 TITLE: Types of No or Low Down Payment Mortgages CONTENT: What Are Your Other Options?\n----------------------------\nIf you can't qualify for these loans or meet down payment minimums, here are some strategies to consider:\n*   **Seek out down payment assistance programs.** These are offered by charities or government agencies for homebuyers struggling to afford down payments. They come in various forms, such as grants that don't need to be repaid, 0% interest forgivable loans and savings matching programs. Down Payment Resource has a database of these programs.\n*   **Take more time to save.** Consider staying put so you can spend more time saving for a larger down payment.\n*   **Look for additional income.** Find additional work to accelerate your down payment savings. If this isn't possible, aim to tighten your budget to free up funds you can put toward your down payment.\n*   **If you have time, make an effort to improve your credit.** Look over your credit reports from all three credit bureaus. You can get copies of those reports for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also get your free credit score and credit report through Experian to see where you currently stand, and make efforts to drive that score up, such as decreasing existing debt balances. Improving your score will open the door to more mortgage opportunities—and, potentially, your new home. END