East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program
East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in East Orange, New Jersey.
The program asks for
- First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: HUD 24 CFR 92.2 displaced-homemaker / single-parent exceptions.
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- On credit: First-mortgage lender overlays apply.
- A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (NJ Citizen Action, Brand New Day, Garden State Episcopal CDC).
- Residency: Property must be in City of East Orange.
- Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen per HOME rules.
- First-time homebuyer (no primary residence in past 3 years; HUD exceptions). 80% AMI cap. Property in City of East Orange. Owner-occupied primary residence. $1,000 minimum buyer contribution. HUD-certified homebuyer counseling. HQS inspection. Lead-based paint clearance for pre-1978.
- A home inside East Orange city limits
It doesn’t cover
- Manufactured homes
- Purchases above the $920,000 price cap
- Households above 80% of area median income
- Homes outside East Orange
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 Essex 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.
Where it applies
East Orange’s homesEast Orange’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 19.8% single-familysingle-family
- 4.3% townhousetownhouse
- 26.6% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 49.3% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 0.1% mobile & othermobile home & other
A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.
$365,900
East Orange median home value
76%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in East Orange
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program, through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (NJ Citizen Action, Brand New Day, Garden State Episcopal CDC)..
Contact the administering agency to reserve funds
Funds are reserved through Application to East Orange Department of Neighborhood Housing & Revitalization. First-come, first-served subject to HOME funding cycle., and are subject to availability.
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 East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program?
East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in East Orange, New Jersey. East Orange HOME-funded $20,000 forgivable second for first-time homebuyers. 80% AMI cap. Tiered max purchase price. 10-year affordability period. Up to $20,000 in HOME-funded down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers purchasing in the City of East Orange, NJ. 0% interest deferred-payment forgivable second mortgage. 10-year HOME affordability period (since amount exceeds $15K). Lien fully forgiven at end of term if continuously owner-occupied. 80% AMI cap (Essex County / New York-Newark HMFA). Tiered max purchase price: $452,000 non-target / $920,000 target census tracts. Funding comes from Federal HOME.
Do you have to pay it back?
East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program is forgiven after 10 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by 10-year HOME affordability period and lien forgiven at end of term. Prorated balance due on early sale, transfer, cash-out refi, or non-owner-occupancy. The assistance is recorded in 2 position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: HUD 24 CFR 92.2 displaced-homemaker / single-parent exceptions. On credit, the program states: First-mortgage lender overlays apply. A homebuyer education course is required, through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (NJ Citizen Action, Brand New Day, Garden State Episcopal CDC). Residency requirement: Property must be in City of East Orange. Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen per HOME rules. First-time homebuyer (no primary residence in past 3 years; HUD exceptions). 80% AMI cap. Property in City of East Orange. Owner-occupied primary residence. $1,000 minimum buyer contribution. HUD-certified homebuyer counseling. HQS inspection. Lead-based paint clearance for pre-1978.
What are the income limits?
East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Household income at or below 80% AMI Essex County / New York-Newark HMFA. Approximate 2025: $66,300 (1-person) to $124,950 (8-person). The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’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?
East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program caps the purchase price at $920,000. Eligible property types include Single-family detached, Townhome, Condominium, and 2-4 unit owner-occupied. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.
Where does it apply?
East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program serves homebuyers purchasing in East Orange, New Jersey. The program targets specific areas: HUD-designated target census tracts within East Orange qualify for higher purchase-price limit.
How do you apply?
Applications for East Orange HOMEBuyers Purchase Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Application to East Orange Department of Neighborhood Housing & Revitalization. First-come, first-served subject to HOME funding cycle. 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.
Also for East Orange homebuyersOther programs open to East Orange homebuyers
- Essex County Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)Up to $50,000
- Homebuyer Dream Program (HDP)Up to $30,000
- Homebuyer Dream Program Plus (HDP Plus)Up to $30,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 83 programs for East OrangeProgram terms are set by the administering agency and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.