Did you know that the State of Washington has a number of down payment assistance options? Sometimes you can even do 1% down! You can learn more here: http://www.wshfc.org/buyers/index.htm I will be teaching a state sponsored class about this program on June 23rd from 10am to 3pm at Byrd Barr Place 722 18th Ave Seattle, WA 98122. A lender from Home Street Bank will also be there to answer any questions.
I have a friend who bought a house 20 years ago with one of these programs for about $150,000. I think it is worth about $900,000 now.