The government is famous for influencing the behavior of all of us. Despite the draconian conspiracy theories one hears or reads about, the government usually does this in a passive way. Specifically, it uses financial incentives or penalties to nudge us into certain actions. In the case of homeownership, the government offers a ton of information and incentives to try to get us to invest in our dream home or at least start the process of getting there by buying a first house. In fact, there are a number of government websites that provide all the information you could want.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is one of the key agencies dealing with homeownership. The department, better known as HUD, maintains a website listing the various programs it has, benefits and requirements of the same, and HUD homes that have been foreclosed on and are now for sale. You can visit the site by simply doing a search for HUD.

In the case of HUD, it is important to understand the agency does not actually write mortgage loans. Instead, it guarantees loans if you meet certain parameters. Essentially, this is like having a really rich uncle cosign your loan, something banks love. In fact, down payments on HUD loans can very low given the fact the government is backing them.

If you have served in the armed forces of your country, you are almost always designated a veteran. While salaries in the armed forces are not particularly high, the benefits can definitely make up for it. In addition to college loans and such, veterans receive mortgage loan breaks through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Known as the VA, you can get major help with loans on first homes and even use programs to get into VA foreclosed properties. Just search for “VA” to see their website.

Whether you pursue a HUD or VA loan, you should make sure to check out the programs available. You may find out that there is down payment assistance or low terms that are available to you, a situation that will save you a ton of money.