (based on acquisition cost plus the home improvement portion of the loan amount). Properties must be owner occupied within 60 days of loan closing.
- ELIGIBLE BORROWERS: Individuals only. Corporations are not permitted to act as borrowers. Borrowers purchasing properties located in the Statewide areas must be "First Time Home Buyers." Borrowers purchasing properties located in the Targeted Areas do not have to be first time home buyers, however, at the time of loan closing no other residential properties may be owned.
- MORTGAGE INSURANCE: The following coverage is required on all conventional loans
| 90.01% LTV to 95% LTV |
30% coverage regardless of loan term
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| 80.01% LTV to 90% LTV |
25% coverage regardless of loan term |
- DOWNPAYMENT REQUIREMENTS: The Home Plus Program requires a 5% downpayment. The entire 5% downpayment may come from the borrower's own assets or, if acceptable to the Mortgage Insurer, 3% may come from the borrower's own assets and the additional 2% may be in the form of a gift or an unsecured loan from either a family member, nonprofit organization or other public entity.
- HOME IMPROVEMENT PORTION LIMITS: Maximum amount $15,000. Minimum amount $1,000.
- HOME IMPROVEMENT DISBURSEMENTS: Home improvement funds of $5,000 may be disbursed, at the discretion of the Lender, at closing. Over $5,000 will be disbursed by Lender at completion or according to an escrow schedule set by the Lender.
All funds must be expended or applied to the principal loan balance. No reductions will be made to the loan amount which is stated on the mortgage note.
Construction contractors must be licensed as appropriate for the work and be acceptable to the Lender. A signed contract or enforceable proposal stating the total costs, disbursement schedule and scope of services must be delivered to the Lender prior to loan commitment.
- COMPLETION CERTIFICATE: All home improvements must be completed within 180 days of closing and the Lender or its appraiser must submit a certification of completion and proof of payment.
- CLOSING COSTS: Borrower may fund closing costs with gifts or unsecured loans from nonprofit organizations or public entities. Escrow payments must be paid from borrower's liquid assets.
- INCOME LIMITS: Income limits for all Mortgage Programs are determined by the area of purchase as well as family size. (Listed on separate sheet.)
- PURCHASE PRICE LIMITS: Purchase price limits exist for both Statewide and Target Areas. (Listed on separate sheet.)
- HMFA Approved Lender List
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