The Smart Consumer's Guide to Home Buying »

Peter A. Schkeeper, is a licensed engineer with experience in evaluating residential real estate

Jack P. Friedman is a real estate consultant and author of many books on the subject.

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

(back cover)
Buying a home is--in the author's words--"both a romantic journey and a business venture, and is likely to be the largest single investment you will ever make. This book takes you 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 details the authors help you deal with include–

Consideration of your family’s needs: How many rooms, what kind of neighborhood, access to schools and shopping.

Mortgage shopping: How to select the best type and size of mortgage to match your income and budget, and to allow for unforeseen future expenses.

Professional Assistance: How to select and work with real estate professionals.

Closing: Detailed advice on negotiating with sellers.

You'll also get advice on many details that you'll encounter after you've moved into your home--for instance, making improvements, and understanding how to measure market value if the time comes to sell your home. Here is reliable information from a team of seasoned professionals, advice that you'll value as you and your family go shopping for that home of your dreams.

Introduction     v
Am I Ready to Buy a Home?     1
What Are My Needs?     21
Can I Afford to Buy a Home?     52
What Should I Know About Mortgages?     76
How Do I Choose a Mortgage?     101
Where Do I Get Help?     128
What Am I Looking For in a Home?     155
What Should I Know About Condo Ownership?     188
How Do I Find the Home for Me?     207
Making the Offer: How Much Should I Pay?     233
Home Inspection-The Physical Exam     258
How Do I Negotiate?     291
The Close, Settlement, and Escrow     318
Insurance     333
Utilities, Setting Up the Home, Maintenance Planning     346
Refinancing     377
Remodeling: Adding to Your Home     392
Vacation Home     422
Investment Property: Understanding Market Value     439
Selling Your Home     457
Glossary     477
Monthly Mortgage Payment per {dollar}1,000 Initial Principal     510
HUD-1 Form     511
Web Sites     513
Index     519