FREE HOMEBUYER EDUCATION PROGRAM

& GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE

If you have ever considered buying a home – then completing a pre-purchase education course is always a good idea.    Programs are offered by a local non-profit which is also a HUD Agency – the Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC).   They offer in person counseling, group counseling and on-line counseling programs. 

 The next group program is being held on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm.  There is also an opportunity for participants to meet with presenters who are experts in their field.  The topics and course materials result in participants being better prepared for homeownership.

 In addition there are grant funds for down payment/closing cost funds if eligible households want to purchase a home in Somerset County. 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 First Time Home Buyer PRIOR to signing a purchase agreement or contract of sale.  This program meets that pre-purchase requirement. All household members whose names appear on the deed or affordable housing application must attend pre-purchase education.  Attendees on January 14, 2015 will be provided with a certificate which will be good for one year.

 Other benefits of obtaining a certificate include: lower mortgage rates and reduced legal fee.The program will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at CJHRC, 600 1st Avenue, Raritan, New Jersey.   The program will begin promptly at 5:30 pm and is scheduled to end at 9:30 pm.  A light dinner will be served.

 Laura Wetzel from Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) will speak on the topic of credit, debt, credit reports and more. 

 Lee Caprarola, M&T Bank will discuss “How to Get a Mortgage” and “Closing Costs”,

 Sital Shal, Attorney will discuss “The Role of the Realtor, Attorney and Home Inspection during the buying process.”

Janice Petronella, from State Farm will discuss, “Homeowners and Renter Insurance”

 Laura Wetzel from  CJHRC, will provide information on the State of NJ Low and Moderate Income Program, Grant Opportunities and Home Maintenance.”

 “Purchasing a home and securing a mortgage is difficult and stressful.  We want to help families and individuals who are ready, responsible and qualified to become homeowners” 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 by September 15, 2014 and space is limited.   To register, contact CJHRC at

908-704-9649 (mailbox #8) or for more information you can go online by visiting www.cjhrc.org [http://www.cjhrc.org/] and clicking on Step by Step program.   If you get voicemail please leave your name, address, and daytime phone number.

This Free “Pre Purchase” Program is made possible through the generosity of the following funders: Bank of America, Capital One Bank, Franklin Township CDBG, Hudson City Savings, Investors Foundation Inc., Investors Bank, Johnson & Johnson Somerset County Companies, M&T Bank, Macy’s Inc., Magyar Bank, Novartis, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, PSE&G Foundation, Roselle Savings Bank, Somerset County Human Services, Somerset Savings Bank, SLA, State Farm Foundation, Synchrony Bank, TD Bank, Tyler Foundation and Wells Fargo.