The most active segment of the housing market today is the 

first-time homebuyer

living in a rental, hoping to purchase a primary residence.  This group is at a huge advantage to any other for a number of reasons:

• No home to sell - In today's slower market, moving up into a new home can be a huge hindrance.  First-time homebuyers don't have that problem.
• Special financing programs - In addition to USDA financing, there are other first-time homebuyer programs offered on the state and local level.  Many can even be used together. 
• Tax credit - First-time homebuyers may receive a $7500 tax credit on their 2008 taxes with a purchase of a home by 1 July 2009.  This can help to make the home more affordable initially, although it is repayable to the IRS over time. 

I'm in touch with Realtors every day of the week, and I'm finding that the agents who are having the most success right now are those who are reaching out to the first-time homebuyer market.  The USDA Rural Housing product is a fantastic way to do that.  As you may already know, there are few 0% down mortgage programs remaining.  Why not highlight your properties that qualify for maximum exposure?  Here's how:

• Check to see if the property is in a "rural" market area - Your mortgage advisor will be able to check the property against a database of all property addresses to confirm if it is located in a defined "rural" area.  Only these rural properties can be considered for USDA financing, but you'll be surprised how broad USDA's definition of "rural" is. 
• Coordinate with your client and mortgage advisor - The USDA program allows the seller to offer much more than traditional mortgage programs.  Want to pay a buyer's closing costs?  Sure.  Want to give a $3000 credit towards new carpets?  You can do it!  Is the home in desperate need of a new roof?  No problem.  Just make sure to coordinate with your mortgage advisor before getting started to avoid any potential pitfalls.
• Prepare your marketing materials - If you're going to offer a special mortgage program, it makes sense to use specialized marketing to do it.  Your mortgage advisor should provide you with estimates of monthly payments, cash needed for closing, etc. to help in promoting this program. 
• Spread the word - What good is a marketing advantage if you don't share it with the world?  Get information about the 102% financing available for your listing in MLS, print advertising, and your website.  "Buy for just $100 down" was a popular slogan a few years back, and it sold houses!  If your property qualifies, make the most of it!

With the glut of homes currently listed on the market, differentiation is the name of the game.  Use all the tools available to you to maximize your results.  In a market where down payments are increasing from 3% to 3.5% and beyond, offering 0% down can give you a huge advantage.  Use your mortgage advisor's expertise to accomplish this.  If your expert doesn't have the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing option, I'd appreciate the opportunity to help. 

Stater home by pfly.  Rural road by ninjapoodles.