If you're a first time buyer of Ahwatukee homes for sale, you're probably thinking of how you can get the money you need to pay for the down payment; this can be a big problem. It may seem discouraging at first, but if you think about it seriously, there are several ways in which you can make this happen. Here are some of the methods you can follow to be able to come up with the money for the down payment:

• Withdraw from your savings account. This is almost a surefire way to get the money. Just set aside some money every month to fund the property. You can accomplish this by means of an automatic electronic transfer using your credit union or bank. It would be wise if you go through the various kinds of accounts and pick one that has the highest interest rate but still gives you access.

• Sell some of your assets, such as your collectibles, boat, motorcycle, and the like. If you have an expensive car, you may sell this and then buy a cheaper one so that you'll have additional money you can use as down payment.

• You may utilize your tax refund or just ask the people that owe you money to pay you back. Even though you'll only get a small amount of money, it can still help you.

• Ask help from your family. Immediate family members can apply to a number of mortgages that allow them to give down payment as a gift. You simply need what they call, a "gift letter," from the one who gave you the money to prove that it does not need to be paid back. You should be prepared to provide copies of wire transfers or checks to the lender.

• You may also ask some help from your employer as there are some companies that have programs to aid their employees regarding down payment. Inquire with your company's department of human resources to know if they offer such program.

• Find a friend who can be a co-owner. Co-owners share the expenses, including the money needed for the down payment.

• Look for programs funded by the government. This can be a big help but since it changes or expires frequently, you have to enlist early so that your chances of being considered are high. Be careful of middlemen and scammers who offer assistance in these programs for a fee.

• Look for sellers of Ahwatukee real estate who are offering to pay for the closing expenses. Just make sure to ask your agent for help so it will be easier. If you can't find someone who has such an offer, you may suggest it to the seller instead, just don't push it too much, he/she might blow off the deal.

• Ask your real estate agent. You are probably not aware of this but some agents sacrifice a part of their commission so as to prevent the deal from falling through. Talk to your agent about this, but be extra careful and discrete.

No matter what method you use to get the money needed for the down payment, what's important is that you consider all the factors involved; one technique may be effective for one and ineffective with another so make sure that the strategy you'll use is something that will work for you.