At a recent meeting of the National Association of Realtors, Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, announced a plan which would allow homebuyers to access the $8000 Home Buyers tax credit for use as a downpayment. 

Under the new program, FHA-approved lenders, and HUD-approved non-profits will issue a short term bridge loan to First Time Home Buyers to use for their downpayment.  The loan would then be repaid when the buyers get their tax credit in the next year. 

More details may be found at the National Association of Realtors website:  http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2009/05/re_summit