Any first time home buyers advice?

There are actually a couple of options for you. Often, your power company will give you a discount for upgrading to more power efficient appliances, so this is worth checking out.

Also, the government is working on a program similar to Cash for Clunkers, except it is Cash for Appliances. The major difference is that each state must come up with their own plan, but I think only a few have submitted plans so far.

When all is said and done, the discount for Cash for Appliances should be around $50 to $200, but it will vary state by state.

Further, since you said you were interested in moving to a rural area, some states offer rural loans, similar to the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, so this is definitely worth looking into. This is often done county by county.

Do you have any money saved for a down payment or closing costs? The reason I ask, is because is you do.. you may have the money for appliances. If you are in a Rural area, as you said, you can get your financing thru a USDA Loan. They are the only ones right now wherein you can get 100% financing... Sooo if you have cash for down payment, then you might be able to use some of that for appliances...

Good Luck

No Federal programs exists, but not sure of local/state programs. To be honest...I've never heard of programs that help buy appliances. Talk to your lender/broker.

try for a home with built in stove and oven. You can get a used refrigerator and do laundry at a laundry mat until you can afford a washer and dryer.