By, "Needs all the help they can get", do you mean 'they can't qualify'?

My favorite local loan guy will work with buyers to get them all the options that are available to them.
I basically tell the buyers do everything that T tells you, and he'll let us know when you're ready.

After the normal process, I would suggest looking under the sofa cushions and in their cars, you'd never know. If still they don't have enough, I would suggest for them to buy a lotto ticket.

We have a whole stack of lenders here just waiting to help these people out.

if they don't qualify for a conventional loan or an fha loan, you may want to contact a hard money source.... once he gets in the house; updates it; and lives there for a few years, he can refinance....

Love. That's right love money. Especially the love one that needs never to be paid back - that's the best kind.

That includes money from mom and dad, an early inheritance, a rich uncle.... 

Worst case scenario, maybe a downpayment loan from mom and dad or the rich uncle?

And of course what Ken Jones, ASA, SCGREA said... but that's way too much work and sacrifice for younger people....

I couldn't have said it better than Ken Jones, ASA, SCGREA! 

I have a very good lender that cant help find any assistance to first time homeowners.

Gifts...

Or the clock:  they need more time to save. 

I'll look under their couch cushions, but that's as far as I go.  Other than that I have them talk to the lender about options and downpayment assistance programs/loans.

I don't do anything except refer them to my best lenders who might be able to help with special loan programs if they qualify.

There are grants, down payment assistance, and gifts available through several non-profits.

Sell electronics on eBay, crafts on Etsy, have a bake sale, I've yet to see someone hold up a cardboard sign  asking for a dollar or two to buy a home- might work, borrow from inheritance, ask your boss, get a night job, walk past Starbucks and make your coffee at home

Local grants are often available.

Use the best mortgage financing for a low cash requirement.

Are you asking about Earnest money, downpayment money or mortgage money?

100% what Ken Jones, ASA, SCGREA said.  He is one smart man!!

If they really don't have enough money for a conventional mortgage, then perhaps they should continue to save until they  have enough without having to borrow any from friends or family.  

I have seen a first-time buyer be very fortunate to get a 'gift' from their grandparents to help with the downpayment, though everyone isn't in that type of situation Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041.  Some are already working that second job, though others could cutback on expenses - some find this worthwhile and continue bringing that lunch to work and making their own fancy coffees - while others feel very deprived and consider it a real hardship, even though they are working towards a goal that they themselves have chosen.  It's all about 'choices'!  Personally, I only offer 'choices' and do not look in depth to find them money.

  Send them to the Tallahassee Lender's Consortium

Little bit creative and you still have loan for client. Ken Jones, ASA, SCGREA   has highlight all the good options. 

We have a number of Down Payment Assistance programs here in AZ and if they qualify a VA loan is the best deal going for a FTB. Of course, seller contributions can help seal the deal. Maybe schmoozing the appraiser might get you a couple of $ in value.

Sometimes you just need to be creative.

In areas where I have worked, some have downpayment assistance programs forgivable over 10 years if you qualify!

John Bear nailed this one!

Max Seller Assist 

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 - I work with a creative lender.

We have several first time buyer programs that will get them in with almost no money down but they have got to have good credit.

Financing  some 100% loans and maybe a family member

Ken Jones covered the subject.

Jason E. Gordon 

See if there are any local / county or city grants fro first time home buyers. I know of a single mom who received $50,000 in grants! It depends on the city and the situation. But it certainly doesn't hurt to search for free money!

Closing on one now where the parents are co-signing for the first time buyer. But there are responsibilities to the buyer such as is there enough income to pay the monthly fees, is the credit good? Too often buyers are way to optimistic and then when even one thing goes wrong, the house of cards tumbles.

Couch cushions, down deep or taking back cans and bottles in a returnable state? The seller gets tapped along with the relatives if they like junior is buying. The 401 K gets visited a lot too. Have the seller take a second for 20 percent, a bank the 80% LTV mortgage or heck, finance the house sale until whatever is keeping them renting disappears and lifts the dark financial cloud surrounding them. This last route is a desperate seller and often has Vegas odds as we stand back and predict the outcome a few months down the road in the pay back is a ... well has a hitch.

Family can gift them, 40l or retirement funds and we have some first time buyer programs.

Well Ken Jones, ASA, SCGREA has this answer!

Behind the cashier counter walking in with a paperbag and a stocking on their faces.

In our area, if you do not have 25% down do not bother. 

The mortgage broker he can often give a lender credit, there are also lots of programs which may require jumping through some hoops and attending some classes but may result in a grant or a low interest loan.

that's not my style.  I generally tell them to tighten their belt, resign their lease, and call me next year when they have a down payment.  I'm not a fan of putting people in a home with no "skin in the game"

Annette,

Ken Jones, ASA, SCGREA gave you great answers.  A

First off, you need a plan. Have them talk to your lender and figure out exactly where they stand in terms of being qualified. There are programs like FHA (3.5% down), VA, (0 down) and 30 year convential with 1% down.

You should know this at all times as a top agent. I keep abreast of all the new funds which just came out in IL. On top of a good LO, they know everything. Also there are new tips like your employer can now help out.

Ken has answered

I try to give them their options.

We are lucky to have chaf and a couple of city that give seconds to help.

The seller for closing cost assistance.

Their parents.

Family.  Preferably theirs and not yours. 

Plenty of downpayment loans and grants out there