The Site Evaluator provides information on eligible programs and incentives for a specific location, such as Smart Growth and Urban Target Area designation. There is the capability to print the results into an easy-to-read report.
 
The tool can be used to determine if a property is located within the following program areas:

• Urban Target Area
• Smart Growth Area
• Difficult Development Area
• Qualified Census Tracts

Program eligibility options allow the user to query whether an address will qualify for any number of NJHMFA financing programs based on the project's location, such as:

• Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
• Multifamily Financing
• Increased Income Limits for the Mortgage and Down Payment Assistance Programs
• Waiver of First-Time Homebuyer Requirements for Borrowers

The following information is also available:

• Municipality Name
• Legislative District
• Census Block Group Number
• Congressional District
• Census Tract Number
• Property Block and Lot
• Property Class
• Property Assessment

The user may use the census block group or tract number to conduct further census-based research at the US Census Bureau. 

Need assistance learning the new Site Evaluator tool?

Based on the location of the project, the Site Evaluator displays every NJHMFA program that is available for funding. The Site Evaluator uses spatial geo-coding expertise to match the address to the calculated nearest recognized address.
 
Several factors affect the precision of the spatially-based outlook of the Site Evaluator's function. For example, if your site is a vacant lot or a new development, the Locator might be unable to identify the position or place the address on the map. Use aerial photos or the red diamond button below the address bar to identify/confirm the location on the map. In addition, areas near the border of program layers may not align accurately due to mapping projection limitations. If your project is close to a boundary, use aerial photos to verify the location.
 
Determination of Smart Growth Area eligibility ultimately rests with the Office for Planning Advocacy, within the NJ Department of State.
 
Determination of census tract information ultimately rests with the U.S. Census. If you receive a different census tract number than the map gives, you may verify tract number with the US Census.

Determination of Urban Target Areas (UTAs) ultimately rests with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
 
Determination of NJHMFA program eligibility ultimately rests with the respective NJHMFA division. Contact information for each division is provided through the NJHMFA website and as part of the report function of the Site Evaluator.
 
Data updates are scheduled to occur regularly. Please contact the respective NJHMFA division if you have any concerns.
 

If you’d like additional information on our lending programs, including how you can receive $10,000 towards down payment and closing costs, visit our lender referral tool to be referred to a local lender that can walk you through the process, answer your questions, and take your application.

For questions about on how to obtain NJHMFA DPA down payment and closing cost assistance, visit our Homebuyer Programs page, or call 1-800-NJHOUSE.

For questions about our First-Time Homebuyer programs, visit our Homebuyer Programs page or call our hotline at 1-800-NJ-HOUSE.

To learn more about Smart Growth or for specific questions regarding designation of Smart Growth Areas, contact the Office for Planning Advocacy at 609-292-7156, or visit their contact page for more information.

For questions about using the Site Evaluator, contact Jonathan Sternesky at 609-278-7384 or via email at jsternesky@njhmfa.gov.