Hello - I grew up and lived in Passaic/Bergen counties. Could no longer afford the housing that way, so moved to South Jersey. It's a bit different, but I can be back "home" in less than 2 hours and am still living the Jersey lifestyle.

I work with first time home buyers all the time (my specialty), so I partner with lenders that work with first time home buying grants. I just sold a couple of homes a few weeks ago that were move in ready for less than $250k. Nice areas, but more rural.

Feel free to send me a PM and I can help you find something if willing to look in the southern part of the state (I'm a realtor) or at least help you find a lender that works with grants.