9 Smart Ways to Come Up with Down-Payment Cash

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Selling assets is a bad idea! Every dollar needs to be traceable and a bill of sale will not cut it! We got bit by this - even though we sold $25000 worth of items we couldn't use any of it towards our downpayment.

Ashley of VA 8:30AM May 30, 2012

I can't believe you're actually suggesting that a a few flat screens and a garage sale could put first time home buyers on the path to home ownership. Don't most mortgage lenders require 10-20% down payment? Doesn't that translate into 10,20 maybe even $30,000? If you can make $10,000 in a garage sale that is one pricey "renters" neighborhood.

Roma of KY 2:37PM August 20, 2010

Taxes are required on earned income! When you do not pay required taxes, you are not only being dishonest to our government, you are stealing from your fellow citizens. Shame on you!!!

Ann Morgan of NC 3:20PM August 17, 2010

Perhaps because it is more popular in Europe and because it is more commonly associated with community programs, it didn't make your list. We (PRIMARQ) are working to make it a common practice in the U.S.
Always love your columns, Luke! Thanks.

Rick Heggem of CA 2:39PM August 17, 2010

When I was first tossing around the idea to buy a home I was a union carpenter in N. Illinois. I started promoting my own work and did side work for friends of friends and you know "word of mouth work". This actuallu transitioned into a full fledge company, but the principle is still the same. I intended to buy a home and did, my point is you never know what it could lead to. This type of philosiphy applies to all job fronts. IT techs, teachers that can charge for turoring, etc., you just need to find a skill you can turn into money and apply yourself. Pretty much everyone can make a couple of side dollars cash just doing what you do. And the greatest part about it is if you get them to pay cash, NO UNCLE SAM!!!!!

TBixby of IL 12:07PM August 13, 2010