In an era where the cost of living continues to soar, housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing New Jersey residents. For many workers, the dream of homeownership—or even securing a stable rental—is increasingly out of reach. Now, one innovative company is stepping in with a fresh solution.
Picket Fence has officially launched an employer-sponsored real estate benefits program designed to give small and mid-sized businesses in New Jersey access to perks that were once reserved for Fortune 500 companies. The initiative aims to help employers recruit and retain top talent while giving employees real, tangible support in navigating the state’s competitive housing market.
👉 Explore more on New Jersey housing and real estate here.
Bringing Big-Company Benefits to Local Employers
Traditionally, real estate benefits programs—such as assistance with home purchases, rent negotiations, or relocation services—were available only to employees at the largest corporations. Smaller employers often lacked the resources to offer such perks.
Picket Fence’s new program changes that equation. By providing a platform that employers of any size can adopt, businesses can now give workers access to housing support services once limited to corporate giants.
Key components include:
- Home buying support: Guidance on down payments, financing, and navigating New Jersey’s fast-moving real estate market.
- Rental assistance tools: Services that help employees secure stable housing, negotiate leases, and access vetted rental opportunities.
- Relocation services: For businesses recruiting out-of-state talent, the program helps ease the transition into New Jersey communities.
- Education and resources: Workshops and one-on-one sessions that prepare employees for long-term financial stability and eventual homeownership.
Why Housing Benefits Matter in New Jersey
New Jersey has one of the highest costs of living in the nation, and housing is at the center of that struggle. From record-high property taxes to escalating rents, many families are finding it harder than ever to plant roots in the Garden State.
For employers, this presents a serious challenge. Companies may lose talent to states with more affordable housing markets, while younger workers often delay settling down because of financial barriers.
By offering real estate benefits, businesses can differentiate themselves in a competitive labor market. For employees, these benefits translate into meaningful support—help with one of life’s biggest financial hurdles.
A Win-Win for Employers and Employees
Picket Fence’s approach emphasizes affordability and accessibility. Employers can offer the program as a perk without breaking their benefits budget, while employees gain access to valuable tools that directly impact their quality of life.
- Retention boost: Employees who feel supported in their housing journey are more likely to stay with their current employer.
- Recruitment edge: Companies can attract new talent with the promise of housing-related benefits, something especially appealing to younger workers looking to settle in New Jersey.
- Financial empowerment: Housing stability improves not just employees’ personal lives, but also their productivity and focus at work.
The Bigger Picture
This launch comes at a critical time for New Jersey. With affordability topping voter and business concerns alike, creative solutions like Picket Fence’s program highlight the intersection of real estate and economic development.
By giving small and mid-sized businesses access to benefits traditionally out of reach, Picket Fence is helping reshape how New Jersey tackles its housing challenges—one employee at a time.
For workers, it means new pathways to security. For employers, it means a competitive advantage in attracting and keeping the best talent. And for the state, it signals the growing role of private innovation in addressing New Jersey’s housing affordability crisis.
👉 Discover more on New Jersey’s real estate landscape here.