Bill

Bill > S2720


NJ S2720

NJ S2720
Establishes loan program for first-time homebuyers who move to areas with most abandoned properties; appropriates $5 million.


summary

Introduced
02/15/2024
In Committee
02/15/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would establish a loan program for first-time homebuyers who move to parts of the State with the highest numbers of abandoned properties. This bill would help encourage the revitalization of these areas. The loan program that would be created by the bill would provide interest-free, deferred second mortgage loans to eligible applicants to cover the cost of qualified repairs to residential properties in eligible areas. An eligible applicant is a first-time homebuyer who purchases and occupies a residential property in an eligible area, and who meets certain other criteria. An eligible area is any one of the 10 municipalities with the highest numbers of abandoned properties in the State, and all areas within five miles of the boundaries of the municipality. A qualified repair encompasses basic rehabilitation repairs to a residential property, including but not limited to improvements to the plumbing, heating system, electrical system, roof, windows, doors, insulation, or exterior, including painting. The maximum amount for a loan issued pursuant to a program under this bill would be $10,000. A loan may be deferred up until the time of sale or transfer of title of the residential property. The bill requires the Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to adopt rules and regulations on or before the first day of the ninth month next following the effective date of the bill. Lastly, the bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to effectuate the purposes of the bill.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a loan program administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to encourage the revitalization of areas with the most abandoned properties by providing interest-free, deferred second mortgage loans of up to $10,000 to eligible first-time homebuyers. An eligible applicant must be a first-time homebuyer who purchases and lives in a residential property within an "eligible area," which includes the ten municipalities with the highest number of abandoned properties and areas within a five-mile radius of their boundaries, and must also meet at least four specific criteria, such as being a tradesperson, committing to community volunteer work, or relocating to the state. These loans can be used for "qualified repairs," meaning basic rehabilitation like fixing plumbing, heating, electrical systems, roofs, windows, doors, insulation, or the exterior, and the loan repayment is deferred until the property is sold or transferred. The bill also appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to fund this program and requires the agency to establish necessary rules and regulations.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 02/15/2024)

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