Home Buying For Dummies, 3rd edition

Amazon.com

This may be the best comprehensive guide for home buyers. Home Buying for Dummies is coauthored by Eric Tyson, author of several other books in the For Dummies series, and Ray Brown, a long-time real estate professional. Like other books in the series, this one is an easy and even entertaining read. But it does not gloss over details in pursuit of simplicity. Home Buying for Dummies covers all the bases, providing clear explanations and reasonable judgments on how to select a mortgage, hire a real estate agent, find the right house, and negotiate a good deal. The book goes further than most in providing helpful, specific information. For example, in discussing ways to save money for a future down payment, Home Buying for Dummies even includes the phone numbers for various mutual funds appropriate to different investment time frames. --Barry Mitzman

Book Description

Though fun and exciting, buying a home can also be complicated and confusing—and most people learn the hard way that a wrong move can cost dearly. In order to find the perfect home at the best price, you must have skill, foresight, and a little guidance from experienced professionals.

Home Buying for Dummies, Third Edition provides just that! Packed with invaluable advice in an objective, down-to-earth style that will have you sitting in your dream home in no time, this friendly guide contains everything you need to know to play the home buying game. It has the tools you need to:

Improve your credit score and select a mortgage
Choose a time and place to buy
Determine the price you want to pay
Assemble an all-star real estate team
Make use of the wonderful world of the Internet
Negotiate your best deal
Inspect and protect your home
Handle and become responsible for the title
Cope with buyer’s remorse

Featured in this guide are tips and tricks on things you should do after you seal the deal, as well as things you ought to know about real estate investing. Also included is advice on how to sell your house, as well as a sample real estate purchase contract and a good inspection report. Don’t get chewed up by the real estate market—Home Buying for Dummies, Third Edition will lead you to the home you want!

Customer Reviews:

Obvious Find for Practical Advice.......2007-09-27

This text is an excellent primer for those of us who are novices in the terminology and techniques involved in what could possibly be the most important financial decisions of our lives. And aren't afraid to admit it.

Slow delivery.......2007-09-21

Still have not received this product as of today 9/21. Item was needed to give as gift for 9/22.

Informative and Useful Book..........2007-08-14

This book fully explains the process of deciding when and how to buy a home. I plan to purchase a home within the next three years, and feel that I will well-prepared.

Very helpful.......2007-08-06

We picked this up when we were going to buy our first home. It helped us to make the right decision and not feel stupid by asking questions.

Informative.......2007-07-13

I was hoping that by reading this book I would be able to buy a home on my own without a realtor, however, although truly informative, I doubt that it provided me with enough information to be that independent. Definitely a good book, but needs to be back up with other sources.

Average customer rating:

Good For Starters
Mortgages For Dummies, 2nd Edition
Saved me a fortune!!!!!!
very little substance
Loan Officer Info

Mortgages For Dummies, 2nd Edition
Eric Tyson , and Ray Brown
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Home Buying For Dummies, 3rd edition
Mortgage Encyclopedia: An Authoritative Guide to Mortgage Programs, Practices, Prices and Pitfalls
100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask: With Answers from Top Brokers from Around the Country (100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask)
The 106 Mortgage Secrets All Homebuyers Must Learn--But Lenders Don't Tell
Mortgages 101: Quick Answers to Over 250 Critical Questions About Your Home Loan

ASIN: 0764571923

Amazon.com

For many of us, the single biggest financial transaction is buying a house. Even more significant than the hefty down payment we fork over is the 15- to 30-year mortgage that needs feeding every month. If you have this much at stake, a little knowledge can go a long way, which is where Eric Tyson and Ray Brown come in. In Mortgages for Dummies, Tyson and Brown (who also wrote Home Buying for Dummies and House Selling for Dummies) provide a comprehensive introduction for anyone who is contemplating a mortgage. The book tells you how to evaluate your creditworthiness, determine your borrowing power, and shop for a lender, as well as covering the various types of loans. The authors also devote a section to refinancing and discuss what you should consider when prepaying a loan. They include amortization and remaining-balance tables, and a useful glossary. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or are just looking to refinance, you'll find this a valuable, easy-to-use guide. --Harry C. Edwards

Book Description

For typical homeowners, the monthly mortgage payment is either their largest or, after income taxes, second-largest expense item. When you’re shopping for a mortgage without the proper knowledge, you could easily waste many hours of your time in addition to the financial losses suffered by not getting the best loan you can. Choosing the right mortgage can help you save money for more important financial goals such as higher education and retirement.

