"Presents a detailed view of how home purchases take place across the U.S. in easy-to-understand terms. The new edition emphasizes that careful research is necessary before deciding what price and terms to include in an offer and warns of the changing requirements to secure financing"--Provided by publisher.

"Includes the homebuyer's toolkit, a CD-ROM with dozens of forms and podcasts that will help you find the right place, crunch the numbers, interview real estate professionals, inspect a house thoroughly--and more"--P. [4] of cover.

Your homebuying companion -- What's so great about buying a house? Why you can and should do it -- 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. What's the buzz? -- Select your players : your 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 -- Settling into your new home.