House hack “seasoning period” - when can I live in another house?

[Jobee Vincent Buenaventura]

Hey all!

I live in NJ and I wanted to know when I can legally live in another property. I recently did an FHA refinance and am required to live in my current 2-family for at least 6 months. We closed in early November.

Therefore, I should be able to legally live in another primary residence by April (or is it May?).

My real question is if I am able to put offers on another home in January/February, assuming that I take 3 months to close (I’m not a cash buyer yet). So by the time I close, I can move into the new property without committing mortgage fraud. Or do I have to wait until 6 months to even put offers on a property?

Thanks!