NCJAR News
We are proud to share that NCJAR has made a $2,500 contribution to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF), supporting disaster relief efforts for communities in need.
Now through May, your impact can go even further. Thanks to a generous matching initiative from Realtor.com, every dollar donated to RRF will be matched—doubling the support for families recovering from natural disasters across the country.
We invite you to join us in making a difference. Your donation, no matter the size, helps provide critical housing-related assistance to those affected by disasters. With this limited-time match, your generosity can make twice the impact when it’s needed most.
You’ve found a house with great bones—solid structure, a desirable location, and plenty of potential—but it needs some work. For many buyers, the idea of taking on renovation costs can feel overwhelming. The good news? It doesn’t have to be.
Today’s homebuyers have access to financing options that allow them to roll renovation costs directly into their mortgage. That means you can purchase a home and fund improvements with a single loan—making it easier to compete in a low-inventory market, personalize your space, and build equity faster.
As always, a knowledgeable NCJAR real estate professional can help guide you through these options and connect you with trusted lenders.
What Is Renovation Financing?
Renovation financing allows buyers to include the cost of repairs, upgrades, or even structural changes in their home loan. Instead of purchasing a home and then taking out a separate loan for improvements, everything is bundled into one mortgage.
This approach offers several advantages:
- One monthly payment instead of multiple loans
- Potentially lower interest rates compared to personal or home improvement loans
- The ability to customize your home immediately
- Faster equity growth by increasing the home’s value
New Jersey’s REAL (Resilient Environments and Landscapes) rules mark one of the most significant updates to land use and environmental regulations in decades. Adopted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on January 20, 2026, these rules are designed to better prepare communities, properties, and infrastructure for future flooding, sea-level rise, and climate impacts.
For NCJAR® members, the takeaway is clear: deals aren’t disappearing, but they are becoming more complex.
What Are the REAL Rules?
The REAL rules are part of the broader NJPACT (Protecting Against Climate Threats) initiative and represent a overhaul of regulations governing:
- Flood hazard areas
- Coastal zone management
- Freshwater wetlands
- Stormwater management
Unlike previous regulations, REAL integrates forward-looking climate science, including projections for sea-level rise and increasing flood risk, directly into permitting and development standards.
In fact, New Jersey is among the first states to implement such a comprehensive, climate-based regulatory framework for land use.
Real estate professionals across New Jersey are invited to take part in a powerful virtual experience focused on advancing fair housing and expanding access to homeownership.
Hosted by NCJAR and presented in partnership with NAREB Central Jersey, Mid Jersey Association of REALTORS®, NAR, and the NJ Division on Civil Rights, this free session brings together industry leaders, advocates, and experts committed to making a meaningful impact in our communities.
Taking place on Monday, April 13 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, attendees will have the opportunity to earn 2 Fair Housing CE credits at no cost while gaining valuable real world insights.
