When having the seller pay your closing costs, the seller will usually increase the price of the home beyond what they are willing to accept. That way it is really the buyer who is paying the closing costs, but is is being included in the purchase price of the home.

Having a down payment for your mortgage is really a thing of the past. Today there are many 100% financing programs available that will allow you to get into a new home with little to no money out of pocket.

Another way to afford a home is to use an FHA or VA loan. Many real estate agents may try to steer buyer away from these types of loan because they feel that there is too much paperwork involved with these types of loans. However, with new changes to FHA guidelines these types of mortgages are now much easier to process, especially if you are dealing with an experienced loan officer.

You can always have the seller contribute money to pay your closing costs. This is called a seller contribution. Ask your mortgage broker how much of a seller contribution is allowed per the guidelines of the home loan program that you are obtaining a mortgage for. This will help you to afford a mortgage when money is tight.

The key to buying a home with the minimum up front funds is to have the seller pay the closing costs. Depending on the loan program you choose, the seller may be able to absorb all of you closing costs.

If you think that you will be buying a home within the next year, now is the time to start saving. Try putting yourself on a budget, and saving a little bit of money every month. Nobody likes to be on a budget, but if it gets you into a new home then it will be well worth the it.