Mortgages For Dummies, Second Edition is for anyone who needs a loan to buy their first home, wants to refinance their existing mortgage, or would like to tap into the equity they’ve built up. Updated to include the very latest on every kind of loan, this friendly, easy-to-understand guide will help you:

Shop for the best home-purchase mortgage
Overcome loan qualification obstacles
Negotiate lower loan fees and closing costs
Save by refinancing the house
Increase retirement income with a reverse mortgage

Once you select the right mortgage for your situation, you can explore, step-by-step, how to get the best possible deal. Mortgages For Dummies, Second Edition also covers the following topics and more:

Determining your borrowing power
Qualifying for a mortgage
Locating and selecting a loan
Finding the best lender and options
Tackling loan paperwork
Refinancing and other money makers

For most of us, the mortgage field is jammed with jargon and fraught with fiscal pitfalls. It’s up to you to seek the knowledge necessary to make your mortgage process more rewarding. This handy guide shows you everything you need to know to find your way through the home financing jungle and make the best decisions possible.

Customer Reviews:

Good For Starters.......2007-05-22

The book touches on the very basics of buying a home. Lots of industry terms defined - this solves a communication barrier to often seen in this industry. Often times, some lenders forget to check the literacy of there clients and breeze through the whole process without defining some key terms. With this book, loan officers/brokers/agents and clients are on the same page.

First time buyers who read this book will feel a little more confident, especially with reading articles and books pertaining to buying/investing in a home.

Mortgages For Dummies, 2nd Edition.......2007-05-18

Very well written... useful not only for mortgage shoppers but also for professionals working in fields related to Financial Services!

Saved me a fortune!!!!!!.......2007-05-01

This book saved me about $22,000 when I purchased my house. It prepared me to know what to look for and what to ask for when searching for a mortgage! I had purchased the home buying for dummies book and while reading that I learned I needed to know so much more about the financing aspect. Since it was my first home purchase I was clueless. This book walked me through and helped me discover what my personal needs were. I found my dream house, a perfect fit mortgage, and closed all in 2 weeks. AMAZING!

very little substance.......2007-04-29

As a first-time homebuyer, I was looking for some in-depth knowledge of mortgages. This wasn't it. It gave a very broad overview and told me very little that I didn't already know. It is fine for the true dummies out there.

Loan Officer Info.......2007-04-04

This book was wonderful to read even though it is geared toward the person buying a mortgage, and I am a loan officer, that sells the mortgage. It had numerous terms spelled out so they could be easily understood. It marked off warning signs of things to stay away from. I feel this book will be in my desk for use constantly.

Average customer rating:

Very Satisfied
Not enough on FSBO
House Selling for Dummies
Not for "FISBO"s.
Fairly Helpful

House Selling for Dummies
Eric Tyson , and Ray Brown
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Buying & Selling Homes | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Home Buying For Dummies, 3rd edition
The For Sale By Owner Kit
Dress Your House for Success: 5 Fast, Easy Steps to Selling Your House, Apartment, or Condo for the Highest Po ssible Price!
50 Simple Steps You Can Take to Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money in Any Market
The For Sale By Owner Handbook: Fsbo Faqs: From Pricing Your Home Right And Increasing Its Curb Appeal To Negotiating The Contract And Hassle-free Closing

ASIN: 0764554255

Amazon.com

By the same authors as Home Buying for Dummies, the new House Selling for Dummies shares all of the companion volume's virtues and likewise qualifies as the overall best choice on its topic. It provides clear and wise counsel on preparing a house for sale, setting the asking price, and negotiating with buyers. House Selling for Dummies discusses the pros and cons of selling a house without a listing agent, but authors Tyson and Brown seem to believe that most "dummies" need the professional help of a Realtor. The book offers extensive and good advice on selecting and working with an agent. --Barry Mitzman

Book Description

If you’re like most people, your biggest investment is your house. Sell your house wisely and you not only save loads of time, but you also pocket thousands—if not tens of thousands—of dollars more than you would otherwise. Making a big mistake in the sale of your house, on the other hand can easily cost you additional weeks—perhaps even months—of work and headache as well as half a year’s worth (or more) of your take-home income.

If you want to sell your house and don’t know where to start, House Selling for Dummies, Second Edition can show you the way. If you’ve researched this topic and would like to discover more about certain aspects of selling your home, then look no further.

House Selling for Dummies, Second Edition is a user-friendly, holistic book totally oriented to your needs as a seller. This friendly guide cuts through confusing real estate lingo and explains in plain English how to make the best possible decisi ons for your situation—whether that decision means staying in your current home rather than selling or if it means selling through a good local real estate agent. This updated edition can help you avoid making mistakes in your selling decisions and will ensure that you sell your home in the best way possible. This down-to-earth guide shows you how to:

Research your options and the personal finance ramifications of your decision to sell or not to sell
Decide whether you should sell your house yourself or bring in an agent
Find the right team of real estate professionals to work with
Prepare your house before you put it on the market
Determine the value of your house
Time the sale of your house
Negotiate the sale of your house
File your income taxes after the sale of your house

House Selling For Dummies, Second Edition includes handy checklists, Internet resources, and a variety of tools and techniques you can use when selling a home. Here is the best way to save time, money, and your sanity when selling your home—with or without an agent.

