• Your new house may be elligible for government grants.house image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
  
  Applying for grants after the purchase of a home can provide a financial boost.
  
  Some of these grants are specific to the home, the buyer or the purpose for which the home will be used. Remember that grants should always have a clause stating in the contract that the money will not be owed back to the giver, in this case the government. Otherwise it will be considered a loan and may be subject to interest and legal actions to recover the full amount.
  
  

First Time Home Owners

• First time homeowners in the United States are potentially eligible for hundreds of grants, depending upon the state. Also, there are federal grants and tax breaks that are valid in all states and territories belonging to the United States. One of these grants is simply called a First Time Home Owner grant and it may be applied for through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development at your local office. This grant entitles first time home owners to a percentage of their home's value for help with start up costs, repairs and anything else the home owner deems necessary. Realtors may be able to help answer questions about this grant as well.
  
  

Buying Costs

• Often called mortgage grants, these grants assist buyers in the costs associated with buying a home. Though with grants, once the money is in your hands you may use it for anything, these grants are specifically intended to assist in this field. Mortgage grants differ in name and eligible amount by state and even city. These sorts of grants are likely to be unavailable in densely populated areas or states since they are designed to try to entice prospective buyers into purchasing property. Though many of these grants are legitimate, some companies working with the government may try to disguise loans as these sorts of grants. Check your contract.
  
  

Historic Houses

• If the house you are purchasing is beyond a certain age, some local governments may offer historic house grants in order to help keep the property's value up. These grants range widely in availability and payment, however they are more likely to be found in cities that are largely new constructions. Additional grants may be applied for with these residencies if the city recognizes the building as historically relevant or important, which may assist homeowners with remodeling older homes or taking care of structures as they continue to age.