First off, when you are looking for financing you have to look all over the place. Don't just check one or two lenders. Be creative. What about your credit union? They usually charge you less fees at closing. Ingdirect.com always has creative mortgage ideas which involve low closing costs. Some might say, "well, the seller usually pays them anyway." However, those costs can all be thrown into the price negotiation.

Also, check for local government incentives to buy. In the neighborhood I am looking in, there are multiple programs that you can apply for that will give you down payment and/or closing cost assistance. I am working with a lender that works closely with one of those programs and I am in the process of applying.

The key is to think outside of the box. Don't get stuck in the traditional way things are done. Right now is certainly a time where you can really get a bargain on a home.

I'll keep you all updated on how my home purchase goes. I would love to hear your comments and if you have ideas that I haven't mentioned or maybe haven't even thought of I'm sure it would be a benefit to all who read these blogs.