When you're ready to buy your first home, you might be surprised to learn that there are a number of programs available to help you with the process. Whether you're looking for help with the down payment or other assistance, chances are there's a program available in your area. Here's a look at a few of the resources that can help you find homeownership programs near you.

NerdWallet's first-time home buyer programs page. NerdWallet is a great resource for finding financial assistance for first-time home buyers. To find programs in your area, simply visit their website and select your state from the drop-down menu. You'll then be taken to a page that includes a description of programs available where you live.

Your city and county governments. Many cities and counties offer down payment assistance and other programs to boost homeownership. To find out what's available near you, simply contact your local city or county government office. They'll be able to give you information on any programs that are currently being offered.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD provides a number of resources for first-time home buyers, including lists of local home buying programs. To find HUD-approved programs in your area, visit their website and select your state from the drop-down menu on the Local Homebuying Programs page.

HUD-approved housing counselors. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a tool on their website that can help you find HUD-approved housing counselors in your area. Simply enter your ZIP code into the search tool and you'll be provided with a list of resources in your area. These counselors can provide valuable information and assistance as you navigate the home buying process.

Down Payment Resource (DPR). DPR is another great resource for finding down payment assistance and other homeownership programs near you. To find out what's available in your area, simply visit their website and fill out the online form. You'll be asked to provide contact information so that they can connect you with resources in your area.

If you're looking for assistance with buying your first home, there are plenty of resources available to help you. Between government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations, there's bound to be a program near you that can help with everything from the down payment to closing costs. So don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the help that's available!

If paying rent is crushing you and you're scared you'll never buy a house, there's hope. There are numerous ways that you can get free money to help with the purchase. From government programs to grant opportunities, there are many resources that will provide cash to put towards your down payment or closing costs. Keep reading to learn more about a few of the ways that you can get free money for buying a home.

1. The USDA offers grants for rural home buyers.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a handful of grant programs to help rural residents with the purchase of a home. The Single Family Housing Direct Homeownership Grant, for example, provides funds totaling $27,500 that can be used towards the down payment or closing costs on a new home. To be eligible for this grant, you'll need to have a household income that falls at or below 80% of the median income for your county and you must be unable to obtain conventional financing.

2. You may be eligible for a federal tax credit.

The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is an annual tax credit that's available to eligible first-time homebuyers who purchase their first primary residence. To be eligible, you must have had no ownership interest in a residence during the three years prior to purchasing your new home and your new home must be located in the United States. This tax credit is worth up to $8,000, which can be applied towards your down payment or closing costs.

3. There are grants available from HUD.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers grant programs that can help with the purchase of a new home. The American Dream Down Payment Initiative, for example, provides grants totaling $15,000 to eligible low-income borrowers who are looking to buy homes in specific HUD revitalization areas. To be eligible for this grant program, you must meet certain income requirements and you must intend on living in the property as your primary residence.

4. You may qualify for state-specific programs.

In addition to federal programs, there are also many state-specific programs that offer assistance with the purchase of a new home. These programs vary from state to state, but they typically offer low-interest loans or grants that can be used towards the down payment or closing costs on a new home. One example is Michigan's Step Forward program, which provides up to $7,500 in matching funds to assist with the down payment or closing costs on a new home.

5. There are private grant opportunities available as well.

In addition to government and state-sponsored programs, there are also many private organizations that offer assistance with the purchase of a new home. These organizations typically award grants or low-interest loans based on financial need or other criteria such as ethnicity, field of study, or military service. One example is Habitat for Humanity's homeownership program, which provides no-interest loans and guidance on purchasing an affordable Habitat for Humanity house worldwide.

Purchasing a new home is a big financial undertaking—but it isn't an impossible one. There are many government and private programs that offer assistance with the purchase of a new home through grants and low-interest loans. Do some research to see if you qualify for any of these programs so that you can get some extra help with your down payment or closing costs.