Beside the cost of a new home, the other costs seem to add up quickly. Between furniture, updates, insurance, all those things that turn a home to a house, "the forgotten costs" seem to add up quickly. What are some hacks others have to make those forgotten costs not so expensive or strategies to spread those costs overtime.

Should I ask how to buy a house with no money down instead?

I use craigslist for almost all of my furnishings and appliances. Recently found a coin op washer and dryer listing which ended up coming from a tear down apartment building.  From the building we were also able to get a partially plumbed furnace and water heater for a tenth of it's worth! 

It's a quick way to save thousands getting the house ready.