Many years ago, home ownership did not seem like a pipe dream to people. Instead, it seemed to be a very realistic and somewhat affordable goal. This is because prices were not nearly as inflated as they are today and many people were able to make a good life for themselves by working at only one job. Nowadays, home ownership can seem impossible due to the high costs that are associated with purchasing and maintaining a home. Fortunately, some states are now offering financial help to home buyers. If you are interested in learning about how to apply for and quicken a California first time home buyer grant, this article may be able to help.

To find grants, you should start by conducting Internet searches. The best place to start your hunt is on The California Housing Finance Agency website. This site is run by the state and offers a good amount of free information that deals with purchasing your first home and obtaining financial assistance.

Before you start looking for a new home and set your eyes upon something, you should educate yourself about the grants that are available to you. This will help you make a more informed home buying decision.

In order to qualify for a grant you will need to be a first time home buyer. This means that you have never before owned a house or that you have not done so for several years.

Most, if not all, grants have income requirements. If your income is above the specified limits, you will not qualify for the grant. Additionally, the home you decide to purchase must be within the sales price limits set forth by the granting agency.

Only citizens of the United States of America and legal residents can apply for grants. Additionally, the home you are purchasing must be your main residence and you have to live in it. You will also have to get an approved mortgage and have a decent credit history and score.

It is very common for grant applicants to be required to go to courses about purchasing a house. When the courses have been completed successfully, the attendees are given certificates, which are then used as proof that they have completed the course.

In order to ensure that your application is processed, you must mail it in on time. In most cases, late applications are not accepted. Additionally, you must fill out all of the information that is required in the forms. Do not lie on these forms and make sure that you write legibly or type up the forms on a computer.

You may be asked to include additional documents with your application, such as copies of your recent tax return forms. If you are asked to supply these documents, be sure that you do. Failing to do so may cause your application to be rejected.

If you are awarded with the grant money you have applied for, be sure to use it appropriately. You may be required to use it only for making a down payment and paying off closing costs.