To purchase a home for 20 - 50% off retail you have to know how to look for these specific homes. Don't expect a real estate broker to call you out of the blue and offer you one of these homes, although it may happen in a down real estate market. But rarely.

The best way to buy a home for 20 -50% off retail is to use the suggestions in this report. This will steer you in the right direction. The rest is up to you and your determination.

1. Before you start house hunting, make a list of your needs in a house. Keep in mind this must have a balance with what you can afford.

2. If you're a Law enforcement officer, fire fighter, emergency medical technician or schoolteacher you're eligible to participate in HUD's (U.S Housing and Urban Development) Good Neighbor Next Door Program.

This HUD program offers a big incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. In return, you must commit to live in the property for 36 months as your sole residence.

This excellent program could make your dream of home ownership possible.

3. The HUD 203k Program allows you to purchase a home at below market value because of repairs or improvements needed. In turn, it loans you the money to purchase and rehabilitate the home that instantly increases the value. This is an excellent program to get you into a home and help you build quick equity as well.

4. In addition to HUD (Federal Housing and Urban Development) there may be programs offered by your local and state governments.

5. If you're a single mother consider the Homeownership Voucher Program. This program will help you to meet many of the expenses of home ownership and other benefits.

6. HUD Auctions is an excellent source for finding homes you can purchase for 20-50% off retail. HUD auctioned properties can now inspect HUD homes up for auction at the HUD website. During the inspection period, prospective buyers have the opportunity to "shop" the available listings. You will have time to inspect homes, look at neighborhoods and comparison shop before submitting your auction bid.

7. The Urban Homestead Program is available in most counties in America. This program involves homes foreclosed on and land turned over to city agencies for resale. You can purchase most homes for 20% - 50% below market value.

This program works for people who agree to fix up the home. Most of the homes under this program qualifies for everything for no-payback grants to no-interest rate loans. You can even rent equipment to make many home improvements for free. For more information on this program, contact your City Redevelopment Agency.

8. HUD Dollar Homes Initiative is another program that allows you to buy a home for $1. I know your first reaction to hearing this is "what's the catch?" Right. The only catch is the property is often in low-income neighborhoods and often in the condition where it can't sell to the public.

9. The best values in real estate are "fixer uppers." Fixer uppers are usually the easiest to buy, require the lowest down payment (many times no down payment) and offer the most flexible terms. And best of all they increase in value the fastest, after the necessary work.

10. If you're handy with your hands or know someone who is, it may be to your advantage to concentrate on buying homes sold "As Is." You can expect to get deep discounts when buying a home sold with an "As Is" clause attached.

11. Search your area newspaper classified ads everyday for motivated sellers. How can you recognize motivated sellers? Motivated sellers use certain word clues in their ads. For example, owner flexible, owner will carry, lease option, must sell, no money down, make offer, etc.

These 11 tips will help you get a home for 20% - 50% off retail. Now that you've read these tips, the next important step is to take action. The only way to tell if they'll work is to take action. You have nothing to lose and perhaps a home to gain for 20% - 50% retail.