Good evening Shaun... I hope everything is well. In response to your earlier question about how I saved for my 1st home; I came across a home that was older (and less expensive) and worked it out with the previous owners where I rehabbed the home so it could appraise higher (sweat equity I guess you could say). In other words, I got rid of the harvest gold counters and appliances (honestly) and did a lot of painting and landscaping... That sweat equity plus some tender from the savings account as a down payment got me the loan. I was 27 years old and it put me at slightly above 21% down. I wouldn't recommend this to everyone, because in the short run (as much as i love my home), the renovations seem to never end. Like I said, its not a short term investment. At ay rate, now I'm 37 and about 3 years away from that new home I wanted back in 2001.  Most of my friends tell me what a mistake I've been making and that I should cut my losses and get that new home, since I qualify for it. But I tell them if I keep it another 3 years it will almost be paid for and that will open up a lot of other options I don't have today. At ay rate Shaun, I hope you don't take my earlier response as brash or arrogant; but I wanted to give you some insight into how I did it. Good luck Shaun, I look forward to seeing you around the forum.