"This book provides everything a first-time home buyer needs to research the local market and listings; choose a house, condo, co-op, or townhouse; create a realistic budget; qualify for an affordable loan; borrow a down payment from friends or family; get protection with inspections and insurance; and negotiate and close the deal successfully. This book includes insights from 15 real estate professionals--brokers, attorneys, mortgage specialists, a home inspector, and more. Also included are the real-life stories of over 20 first-time homebuyers"-- Provided by publisher.

Revised edition of the authors' Nolo's essential guide to buying your first home, ©2019. Includes index.

Your homebuying companion -- What's so great about buying a house? -- What do you want? Figuring out your homebuying needs -- Does this mean I have to balance my checkbook? Figuring out what you can afford -- Stepping out : what's on the market and at what price -- Select your players : the real estate team -- Bring home the bacon : getting a mortgage -- Mom and dad? The seller? Uncle Sam? Loan alternatives -- I love it! It's perfect! Looking for the right house -- Plan B : fixer-uppers, FSBOs, foreclosures, and more -- Show them the money : from offer to purchase agreement -- Toward the finish line : tasks before closing -- Send in the big guns : professional property inspectors -- Who's got your back? Homeowners' insurance and home warranties -- Seal the deal : finalizing your homebuying dreams.