Customer Reviews:

Very Satisfied.......2006-06-30

This book spends the first 6 chapters discouraging you from selling a home. Which makes sense, since you do lose/spend a lot of money to commissions and taxes when you sell. After that, it has well written, thorough discussions of picking an agent, and things to do to stage your home. I am very glad that I spent the money and time on this book.

Not enough on FSBO.......2005-09-12

I thought the book was informative, however it didn't have enough on selling your house on your own. And some of the material was a bit dated. Overall though, a useful source for the first time home seller.

House Selling for Dummies.......2005-08-09

Very easy to understand. Covers all the subjects well. Was very informative. Highly recommend.

Not for "FISBO"s........2004-08-16

This book discourages "FISBO's" (For Sale By Owner) types in favor of hiring a real estate agent. In fact, only one chapter deals with this. I'd recommend this book to those who plan to hire an agency to sell their home. It will inform them of the various machinations of the sales process. For those looking to sell their own property, I recommend "The For Sale By Owner Kit" by Robert Irwin. It's directed soley at the "FISBO" person.

Fairly Helpful.......2004-03-09

We recently sold our house ourselves. It worked. It was definitely worth it.

I bought this book to help me better understand the issues I was facing when we got started. It was helpful and definitely worth the money. The language was easy to understand and it did highlight a number of issues that made the process easier for me.

Unfortunately there was a lot of information that didn't apply to a fairly normal situation and a number of things weren't covered (one issue is that real estate laws can vary a great deal from state to state). I think a lot of people could find the important stuff mentioned in this book on the internet or from talking to friends.

Foreclosure Investing For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))
Average customer rating:

Ralph Roberts puts together another great instructional manual...

Foreclosure Investing For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))
Ralph R. Roberts , and Joe Kraynak
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit: How to Make Money Buying Distressed Real Estate -- Before the Public Auction

Real Estate Investing for Dummies

The Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate Handbook: Insider Secrets to Locating and Purchasing Pre-Foreclosed Properties in Any Market

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying Foreclosures

ASIN: 0470122188

Book Description

With the housing bubble of the past few years bursting and interest rates on the rise, there has been an upsurge in the number of foreclosures across the country, creating many opportunities for profit. But investing in real estate foreclosure[s?] can be a tough job, especially when a negative stigma is attached. How do you make money while preserving your morals and trust?

Foreclosure Investing For Dummies shows you how to invest in foreclosures ethically without being accused of stealing homes from “little old ladies.” This step-by-step guide helps you thoroughly research property, find the best opportunities, purchase foreclosures, and avoid misleading distressed homeowners. This book doesn’t promise quick profits through minimal work, but it will provide you with invaluable information to become a successful investor, including:

Identifying opportunities and understanding risks
Obtaining information, tools, support, and resources
Locating properties prior to foreclosure
Assisting homeowners through the foreclosure process
Acquiring properties below market value prior to the auction
Buying property at an auction, from lending institutions, and government agencies
Repairing, renovating, and selling or leasing property

This book provides tips and strategies for refinancing your property and maximizing your profits. It also gives you advice on how to assist homeowners, have them work with you, and common mistakes you should avoid. It’s time to go out and make the most of foreclosure investing, and with Foreclosure Investing For Dummies by your side, your hard work and devotion will bring tons of success!

Customer Reviews:

Ralph Roberts puts together another great instructional manual..........2007-07-09

With the struggles in the real estate market and the misleading lending practices, foreclosures are rampant. Wise investors can take advantage of the enormous opportunity in the real estate market. This book will lead them to the promissary notes. Outstanding book! The kind you read, then use as a reference for the rest of your investing life.

Michael J. Maher

Buying a Home on a Budget for Dummies (For Dummies)

Average customer rating:

Buying a Home on a Budget for Dummies (For Dummies)
Melanie Bien
Manufacturer: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Home Buying For Dummies, 3rd edition
Mortgages For Dummies, 2nd Edition

ASIN: 0764570358

Home Buying For Dummies CD 3rd Edition (For Dummies (Lifestyles Audio))

Average customer rating:

Home Buying For Dummies CD 3rd Edition (For Dummies (Lifestyles Audio))
Eric Tyson , and Ray Brown
Manufacturer: HarperAudio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Home Buying For Dummies, 3rd edition
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Stock Investing for Dummies 2nd Ed. CD (For Dummies (Lifestyles Audio))
Tips and Traps When Buying a Home

ASIN: 0061152730
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Book Description

In the market for a home, but don't know where to start? Not to worry! From financing, mortgages, and credit scores to closing the deal, bestselling real estate authors Eric Tyson and Ray Brown walk you step by step through the entire home-buying process.

