Your First Home. My Experience. Every Step of the Way.
Buying Your First Home in South Jersey? You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone.
Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? How much can you afford? What happens after you find a house you love? And who can you trust to explain everything along the way?
That's where I come in.
I'm Michaela Hartery, a South Jersey Realtor and Broker Associate with Peze & Associates Realtors, and helping first-time home buyers is one of my specialties.
For 31 years, I've helped buyers navigate the real estate market throughout Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties, New Jersey.
I believe buying your first home should be an exciting experience, not an intimidating one. I'll answer your questions, explain your options, return your calls, guide you through the paperwork, and make sure you understand what's happening every step of the way.
You'll never have to worry about asking too many questions. That's what I'm here for!
Not sure you're ready to buy? That's perfectly fine. We can start with a conversation.
1. You May Qualify for $10,000 in Buyer Assistance
One of the first questions I hear from first-time buyers is, "How much money do I need to buy a home?"
You may be surprised to learn that assistance programs could make homeownership more affordable than you think.
The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) offers down payment assistance for eligible home buyers.
For qualifying buyers purchasing a home in Camden County, Burlington County, or Gloucester County, the program currently provides:
$10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
The assistance is structured as an interest-free, five-year forgivable second loan, with no monthly payments. If program requirements are satisfied, the loan can be forgiven after five years. Earlier sale, refinancing, or other triggering events may require repayment.
Some eligible first-generation home buyers may also qualify for an additional $7,000 in assistance.
How Do You Find Out If You Qualify?
I encourage my buyers to speak with my preferred mortgage lender early in the process. My lender can help you:
- Understand your mortgage options and estimated monthly payment.
- Review your income, credit, and financial qualifications.
- Determine whether you meet the guidelines for available first-time home buyer assistance programs.
- Explore conventional, FHA, VA, and other applicable financing options.
- Understand your estimated down payment and closing costs.
- Obtain a mortgage preapproval so you can begin shopping with confidence.
You don't need to have all the answers before making that first phone call.
Ask Michaela for My Preferred Lender's Contact Information
Program eligibility, funding availability, income limits, purchase price limits, and other requirements apply. NJHMFA assistance must be arranged through a participating lender and an eligible mortgage program. Financing and assistance are not guaranteed.
2. Here's How We'll Get You Home
I know that purchasing your first home involves decisions you may have never made before. My job is to make the process understandable, manageable, and as stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Let's Talk About Your Goals
We'll start with a conversation about what you're looking for, your preferred towns, your budget, your timing, and what's most important to you. You don't have to know exactly what you want yet. We'll figure that out together.
Step 2: Understand Your Mortgage Options
I'll encourage you to speak with a knowledgeable lender who can explain financing options, mortgage preapproval, closing costs, and potential first-time buyer assistance programs. Understanding your numbers before you start shopping helps you make confident decisions.
Step 3: Let's Find the Right Home
Whether you're searching in Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Maple Shade, Pennsauken, Washington Township, or elsewhere in South Jersey, I'll help you explore homes that fit your needs and budget. I'll also share my knowledge of neighborhoods, property conditions, local market activity, and resale considerations.
Step 4: Make a Smart, Competitive Offer
Finding a home you love is only part of the process. I'll review comparable sales, explain the local market, discuss the property's condition, and help you develop an offer strategy. With 31 years of real estate experience, I understand how important it is to protect your interests while negotiating the best price and terms possible.
Step 5: Inspections, Appraisal, and Mortgage Approval
This is where first-time buyers often have the most questions. What's a home inspection? What happens if something needs to be repaired? What if the house doesn't appraise for the purchase price? I'll explain what to expect, help coordinate the transaction, and communicate with the appropriate professionals so you understand your choices.
Step 6: Settlement Day. You Get Your Keys!
We'll prepare for your final walkthrough and settlement. I'll explain what to expect, help keep everyone informed, and be there to guide you through the final steps. And then comes my favorite part: handing you the keys to your first home!
3. Why First-Time Home Buyers Choose to Work With Me
Because you deserve more than someone who just opens doors.
Buying a home is likely one of the largest financial decisions you'll make. You need an experienced Realtor who will listen, communicate, negotiate, and look out for your best interests. Here's what you can expect when we work together.
You'll understand what's happening.
I'll explain the home-buying process in plain English. No confusing real estate jargon without an explanation.
Your questions will be welcomed.
There are no silly questions when you're buying your first home. I want you to understand your decisions before you make them.
I'll communicate with you.
Calls, texts, emails, updates, and honest conversations are all part of how I work. I know how frustrating it is when someone doesn't return a call, especially when an important decision needs to be made.
I'll look out for your interests.
I'll help you evaluate homes, recognize potential concerns, understand your options, and avoid rushing into a purchase that doesn't make sense for you.
You'll benefit from 31 years of local experience.
I've spent decades working in the South Jersey real estate market. I understand the communities, housing styles, local market conditions, and challenges that can arise during a transaction.
You won't have to navigate the process alone.
From our very first conversation until settlement day, I'll be there to help you understand the next step.
4. Where Are You Thinking of Buying Your First Home?
I help first-time home buyers throughout South Jersey, including:
Camden County: Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Collingswood, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Pennsauken, Gloucester Township, and surrounding towns.
Burlington County: Marlton, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Moorestown, Cinnaminson, Delran, Medford, Mount Holly, and surrounding communities.
Gloucester County: Washington Township, Williamstown, Deptford, West Deptford, Glassboro, Woodbury, and surrounding communities.
Every community has something different to offer. I'll help you compare home prices, local property taxes, housing options, commute considerations, and the features that matter to your lifestyle.
5. Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Your First Home in South Jersey
How much money do I need to buy my first home in New Jersey?
It depends on the purchase price, mortgage program, down payment requirements, closing costs, and any assistance for which you qualify. Some financing programs offer low down payment options. My preferred lender can help you understand your actual costs before you begin shopping.
Is there a $10,000 first-time home buyer grant in New Jersey?
New Jersey currently offers $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for qualifying buyers in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties through NJHMFA. The assistance is a five-year forgivable loan, not an unconditional cash grant. Your lender can explain the requirements and determine whether you qualify.
Do I have to have perfect credit to buy a house?
No. Different mortgage programs have different credit and financial requirements. A lender can review your situation and explain which options may be available or what steps could improve your readiness to buy.
Do I need a mortgage preapproval before looking at homes?
I strongly recommend speaking with a lender early. A preapproval can help establish a realistic purchase budget and make your offer stronger when you find the right property.
Do first-time home buyers need their own Realtor?
Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you understand the market, evaluate properties, negotiate an offer, and manage the steps between contract and settlement. Before we tour homes together, I'll explain buyer representation and any required agreements, including how real estate brokerage compensation works.
How long does buying a home take?
The timeline varies depending on your financing, the available homes, your search preferences, contract terms, inspections, and lender requirements. I'll help you plan a realistic timeline and keep you informed as your transaction progresses.
Can I buy a home if I have never owned one before and don't understand the process?
Absolutely. You don't need to be a real estate expert to buy your first home. That's why you hire an experienced Realtor. My job is to explain, guide, communicate, and help you make informed decisions.
Is now a good time to buy a home in South Jersey?
The right time depends on your finances, your plans, and the opportunities available in the communities where you want to live. I'll help you understand current local market conditions so you can make a decision that's right for you, rather than feeling pressured to buy.
Ready to start your home search? Call or text Michaela L. Hartery at 856-912-2973.
Get In Touch
Let's Make Your First Home a Reality!
Wherever you are in the process, I'd love to help. Let's talk about your goals, your questions, and how we can get you started.