ere are some assets commonly used to make a down payment:

• Bank accounts
  Your bank account is the first place you should look for down payment money. It is easy to cash out and doesn't earn you much interest.
  
  
• Investment accounts
  Most investment accounts are easy to liquidate, but you may want to hold on to your bonds and employee stock options until they mature.
  
  
• Retirement accounts
  Many retirement accounts allow you to borrow against them when you are buying a house. This, however, increases your debt and therefore lowers the amount you can borrow to buy your new home.
  
  
• Real estate
  Real estate is one of the least liquid assets, but most people can't afford to own two houses at one time.
  
  
• Down payment options
  There are alternatives if your limited on liquid assets, gifts, grants, down payment assistance and zero down programs.