---
title: "First-Time Home Buyer in NJ | MCC"
description: "A plain-English guide for first-time home buyers in New Jersey: NJHMFA down payment assistance up to $22,000, the attorney review period, the disclosure…"
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/first-time-home-buyer-new-jersey"
---

Home buying

# Buying your first home in New Jersey

State help with the down payment, a three-day attorney review, and two federal deadlines that protect you. Here's how a New Jersey purchase actually runs, with the current numbers.

## State help with the down payment

New Jersey's housing finance agency (NJHMFA) offers first-time buyer mortgages and down payment assistance through participating lenders. ([NJHMFA](https://nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/homebuyers/index.shtml))

| Program | What it gives |
| --- | --- |
| Down Payment Assistance | Up to $15,000 in Union, Essex, Middlesex, Bergen, Hudson and other northern and central counties; up to $10,000 in southern counties. A 0% second loan, forgiven after 5 years if you keep living there. ([fact sheet](https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/docs/FTHB-ConsumerFactSheet.pdf)) |
| First Generation Homebuyer | $7,000 more on top, for buyers whose parents don't own a home. Needs a notarized First-Generation Borrower's Affidavit. ([fact sheet](https://nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/docs/SmartStartPlus_FirstGenerationHomeBuyer_Program_FactSheet.pdf)) |

Generally for buyers who haven't owned a primary home in the past 3 years, with income and price limits by county. Credit score and education requirements differ by program; check NJHMFA's current fact sheets. Apply through a participating lender, or call 1-800-NJ-HOUSE.

## How the purchase runs

- ### Apply for the loan The lender must give you a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of your application. Compare estimates from more than one lender. ([CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-loan-estimate-en-1995/))

- ### Sign the contract, then attorney review When an agent prepares the contract, either side's attorney has 3 business days to review it and cancel or propose changes. ([N.J.A.C. 11:5-6.2](https://law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-11-5-6-2))

- ### Inspection, appraisal, title Your lender orders the appraisal; you choose the inspector. A title company or attorney checks the title.

- ### The Closing Disclosure You must receive it at least 3 business days before closing. Compare it line by line with your Loan Estimate. ([CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-closing-disclosure-en-1983/))

- ### Closing day Attorneys or title companies run closings in New Jersey. Bring photo ID and the exact funds by wire or certified check, and confirm wiring instructions by phone with a number you already know: wire fraud targets closings. [Closing day checklist](/notary/guides/closing-day-checklist-for-home-buyers)

## Who pays the transfer fees

The seller pays New Jersey's realty transfer fee. Since July 10, 2025, the seller also pays the graduated fee on homes over $1 million, which used to be the buyer's. ([NJ Treasury](https://nj.gov/treasury/taxation/pdf/lpt/GraduatedPercentFeeNotice.pdf)) Buyers still pay their own closing costs: appraisal, title insurance, recording, and prepaid taxes, insurance and interest. ([CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-fees-can-i-expect-at-closing-en-1845/))

## Can't make the closing in person?

If you're out of town, your lender or title company may allow a mail-away signing with a notary near you, or a remote online closing. [Mail-away signings](/notary/guides/out-of-state-closing-mail-away-signings) · [Loan signing agent](/notary/loan-signing-agent) · [Book a notary](/notary/)

Printable kit

### Home Buying Cost and Affordability Planner

An Excel planner for the full cost of buying: down payment, closing costs, monthly payment, taxes and the cash you need at closing.

[See what's inside ($19)](/toolkits/home-buying-cost-planner) [Free sample](/toolkits/home-buying-cost-planner#free-starter)14-day full refund

General information, checked November 2026. Not legal advice. MCC Solutions is not a law firm.

## Questions

**How much down payment help can I get in New Jersey?**

NJHMFA's program gives up to $15,000 in northern and central counties and $10,000 in southern ones, plus $7,000 more for first-generation buyers. It's forgiven after 5 years if you keep the home as your residence.

**Who counts as a first-time buyer?**

For NJHMFA, someone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past 3 years, with exceptions for some urban areas and veterans.

**Does the buyer pay the mansion tax in New Jersey?**

Not anymore. Since July 10, 2025, the seller pays the graduated fee on homes over $1 million.

**What is attorney review?**

When a real estate agent prepares the contract, each side's attorney has 3 business days to review it. Either can cancel or propose changes in that time.

## Need a notary? Send it to the desk.

[Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)