Description:

Review

" Any first-time homebuyer owes it to him or herself to get this book. It's packed with information you won't find anywhere else, yet is remarkably accessible, even when covering complex financial issues." -- Elisabeth DeMarse, CEO, Creditcards.com, former CEO, Bankrate.com

" Coming from a gal that knows tools, this book is a must-have tool for any home buyer. It offers so much essential information, purchasing a home without it would be like trying to drive a nail without a hammer!" -- Norma Vally, host of Toolbelt Diva (Discovery Home) and author of Chix Can Fix: 100 Home Improvement Projects and True Tales From the Diva of Do-It-Yourself

" Enthusiasm, hints and tips all rolled into a great read for first-timers." -- Pat Lashinsky, President of ZipRealty

"Takes the guesswork out of home buying... two thumbs up!" -- Elizabeth Weintraub, Home Buying & Selling Guide, About.com

A must-have for any new homebuyer. Empower yourself by informing yourself!" -- Heidi Baker & Eden Jarrin, co-founders of BeJane.com

Like having over a dozen real estate experts over for dinner. -- Steve Kropper, president of Bank on Real Estate, founder of Domania.com

Product Description

Insider tips and advice to help you get the right place at the right price!

If you're ready to say goodbye to landlords and laundromats, Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home will help you find the right place to invest in -- and have fun doing it.

Filled with interesting facts and real-life stories, this book provides everything you need to select the right house, the right mortgage, the right agent, the right inspections -- and much more. Get the inside scoop on:

• deciding between a house, condo, co-op or townhouse
• exploring the market for the best value
• lining up financing
• getting inspections and insurance
• negotiating with sellers or new home builders
• successfully closing the deal

Read the real-life stories of over 20 first-time homebuyers, as well as the insights from a team of 13 real estate professionals, including:

• brokers
• attorneys who specialize in real estate
• a home inspector
• a neighborhood researcher
• a mortgage specialist
• and more PLUS: You'll get the The Homebuyer's Toolkit, a CD-ROM that includes dozens of forms and MP3s which will help you find the right place, crunch the numbers, interview real estate professionals, borrow down payment money from your parents -- and more.