A crack real estate reporter covers every aspect of buying a first home during economic tough times and shows why--and how--achieving this part of the American Dream is both smart and doable.
Navigate the homebuying process with ease! Let real estate pro Michael Flynn show you the ropes -Learn the lingo. CMA, MLS, FSBO, PMI--find out what it all means! -Know what to look for when choosing a neighborhood -Find out what features will attract buyers when it's time to resell -Your credit score--things you should know and what to do about it -Find out what loan arrangement is right for you -House-hunting tips to help you track down your dream home -Making an offer they can't refuse--know when to push and when to back down -How to get through your closing in one piece -Arranging home inspections and repairs before it's too late Learn the tricks of the trade from a real estate professional!
Now updated — America's #1 bestselling home-buying book! Want to buy a house, but concerned about the market? Have no fear — this trusted guide arms you with Eric Tyson and Ray Brown's time-tested advice and updated strategies for buying a home in current market conditions. You'll discover how to find the right property, make smart financial decisions, and understand the latest lending requirements and tax implications. New to this edition — new and expanded coverage to help homebuyers take advantage of low home prices, understand the subprime mortgage crisis, obtain a mortgage, and improve credit scores To buy or not to buy? — weigh the advantages of owning versus renting, get your finances in order, and know how much house you can safely afford Handle financing — understand your credit rating, navigate the different types of mortgages, and complete all paperwork Play the real estate game — find the right location and property, assemble an all-star real estate team, and make the most of the Internet's real estate resources Let's make a deal — negotiate with finesse, make successful offers, inspect and protect your new home, and cover all your bases in escrow "Invaluable information, especially for the first-time home buyer." —Fort Worth Star-Telegram "A reference you'll turn to time after time." —St. Petersburg Times Open the book and find: Reasons why home prices rise and fall Hands-on instruction for buying a home in up or down markets How to pay the price you want The best mortgage options A sample home-buying contract Pros and cons of comparable market analysis Tips for overcoming mortgage and appraisal problems How to cope with buyer's remorse The best real estate Web sites
Your turn-key guide to crucial information about buying a new home before you take the plunge Home Buying Kit For Dummies, 7th Edition simplifies and explains the home-buying process to new home buyers everywhere. Authors Eric Tyson, MBA and Ray Brown inform and educate readers in the simple, straightforward and incisive style the For Dummies series is known for across the world. This book covers all the topics necessary to tackle the purchase of a home with confidence, including: Complete coverage of new US tax rules and strategies What's happening with home financing given the high home prices and fluctuating economies found in many markets How to compare renting and buying in light of new rules regarding mortgage interest and property tax write-offs Updated coverage of internet resources and how to best utilize them as a buyer The 7th Edition of Home Buying Kit For Dummies offers brand new content of particular interest to millennial homebuyers, as well as freshly updated online companion content.
The good news: It's a buyer's market and interest rates are down. The bad news: It's tougher to get credit and qualify for an affordable mortgage. In this volatile market, you need to arm yourself with as much information as you can get. This book takes you through each step of buying a home and will show you how to: Choose the right house, condo, co-op, or vacation home. Analyze mortgage rates, property values, and market trends. Work with agents, brokers, lawyers, and lenders. And more! Whether you're purchasing your first home or your fourth, this updated guide walks you through your biggest purchase with expert advice you can trust. This edition also includes completely new material on loans to avoid, how to determine if a house is overpriced, and avoiding foreclosure.
"The HomeBuying Game" takes the drudgery and anxiety out of buying a home. All players have to do to win is complete a series of steps, including Check Your Heart ( move into the game with desire); Watch Your Timing (sometimes renting is better than owning); and Look in Your Wallet (look closely before the lender does, or go back one step).
Home ownership is a cornerstone of the American dream, but it's a complex process that, without the right guidance, can seem like a nightmare. This Missing Manual takes you through the process of buying a home, from start to finish. Along the way, you'll use the book's expert advice and fill-in forms to identify the house you want, figure out what kind of neighborhood you want to live in, determine what a target home is really worth, make an offer, and close the deal. Throughout the process, this book helps you: Realistically determine how much house you can afford Assemble a real estate team that's looking after your interests and not the seller's Understand the different ways to finance your house, and which is best for you Create an attractive offer with the best chance of acceptance Learn what lenders look for so you can get your mortgage approved Inspect your new home to uncover potential problems Prepare all the right paperwork for a smooth closing
100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should, Ask is a wealth of information for first-timers, including: -- How do I know if my broker is doing a good job?* (See question #15.)-- How do I decide what to offer for the home? (See question #26.)-- How does the negotiation process work? (See question #34.)-- How do I choose the right lender for me? (See question #54.)-- How much down payment will I need to buy my home? (See question #59.)-- What are the different types of mortgages available? (See question #73.)-- What if I'm rejected for my loan? (See question #84.)-- What exactly is the closing? (See question #87.)-- Will I need homeowner's insurance? What should it cover? (See question #91.)