Housing Programs

Housing Assistance & Applications

The Housing Division administers housing programs and services that support individuals and families seeking affordable housing opportunities.

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Available Forms and Resources

Housing Application (English)

Ocean Inc. Housing Waiting List Annual Update Form

Berkeley Housing Application (Spanish)

Home Value Limits

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First-Time Homebuyers Program (Ocean County)

Helping Ocean County residents achieve the dream of homeownership. This program provides $15,000 in financial assistance toward the purchase of an eligible home. Assistance is provided as a deferred loan, forgiven after six (6) years

• Reduced bank fees and closing costs

• No mortgage points charged

• Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability

Getting Started

Applicants should begin by reviewing the eligibility requirements, including HUD income limits.

To receive the Pre-Application Packet, applicants must contact the Housing Counselor at O.C.E.A.N., Inc.

The Pre-Application Packet includes:

• Complete Program Guidelines

• Credit Authorization Form

• Credit Report Release Form

• List of Participating Lenders

• Schedule of First-Time Homebuyer Workshops

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Once the Pre-Application and required documentation are received, O.C.E.A.N., Inc. will issue the Application Packet to confirm eligibility and begin the qualification process for down payment assistance.

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Have not owned a home in the past three (3) years

• Be a resident of Ocean County

• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien

• Have a steady employment history

• Provide a minimum down payment of 3% of the sales price

• At least 1% must come from the applicant’s own funds

• Meet HUD income limits

• Meet asset test requirements and demonstrate a pattern of savings

• Have sufficient income to support mortgage and recurring monthly debts

• Attend HUD-Certified Homeownership Education Workshops offered every three months

• Investors are not eligible
   

Eligible Properties

Must be located in Ocean County

Eligible housing types:

• Single-family homes

• Condominiums

• Townhouses

• Manufactured homes

• Mobile homes are not eligible
   

• Purchase price may not exceed $475,000

• Buyer must occupy the home as their primary residence within 60 days of closing

• Home must remain the primary residence for the full 6-year grant period

• Rental or investment use is not permitted

• Property must meet HUD and local housing code standards

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Applicants who do not qualify may still access Housing Counseling services for budgeting, credit repair, and savings planning.

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Private Property Services & Rentals

O.C.E.A.N., Inc. provides affordable rental housing by constructing new housing units or rehabilitating existing properties.

Since program inception, O.C.E.A.N., Inc. has:

• Constructed, rehabilitated, or acquired 157 housing units

• Served residents in Ocean, Monmouth, and Atlantic Counties
   

Senior Rental Housing

O.C.E.A.N., Inc. operates senior housing communities for income-eligible residents:

Macedonia / O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Senior Residence
Lakewood, NJ (Seniors 55 and Older)
144 John Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701

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Emerald Terrace Senior Housing
Barnegat, NJ (Southern Ocean County)

Both locations offer affordable one-bedroom units for seniors.

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Home Construction Program

O.C.E.A.N., Inc. is a registered builder in New Jersey and assists low- and moderate-income families interested in new home construction opportunities.

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Housing Counseling Services

Housing counseling services are available for individuals and families seeking assistance with:

• Mortgage counseling

• Credit counseling

• Budgeting for homeownership
   

Counseling services are also available to applicants who do not qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Program.

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Reasonable accommodations are available for:

• Physical disabilities (first-floor units, elevators)

• Language barriers through in-house translators when required
   

Housing Program Contacts

Housing Counseling Department
Phone: 732-244-5333 ext. 1110
Fax: 732-289-2619

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Private Property Services / Rentals / Home Construction
Phone: 732-730-1374 ext. 1202
Email: propertymanager@oceaninc.org

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Emerald Terrace Senior Housing
Phone: 609-698-2174
or 732-730-1374 ext. 1202
Email: propertymanager@oceaninc.org