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Successful First Time Homebuyers closed on their new home during an otherwise challenging housing market

The housing market continues to be rough for hopeful buyers and that's particularly true right now for first-time homebuyers, however O.C.E.A.N., Inc. and local community partners continue to work together to eliminate barriers for local residents as they enter the homebuying market.


Congratulations to Ocean County, NJ residents Paul & Carole Battaglia who closed on their new home yesterday at the Shearer Law Office through the First Time Homebuyer Program. These new homeowners utilized the first time $15,000 forgivable homebuyers grant and were initially referred to O.C.E.A.N., Inc. by Gerard Murphy from OceanFirst Bank.

 

The First Time Homebuyer Program is sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners on behalf of the Ocean County Consortium through the Planning Department and is administered in partnership with O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Community Action Agency. Mark Lamela, the agency Housing Counselor, is the applicants point of contact assisting and guiding them throughout the entire process.  

 

Since the inception of the FTHB program, more than 589 families have received down payment and closing cost assistance for the purchase of a home and approximately 12 individuals/families received a $15,000 subsidy with fiscal year 2024 funding. It is noteworthy to add that Mark Lamela of the O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Housing Counseling Department assisted these 12 individuals/families with the closing of their homes during a time when the housing market favors sellers, with high demand, low inventory, and homes selling above list price. Congratulations to Mark Lamela on this accomplishment!

 

Special thanks to Pegasus Title Agency for the settlement services, Shearer Law Office, OceanFirst Bank for the mortgage and the entire Ocean County Consortium. It is through the assistance of these partners that both Paul and Carole can start the next chapter of their golden years in their new home.

 

The First-Time Homebuyer Program could help you achieve your dream of owning a home! The next set of O.C.E.A.N., Inc. First Time Homebuyer Workshops are scheduled for the following dates and times:


  • Monday, November 4th (5:45 pm to 8 pm)

  • Thursday, November 7th (5:45 pm to 8 pm)

  • Tuesday, November 12th (5:45 pm to 8 pm)


Reminder, attendance at all workshops is mandatory. 


To register for these workshops, you must call or email Mark Lamela the O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Housing Counselor at (732) 244-5333 Ext.1110 or via email at mlamela@oceaninc.org. The workshops will be conducted virtually via Zoom however you must register to obtain the Zoom link. 

 

You are a first-time homebuyer if (among other eligibility requirements): 


  • You have not owned a home on your own in the past three years  

  • You previously owned a home with a former spouse or significant other and no longer reside in the home and are trying to purchase a home solely and separately.  


Be sure to visit the O.C.E.A.N., Inc. First Time Homebuyer website page at:  https://www.oceaninc.org/housingprograms for more information.

 

Also visit the O.C.E.A.N., Inc. 'Calendar of Events' with updates continuously posted on the following site: https://oceaninc.org/calendar-of-events 

 


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