Discover how to:

Harness the Internet to help in your search
Determine how much home you can afford
Select the right type of mortgage
Work with agents, brokers, lenders, and lawyers
Research neighborhoods and home values

Read by Brett Barry

Average customer rating:

Home Buying for Dummies
Eric Tyson , and Ray Brown
Manufacturer: HarperAudio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 0694519413

Book Description

Are you considering making one of the largest investments of your life - buying a home?Do you get headaches thinking about budgets, mortgage calculations, inspections, and appraisals?Well, there's no need to stress!

Home Buying For Dummies™ takes the trauma out of buying a home and provides you with expert tips, advice, and suggestions for all aspects of buying a home.With sound financial advice from Eric Tyson, bestselling author of Personal Finance For Dummies™ and Investing For Dummies™, and frontline real estate insights from real estate veteran Ray Brown, you'll have the tools and resources at your fingertips to make the right decisions.

On this audiobook, you'll find advice on how to:

Book Description

A real estate geek's proven know-how educates first-time home buyers on all of the home-buying basics they need to know, including establishing a budget, finding a dream home, and getting the best mortgage for the money. Self-assessment tips help potential homeowners decide whether buying a house will stretch their finances too thin, saving them time and money and helping make the entire home-buying process stress-free.

Buying and Selling a Home For Canadians For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))

Average customer rating:

Not so good
Helpful for the first-time homebuyer

Buying and Selling a Home For Canadians For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))
Tony Ioannou , and Heather Ball
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0470837403

Book Description

Whether you're new at the home-buying or selling game in Canada, or whether you've played it before, most of us dread the onslaught of flashy, fast-talking real estate agents and property managers. Well, help has arrived. This revised edition of Buying and Selling a Home For Canadians For Dummies prepares you to get what you need and want when buying a new home or selling the one you're in. Everything from arranging your finances and hiring an agent, to researching neighbourhoods and assessing home values is presented in a clear and humorous way to help you get the most out of the process.

Important information to help you:

Market your home and sell for the highest possible price
Negotiate the best price and terms of sale
Find the right new neighbourhood with reasonable prices and the type of housing to suit you and your family
Decide whether or not to hire an agent and tips on how to choose a good one
Select the best mortgage and understand tax considerations

Updated in the 2nd Edition:

Examining zero percent down payments, lines of credit and other alternatives to conventional mortgages
Using the ’Net: New, useful sites – and what to watch out for
Buying condominiums: An expanded chapter full of useful information on what you need to know before you buy
Selling your home on your own: Expanded online resources and tips
Fixing up your home to sell: Tips from the designers on how to make your home as sellable as possible

Customer Reviews:

Not so good.......2002-12-17

This is truly a book for beginners but for heaven's sake, don't stop here. This will outline terms for you and give you a general idea of what to expect but the biases described in this book should be discarded. For example, they tell you to not lowball an offer in case of offending a seller. Unless you are in the Seller's market, this is just foolishness. Read, talk to your agent, and find a good mortgage broker and ask questions. Save your money and time for your closing costs. This book won't cut it for you.

Helpful for the first-time homebuyer.......2002-04-16

The success of the Dummies series is to supply information to the beginner, but at a pace and level that does not dumb down the material. This book, Buying a Home for Dummies, successfully takes the new home-seeker through the process of buying a house. It is written by 3 Canadians, and is obviously not just a rehash of the U.S. version.

Included are suggestions and hints on finding a real estate agent and lawyer, differences between house-hunting and condo-hunting, things to look for in a house (location, size, age, etc.), and budgeting give an idea of what you can afford. There are a number of helpful regional tips included as well - obviously someone looking for a house in Thunder Bay or Edmonton will care more about heating bills than someone in Victoria or Windsor. There is also a section on selling a first house, so you can keep this book on the shelf until the time comes when you're selling.

The most helpful aspects of the book deal with the mechanics of home purchase. There are a lot of new words to be learned, and they are helpfully gathered in a glossary in the back, as well as being fully explained in context in the text. A discussion on mortgages has the danger of becoming very dull very quickly, something this book manages to avoid by including examples and an efficient writing style.

The only thing I didn't like is the emphasis on big cities - since the authors are from Vancouver and Toronto, they know big cities best, but the underlying theme of the book is based on big cities in active markets. While it's true that Halifax, Calgary, etc. are in a real estate booms right now, many readers of this book (including myself) are going to be from smaller markets, so many of the tricks and advice don't apply. Other than that, it's an excellent introduction to house (and condo) hunting, and we have found it very useful in our first experience in the real estate market.

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