Incentives. One would be the Tax Rebate referenced below.. Others would be defined in the contract. If you are looking for grants to assist with downpayment or closing costs, ask a local realtor what is currently available in your area. Each quarter, lenders get X amount of dollars that must be used for the benefit of people buying homes. Some will be allotted for first time buyers. Each lender will build their own package to disperse the funds. The funds are used up before the end of the quarter. Cities and counties often have programs for service oriented professionals such as firemen, teachers, and nurses. In my area, I keep a link on my site for buyers to get an idea of what's available. There will be a realtor in your area who does the same. Sellers will also offer buyer incentives like paying X amount of buyer's closing costs or giving an allowance for carpet, appliances, etc. Those incentives are purely up to each seller. Your realtor can find those for you. And/or write your own into the contract if you think the seller will go for it.