To find a good house at a comparatively reasonable price, learn about the housing market and what you can afford, make some sensible compromises as to size and amenities, and above all, be patient. Here are some proven strategies to meet these goals:

1. Buy a fixer-upper cheap (though finding one that doesn't need major work is getting harder and harder).
2. Buy a small house with remodeling potential, and add on later.
3. Buy a house at an estate or probate sale.
4. Buy a house subject to foreclosure (when a homeowner defaults on the mortgage).
5. Buy a shared equity house, pooling resources with someone other than a spouse or partner.
6. Rent out a room or two in the house.
7. Buy a duplex, triplex, or house with an in-law unit that you can rent out for more income.
8. Lease a house you can't afford now with an option to buy later.
9. Buy a limited equity house built by a nonprofit organization.
10. Buy a house at an auction.