New Grant Program assists first-time buyers with fire premiums

First-time homeowners faced with high fire insurance premiums can now get some relief through a new grant program offered by the Plumas Association of REALTORS®.

Grants of up to $5,000 each will be given to qualified buyers of primary homes from May 2025 thru April 2026 on a first-come-first served basis. The properties must be located in Plumas or Sierra counties with a purchase price no greater than $550,000.  In order to qualify, buyers cannot have owned homes within the past three years, and they must be represented by a REALTOR®.

The money awarded will pay 50 percent of an applicant’s first-year fire insurance premium in an effort to assist with what has become an increasing financial hardship for homebuyers in wildfire-prone areas.

The grants are co-funded by the California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund, which addresses ongoing housing affordability challenges across the state. The goal of HAF is to provide options for first-time homebuyer’s entry into home ownership, while contributing to long-term community stability.

The new grant program is expected to help some eight or more first-time homeowners, depending on premium costs. Funds will be awarded throughout the year in the order applications are received, until funds are exhausted or no later than April 2026.

Grant applications may be obtained by contacting a REALTOR®, who can access the document on the PlumasMLS home page. Applicants also must include a copy of their fire insurance premium and a final settlement statement in addition to the application. For more information, contact the Association at ae@plumasrealtors.com or by calling 530-283-2961.