Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program

What is Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program?

Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Trenton, New Jersey.

• The Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program (TNI HAP) is a place-based DPA grant operated by NJCC's Address Yourself(TM) program in partnership with the Trenton Neighborhood Initiative, a community-based organization working to advance affordable homeownership and neighborhood revitalization in Trenton. Provides up to $20,000 in DPA to income-qualified first-time buyers purchasing a 1-4 family primary residence anywhere in the City of Trenton. Structured as a 5-year forgivable second mortgage at 0% interest.
• Provides up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to income-qualified first-time buyers purchasing any 1-4 family primary residence in the City of Trenton, NJ. Structured as a 5-year forgivable second mortgage at 0% interest with no monthly payment.
• Funding comes from Nonprofit and Foundation.

Do you have to pay it back?

Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, refinance (without subordination), or property no longer used as primary residence prior to 5-year forgiveness and balance forgiven 20% per year.
• The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Up to 100% of HUD Area Median Income for Mercer County, adjusted for household size. Approximate range (2025 HUD): 1-person ~ $88,400 up to 8-person ~ $166,600.
• 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?

Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program caps the purchase price as follows: No published maximum purchase price; subject to first-mortgage product limits.

• Eligible property types include 1-4 family residential property occupied as primary residence.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Trenton, New Jersey.

• The program targets specific areas: Eligible only for properties within the City of Trenton, NJ. Place-based program designed to advance affordable homeownership and revitalization in Trenton in partnership with the Trenton Neighborhood Initiative.

How do you apply?

Applications for Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Homebuyer Assistance Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through NJCC- and HUD-approved housing counseling agencies; pre-purchase counseling certificate (within 1 year) required.

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Reserved through Address Yourself application process once borrower is enrolled, preapproved, and under contract on a Trenton property, and are subject to availability.

3. 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.