Unfortunately , it would be hard to find a house closet to the train for that money unless it's a short sale. I am the top agent for single family homes in So Orange for the last 5 years.

Matthew
I am a mortgage lender who works in the Maplewood/South Orange area. There is financing available with as little as 3.5 percent down, however I would need to know more about you and the condo to see whether or not you would qualify for this program. In addition, not all condo projects are eligible. If you contact me privately about your situation, I will be better able to assess exactly what you can do.
Ruth Bonapace
ruthbonapce@gmail.com
201 741 5269

Hi Matthew,
Yes, great towns! Unique town centers and NYC Trains which certainly will help with resale value down the road. I think since you have settled on a area in which to purchase you should speak with a mortgage representative to help guide you to the best financing available to you. You may qualify for FHA financing which requires only 3 1/2 percent downpayment. Also, you may already know this, but if you purchase before the end of the year you may also qualify for an $8000 tax credit which is currently being offered to first time home buyers. Let me know if I can put you in touch with our in-house mortgage rep. There is no fee and you are under no obligation to use them, but he is a wealth of information and recently assisted my husband and I on our own refinance. Feel free to contact me at Kelly@HartnettHomeTeam.com I'm happy to help.

Matthew,

There are several available condos in the Maplewood/South Orange areas. Please click on the link to view some of the properties that are newer and/or newly renovated. http://emailrpt.gsmls.com/public/show_public_report_rpt.do?r…
Whereas this link includes all the properties within your price range : http://emailrpt.gsmls.com/public/show_public_report_rpt.do?r…

If you qualify for FHA, you can put as little down as 3.5% but I recommend that you speak to a mortgage lender about different loan programs available to you based on your credit, down payment and financing. If you need a lender, I can certainly put in touch with our in-house mortgage rep Frank Gatto, Home Capital Network. There's no obligation to use his services.

If you are interested in seeing any of these properties or would like to be updated on new properties and/or price adjustments, please feel free to contact me directly or you may visit my website and sign up for free property alerts.

Good luck.

Gina Chirico, Sales Associate
Prudential NJ Properties
973-715-1158 cell
973-992-6363 ext 116
Gina.Chirico@PrudentialNewJersey.com

Hi Matthew -

Maplewood and South Orange are fantastic places to live! And, great towns for first time home buyers. We have some condos that would fit the bill.

If you are interested in seeing what is currently available, I would be happy to email you what is on the market in your price range and with any other specific criteria you require. Please feel free to email me at: TracyFreeman@KW.com.