Smart Consumer's Guide to Home Buying - Couverture souple

Buying a home is, in the authors' words, both a romantic journey and a business venture. For most families, it's the largest single investment they will ever make. The purpose of this book is to transform home buyers--especially first-time buyers--into smart consumers who can evaluate a property objectively as step number one in deciding whether or not to buy. The authors take their readers by the hand through the maze of mortgage shopping, dealing with real estate agents, and hunting down that perfect dream house. Some of the many questions they help prospective buyers answer are:

Consideration of family needs: how many rooms, what kind of neighborhood, access to schools, shopping, and the like

Is the home affordable? Considerations include the size of the down payment, the size and type of mortgage, projecting monthly payments, and allowing for unforeseen expenses

Making an offer and negotiating with sellers and real estate agents

The close, settlement, and escrow

Remodeling: adding to a home and making improvements

Investment Property: understanding market values

Selling a home . . . and much, much more

Because this book addresses a national audience, it is necessarily general when making reference to local situations. However, the authors offer practical advice on how readers can find reliable local professional assistance in their quest to purchase a home.

Jack C. Harris is a research economist who has also written and co-authored several books on real estate.