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Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)

Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Somerset County, New Jersey, administered by Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) with Somerset County Community Development.

Last verified Source: Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) with Somerset County Community Development

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: First-time = individual and spouse not owned a home during the 3 years prior to purchase.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Must be credit worthy (per CJHRC ADDI guidelines); specific minimum not published.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through CJHRC homebuyer education and at least one one-on-one housing counseling session, required before signing the contract of sale.
  • Residency: Must purchase a home located in Somerset County.
  • A home in Somerset County

It doesn’t cover

  • New construction
  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Somerset County

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 Somerset 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.

$154,800
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Somerset County’s homes

  • 57.8% single-family
  • 14.5% townhouse
  • 9.8% 2–4 units
  • 17.7% 5+ units
  • 0.2% mobile & other

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

$552,100

Somerset County median home value

46.4%

built before 1980

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

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through CJHRC homebuyer education and at least one one-on-one housing counseling session, required before signing the contract of sale..

  2. Contact Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) with Somerset County 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 Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)?

Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Somerset County, New Jersey, administered by Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) with Somerset County Community Development. Part of the Somerset County HOME Investment Partnership Program, ADDI helps lower-income first-time homebuyers with closing costs for homes in Somerset County. Administered by CJHRC (HUD-approved counseling agency) with applications to the Somerset County Community Development Office. Forgivable loan up to $10,000 for down payment/closing costs. Interest-free. 5-year deed restriction, then forgiven. Funding comes from HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program (Somerset County HOME / ADDI).

How much assistance does it provide?

Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) offers up to $10,000 in assistance. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) with Somerset County Community Development determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Full ADDI loan (not prorated) repaid if sold or no longer primary residence before the 5-year restriction expires. 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?

Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) 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 = individual and spouse not owned a home during the 3 years prior to purchase. On credit, the program states: Must be credit worthy (per CJHRC ADDI guidelines); specific minimum not published. A homebuyer education course is required, through CJHRC homebuyer education and at least one one-on-one housing counseling session, required before signing the contract of sale. Residency requirement: Must purchase a home located in Somerset County.

What are the income limits?

Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Household income <=80% AMI adjusted for household size; income from all members over 18 counted. NOTE: published CJHRC ADDI dollar limits date to an older (2015) flyer and should be re-verified with Somerset County CD / CJHRC for the current program year. 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?

Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) caps the purchase price as follows: Max property value set by Somerset County; verify current limit. Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, Co-op, and Manufactured. New construction is not eligible. Manufactured homes are eligible.

Where does it apply?

Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) serves homebuyers purchasing in Somerset County, New Jersey.

How do you apply?

Applications for Somerset County American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) go through Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) with Somerset County 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 Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) with Somerset County Community Development and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.