Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little bit of help when you really need it most from the United States in the form of a government grant? If you know where to look and you have the patience, you, too, can help yourself to a really sweet deal, courtesy of good ‘ole Uncle Sam.
Grants from the government come in all shapes and sizes. If you think you do not qualify, you may be pleasantly surprised at what just a little bit of effort might turn up.
Before You Start Your Search
As a first time homebuyer, not only will you get a handsome tax break at the end of the year, you may be partially funded by Uncle Sam to help you buy that house you have always dreamed of. Yes Gertrude, our government really does want to see you succeed, and they are willing to help you, too.
The first thing that you need to do is sit down with a pencil and piece of paper and figure out exactly what you make yearly, both before, and after taxes. Get your last year’s tax return and look it over very carefully. If you had it professionally prepared at one of the hundreds of income tax preparation services nationwide, chances are you are at less risk of having it questioned.
After you have finished figuring out what you bring in, the next step is just the opposite. Gather up all your bills and figure out what your expenditures are each month. Multiply that by twelve, and there you have a good idea of your yearly expenses.
Finally, check your credit score with one of the big three credit agencies. You are allowed one free credit report from each per year. Take advantage of them.
Searching For That Government Funding
So, now that you are armed with your basic financial information, where do you start looking? Fire up that computer and point your browser to www.usa.gov. That is the United States Government official information website. Here, you can search for many programs that are geared exclusively for first time homebuyers. There you will find information about the HUD homebuyer assistance program, as well as state sponsored program information specific to your locale.
Down Payment Assistance Grants
Just about every down payment assistance program, tax credit, and housing grant program offered to first time homebuyers runs under an F.H.A. loan. The first step is to use all that information about your finances that is sitting in front of you to help you prequalify into a program. Look for a grant that is related either to H.R.3221, which is going to be the program that will help you get a grant, or as a first time homebuyer, a government down payment assistance grant.
Many local and state agencies run what is known as bond programs, which generate funds to help many individuals, and families with a down payment in getting into that new home you’ve been dreaming of.
The current Presidential Administration wants to see you succeed in being a first time homebuyer and owner. To that end, they are happy to provide you with a huge tax credit, and with government grants geared exclusively to the first time homebuyer.
Posted By Lewis Van Tassel
Lewis is the Education Manager for MDJustlisted.com
specializes in Columbia Md Real Estate
and Baltimore Md Real Estate
