Buying a Home: The Missing Manual

This is one of the best buyer's markets in quite some time. It's tempting to buy a house right now. But before you rush off to buy, it might be a good idea to read this great book, Buying a Home: The Missing Manual, by Nancy Conner.

-- Miranda Marquit,

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