is there a program or some kind of federal or grant that helps with down payment of a new home.?

A number of programs exist. Depends on where you live, your credit worthiness, ability to pay, etc. Most down payment assistance comes through local housing agencies, such as Neighborhood Housing Services--individual agencies are all over the country. If you live in an area outside of a major city, with population of less than 25,000 you may be eligible for a USDA Rural Development loan or grant--if applicable check the web for the office near you. Many community action agencies offer housing programs, so contact your local community action agency to see if they have a housing program. Most counties in the nation are covered by an agency. Some of the regional federal home loan banks also offer through their member banks downpayment assistance, some as high as $5,000. Contact your local bank to see if they are a member; most are but don't offer the grant program unless specifically asked.

If you or a family member has a disability, you may also be eligible through some of the above sources for assistance.

The first thing I do recommend is that you seek out a local homebuyer education course if one is available--your local housing development agencies or community action agency can help you locate a program if one is available in your area. That course will help you be better informed on the ins and outs of purchasing a home, review your credit, ability to pay, and what to look for in a home. Never start looking at houses until you know what you can afford--you will be disappointed. Plus, most downpayment grants require you attend a homebuyer education course, so it is a logical step if you need that assistane. Most courses are free or low cost.

Source: I was a statewide housing director and operate a statewide homebuyer education program.

HUD does not offer grants to individuals, whether for buying a home or repairing a home

http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm

"While HUD does not offer direct grants or loans to individuals, we do work through local governments and non-profit organizations to make financial assistance and counseling available."

There are low cost government housing loans available, but not grants unless you are afflicted with AIDS (14.241 Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.PROGRAM_... )

You can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov/ and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support your purposes. You can find grants for housing on this page http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.FUNCTION...

HUD has a program called Homeownership Voucher Program that can help you with the monthly mortgage and other homeownership expenses http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/hcv/homeow...

Your best bet for getting support for downpayment for buying a house is the Nehemiah program http://www.getdownpayment.com/

HUD helps you buy one with a lower downpayment - there are no specific grants for purchasing a new home, I know because I sure checked it out. They do offer incentives such as low down payment, lower loan terms. Check out your county Housing and Development Department.

in Florida, we have S.H.I.P..they might have it everywhere.

Try . H. U. D. . . .