I need help with purchasing our 1st house?

Our apartment lease is up by end of Jan 08 and we are trying to get a house. I heard about some first time buyer programs but I can't find out which one is right for us. I am in Houston TX and want to stay here. Does anyone know how the process works or what places give money for first time buyers. My husband and I both work but we want to see if we can qualify for grants. We make estimate 60K a year. Please any advice would be much appreciated. Oh yeah we also have 2 kids and pets

There are darn few grants, if any, that will give you money for the purchase of a house. There are programs that allow for lower downs, low interest rates, FTHB classes, seller contributions, etc., etc..

The best way to find out about these programs is through local lenders, internet lenders will not know about them. Find a mortgage person that specializes in working with FTHB and will work with you to put you in a good program for you, not a loan that makes them the most money.

Check out your local community development corporation (CDC). They have all sorts of Homeowner's programs that can help with down payment assistance, lower interest rates, etc... The only catch is that it takes time to work those programs out and banks move more slowly in approving loans that contain CDC assistance.

start at library
get ' house buying for dummies'
'total money make over' d.ramsey
visit daveramsey.com to learn ur hard lessons from others mistakes . it is cheaper and easier.
if u have no money to get started- DO NOT start.
houses are expensive more so than renting.
do ur home work b4 signing anything.

I bought my house through a local chapter of NeighborWorks. I was a single parent with no child support making less than $25K per year and had no credit established. They paid for a homeowner class, arranged for a dollar match on my closing fees through a local bank, gave me $20K towards the mortgage and $11K for repairs. I believe the site is www.nw.org. Good Luck.

Check out this site:
http://www.ameridream.org

http://www.fha.gov/index.cfm

This is the website for FHA (federal housing administration) loans. They work with various participating lenders from state to state that assist 1st time home buyers. I'm sure you'll be set up with an organization right in your own neighborhood.

Also, don't stress yourselves trying to move out by the end of January. Talk to your landlord now about setting up a month to month lease. That way you can look for the best home for you and your family stress free.