apply for the homestead exemption. you have to be living int he ouse on january 1st to be able to qualify. also if you put money down that obviously reduces the payment. make sure you totally understand what you are getting into. my bank was not very clear with me and i got kinda fucked. they locked me into a rate i didnt agree to 3 days before closing (its a crazy story..pm me if you really want to know) and failed to tell me about pmi(private mortgage insurance)....just ask a bunch of questions and make sure you totally understand whats going on. im not 100% sure but there might be a way for you to pay your taxes and HO insurance without escrow...that will also lower your payment.

good luck on the house..its pretty rad having your own place! you gonna get the seller to pay closing? i got $500 back at closing.