20 Ways to Expand Your Purchasing Power

On the path to a more fullfilling lifestyle.

Pay off your debts.

Consolidate your debts into a lower-interest rate loan.

Use an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

Use a portfolio lender.

Buy with someone else.

Ask your parents to give you money for a down payment (requires a gift letter).

Ask the seller to pay some of your non-recurring closing costs.

Ask the seller to carry a second mortgage.

Ask the seller, or lender, to buy down the interest rate on your mortgage.

Ask your employer to lend you money, pay some of your closing costs, or buy down an interest rate for you.

Buy when interest rates are low.

Buy a property that generates rental income.

Take advantage of a first-time buyer loan program, if you qualify.

Take advantage of government-assisted financing programs, if you qualify.

Close late in the month to reduce the interest owed to the lender at closing.

Reduce the cash you need for closing costs with a zero-point loan.

Borrow against a 401(k) retirement plan or insurance policy.

Borrow against or liquidate securities.

Use a mortgage with a forty-year due date (but watch out for prepayment penalties).

Take a penalty-free IRA withdrawal.