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City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program

City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Passaic, New Jersey, administered by City of Passaic Department of Community Development.

Last verified Source: City of Passaic Department of Community Development

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: First-time = not owned a home in the 3 years prior to purchase.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Homeowner education course required (provider not specified).
  • Residency: Property within the City of Passaic (07055). Occupy as principal residence >50% of each calendar year during the affordability period.
  • A home inside Passaic city limits

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Passaic

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

Income limit

80% of Passaic County’s area median income

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

$139,100
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Passaic’s homes

  • 15.5% single-family
  • 3.3% townhouse
  • 36% 2–4 units
  • 44.8% 5+ units
  • 0.4% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$429,900

Passaic median home value

86.5%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Passaic

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Homeowner education course required (provider not specified)..

  2. Contact City of Passaic Department of Community Development to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program?

City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Passaic, New Jersey, administered by City of Passaic Department of Community Development. Provides qualified low- and very-low-income first-time homebuyers up to $39,500 in HOME funds as a zero-interest, forgivable deferred-payment second mortgage toward down payment and purchase of a home in Passaic. Forgiven if the buyer maintains the home as principal residence through the affordability period (5 years under $15,000; 10 years for $15,000-$40,000). Up to $39,500 in HOME funds. Zero-interest forgivable second mortgage. No monthly payments. No prepayment penalty. Funding comes from HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

How much assistance does it provide?

City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program offers between $1,000 and $39,500 in assistance. Award tiers: Affordability period: $1,000-$14,999 = 5 years; $15,000-$40,000 = 10 years. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — City of Passaic Department of Community Development determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is forgiven after 10 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Due on title transfer, sale, death of applicant, or ceasing to use the unit as principal residence during the Restricted Affordability Period; forgiven if occupied for the full period. The assistance is recorded in Second position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: First-time = not owned a home in the 3 years prior to purchase. A homebuyer education course is required, through Homeowner education course required (provider not specified). Residency requirement: Property within the City of Passaic (07055). Occupy as principal residence >50% of each calendar year during the affordability period.

What are the income limits?

City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Applicant must be Low Income (<=80% AMI) or Very Low Income (<=50% AMI) per HUD limits for the Passaic area; income per 24 CFR Part 5. Specific dollar limits by household size not listed in the agreement. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower&rsquo;s. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program caps the purchase price as follows: Appraised value may not exceed HUD's HOME Homeownership Value Limit (references FY2016 limits); specific figure not stated. Eligible property types include Single Family, 2-4 Unit, Condo, Townhouse, and Manufactured. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are eligible.

Where does it apply?

City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Passaic, New Jersey.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Passaic First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program go through City of Passaic Department of Community Development, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Program terms are set by City of Passaic Department of Community Development and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.