Down Payment Help Becomes More Available

Having trouble scraping together a down payment is one of the most common reasons that people put off buying a home. But now, state and local governments are ramping up down-payment assistance programs for buyers who are still falling short. AnnaMaria Andriotis of SmartMoney.com explores seven of the regional options currently available.


Home prices

have dropped, and mortgage rates are low. For anyone with the tens of thousands of dollars now required for a down payment, it's a pretty good time to buy a house. Now, it's even getting easier without that hefty down payment, as governments step in to help out.