First Time Home Buyers

Board of Commissioners

Ocean County Department of Planning

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First-Time Homebuyer Information:

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS PROGRAM GUIDELINES | Guidelines (en español)
FTHB BROCHURE | Brochure (en español)

O.C.E.A.N., Inc. is the administrator for the Ocean County Consortium's First-Time Homebuyer program. The program brings together County government agencies with many area lenders in a cooperative effort to increase the opportunity for homeownership among the County's low to moderate income households.

Interested individuals and families can contact the O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Housing Counselor 732-244-5333, Ext. 1110 or email MLamela@oceaninc.org. Program eligibility is determined by a number of factors, including HUD income guidelines, US citizenship and residence in Ocean County, steady employment history, income stability and credit score.

Upon pre-certification approval, all eligible applicants must attend a free introductory workshop that covers the basics of home buying and homeownership including topics such as determining how much you can afford, the importance of your credit report, the mortgage application process, and a review of homeownership responsibilities. Review the First Time Homebuyer Guidelines or visit the O.C.E.A.N., Inc. website for more information.

GETTING STARTED IN THE FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROCESS:

REVIEW the ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS as listed in the PROGRAM GUIDELINES, including the HUD Income Limits.

CONTACT THE HOUSING COUNSELOR to register for the program and to request the Pre-Application Packet. (email MLamela@oceaninc.org)

The Housing Counselor will email you a link to SCHEDULE A PHONE INTERVIEW to complete Pre-Screening and guide you through the entire homebuying process from program registration to closing.

O.C.E.A.N., Inc.
40 Washington Street
Toms River, NJ 08754
732-244-5333, Ext. 1110 - Housing Counselor
www.oceaninc.org

		Director John P. Kelly has been an Ocean County elected official since 1993. He was sworn into his 11th three-year term on the Board of Commissioners during the Board’s organization meeting Jan. 4, 2023. Read more
		Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi was sworn to his first three year term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s reorganization meeting Jan. 3, 2024. A successful businessman and a long-time public servant, Commissioner Sadeghi brings years of leadership experience to the Board. Read more
		Commissioner Virginia E. "Ginny" Haines, a lifelong resident of Ocean County, brings years of public service and leadership experience to the Board of Commissioners. She was sworn into her third three-year term on the Board during its organization meeting Jan. 4, 2023. Read more
		Commissioner Robert S. Arace was sworn into his first three-year term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s 2025 organization meeting on Jan. 6. A lifelong resident of Ocean County, Commissioner Arace is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and family-friendly community. Read more
		Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione was sworn to her first three-year term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s Jan. 6, 2025 Organization Meeting. Read more
Michael J. Fiure, County Administrator 101 Hooper Ave. Admin Building Toms River, NJ 08754 Phone: (732) 929-2147 \| Email: MFiure@co.ocean.nj.us
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Ocean County Department of Planning

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First Time Home Buyers

First-Time Homebuyer Information:

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