NJHMFA Lender Bulletin
Important Program Updates for Participating Lenders
May 27 , 2020
Lender Bulletin 2020-8:
Upcoming Site Evaluator Changes
Effective Date: June 1, 2020
Due to the current health concerns related to COVID-19, the vast majority of NJHMFA staff will be working remotely until further notice. Please contact Agency staff via their work email address. NJHMFA encourages all of our business partners and constituents to submit any and all documentation in an electronic format whenever possible as staff will continue to check email and review information submitted electronically.  
Attention Lenders:

On June 1, 2020, NJHMFA will be launching the Site Evaluator 3.0 tool. 
 
Originally designed as a one-stop shop for data across multiple state agencies and entities many years ago, the Site Evaluator has long been in need of updating. Given that many of the entities that once populated the tool with their data have since migrated to using other or newer tools, NJHMFA remains one of the few entities that still requires the Site Evaluator tool be utilized to examine the eligibility of potential mortgage applicants for NJHMFA programs. 

Given this dynamic and the need for a new tool, NJHMFA has taken the initiative to launch an NJHMFA-specific Site Evaluator, also referred to as the “Site Evaluator 3.0”.

Beginning on June 1, the Site Evaluator landing page will reflect information for the new tool and all other NJHMFA links to the Site Evaluator will begin connecting to the new tool.
  
The new Site Evaluator is nimble and will require less manual maintenance.  The tool is currently set up to draw its reference layers directly from the data sources, and therefore, should automatically update as new information becomes available. 

The new Site Evaluator is targeted towards NJHMFA-specific programming.  The tool is designed for use by NJHMFA staff, NJHMFA partner lenders and other parties interested in their eligibility for NJHMFA programs, such as the expanded eligibility requirements for Down Payment Assistance in Urban Target Areas. 

The new Site Evaluator can provide specific property information.  In addition to providing information about whether a property falls within certain planning or area designations, the tool has the capability to provide users with specific property information, including but not limited to owner of record, previous year property taxes and elected representatives.  

The Site Evaluator can generate printable reports for submission with applications.  The new tool can generate 1-2-page reports that will include all relevant information in a format that can be submitted with applications for proof eligibility. See an example.  

If you wish to understand how to utilize the new Site Evaluator, you can view a  user introduction video or you can explore the tool live . If you have questions, please reach out to Lakesha Walker at  lwalker@njhmfa.gov  or Jonathan Sternesky at  jsternesky@njhmfa.gov .
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New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency | 609-278-7400 | NJHousing.gov