Recent changes in the mortgage lending industry have virtually eliminated the ability to purchase a home with zero down payment.  For conventional mortgages, the minimum down payment for a purchase is 5% of the purchase price and for an FHA government-insured mortgage, the minimum cash investment is 3% of the purchase price.

There are still programs available which allow gifts and grants for qualified borrowers.  If you qualify for such a gift or grant program, funds may be used for the purpose of a down payment or used to pay closing costs.