One of the struggles right now is having money for a down payment.  In the good old days (6 months ago) there were loans that allowed the seller to contribute to the buyer’s down payment; they are gone.  There were also several non-profit businesses that helped people with grants to get enough money for a down payment and though these companies are still around, they are currently out of funds.  So what’s a buyer to do?

There is still THDA and they do have grant programs available where you can get up to 7% for closing costs and down payment assistance at a rate of 6.8%.  You may balk at the rate but they are helping you get into a house with little or no money down.  You can see all of the THDA programs to see if they might work for you at this time.

There is always the parental or other relative gift that you can get to help you with a down payment.  You may not think that could ever happen, however, there is no telling what your parent s might do to get you to leave the house!  I have also heard talk, though nothing that is remotely official, that the seller paid closing costs and pre-paid expenses are coming back.  Personally, I wouldn’t count on anything until something official comes down.  Until then, it’s all just wishful thinking.