Useful Tips

Here are some useful tips if you don't have the money for a down payment:

1. Start a saving account until you have at least 3 - 5% for the down payment.

2. Ask you parents or relatives for a loan or a cash gift for the down payment amount. Remember, if you are getting a conventional loan you will need to have at least 5 % of the purchase price to satisfy the lender.

3. Set yourself a budget and stick to it. This will force you to look at where your finances are going and allow you to curb spending in specific areas.

4. Consider asking the builder if they will consider sweat equity, which is really a credit back to the buyer for doing some work on the house such as painting or carpentry.

5. You may also consider asking the seller to act as the financier or assume the seller's mortgage to the property.