Active members of the New Jersey Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) with one year of creditable service are eligible for this program. Members may buy a home (first-time or trade-up) or refinance an existing home. Maximum mortgage amount is $ 417,000. Interest rate is 30 year fixed. Program rates are set semi-annually in February and August. Further detail is available on our Fact Sheet or call 1-800-NJ-HOUSE.
FACT SHEET
1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program, which can be used for new mortgages or refinances, is administered through private lenders who have the necessary information to answer questions on the program. A lender list is attached for your use. PLEASE CONTACT LENDERS FOR PROGRAM INFORMATION.
2. TERMS: Call 1-800-NJ HOUSE for current rate. Rates are set twice a year in February and August. Rate is based on the 10 year Treasury bill plus 1%.
3. ELIGIBLE BORROWER: Any currently employed police officer or fire fighter, as defined in the enabling legislation, who is a member of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System with at least 1 year creditable service. While there is no first time home buyer requirement, at least 25% of the funds will be for first time home buyers.
4. ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES: One- or 2-family residences and condominium units located in New Jersey. Vacant land, provided a contract is executed, to construct an eligible 1- or 2-family dwelling.
5. OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENT: Borrower must occupy the residence as their principal residence within 120 days of closing and remain in the residence for the life of the loan.
6. MAXIMUM MORTGAGE: $417,000
7. MORTGAGE INSURANCE: Mortgage Insurance is required on all loans with downpayments of less than 20%.
8. SECOND MORTGAGES: No second mortgages will be permitted.
9. FEES: Applicants will be required to pay a standard non-refundable application fee and a flat fee of not more than $1,500, $750 of which must be paid at the time of application. The balance of the flat fee is to be paid at closing. If the loan closes successfully, the administrator of the funds, HMFA, is to be paid $325 making the borrower's total costs $1,825 (this $1825 does not include closing costs.) The fee at the time of application is not refundable unless the loan is denied by the lender for underwriting reasons.
Borrowers will pay a flat monthly charge of $30 per month as a servicing fee. After 3 years on the 37th month, the fee is reduced to $18 per month. The servicing fee will be added directly onto the mortgage payment. In addition, a one-time set-up fee of $10 will be charged at closing.
10. CLOSING COSTS: Borrowers are responsible for all closing costs in addition to the application fees. Under certain circumstances closing costs may be rolled into the mortgage.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
The state Treasurer has obtained and is relying on an opinion from tax counsel that there is an adequate basis, in accordance with prevailing guidelines, to conclude that it is reasonable for the Police and Firemen's Retirement System to take the position that mortgages issued under this program should not be treated as taxable distributions. If it is ultimately determined that these mortgages are taxable distributions, you could be required to pay tax on the mortgage proceeds as well as penalties. We suggest you consider consulting your own tax advisor before submitting your application.
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