Home buyers are learning about available 100% financing loan programs offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. There are two 100% financing loans available, which are VA loans and the Rural Home Loan program.

The Rural Home Loan program allows no-money-down purchases. A borrower can seek up to 102 percent when a mortgage insurance policy is included.

Eligibility requirements are that buyers' income can't exceed 115 percent of the median county income. The loan program is restricted to low-density areas. which generally include towns of no more than a population of 25,000. The loan program is offered by private lenders, then insured by the government.

While Maricopa County does not qualify for the 100% Rural Home Loan program, Pinal County areas in Queen Creek (Johnson Ranch) and the City of Maricopa qualify for this program.

The good news is that home builders are promoting the use of this program. "It's one of our main tools right now," says John Bargnesi, vice president for sales of Scottsdale, Ariz., home builder Meritage Homes.