Rating: 
Summary: must read for first time home buyer!!
Review: Please read this book before even considering a purchase. This book tells you hidden or unexpected costs that many agents won't reveal. Also, it gives you an idea about how much money is involved when purchasing a new home. Many agents will not reveal "other fees" i.e commission fees, title fees, escrow fees, brokerage fees on and on. I urge first time home buyers to read this book. There are many honest good agents but remember there are also many many dishonest agents and the players involved in property selling.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book that covers the basics
Review: When I was shopping for my first book on home buying, I came across a few in the format of questions and answers/tips. As a beginner, I find this type of format annoying because I do not understand the full context on some of these questions. This book assumes that you know absolutely nothing about home buying, and takes it from there. It's easy to follow and understand, and everything is explained in layman's terms. But as stated in the book, real estate laws varies from state to state, even from county to county. Some of the things mentioned in the book simply does not apply locally. I would suggest this book if you know absolutely nothing about home buying, then graduate to your local Real Estate License exam guidebook if you want to get all the detailed laws that applies for your home purchase.
Rating: 
Summary: Not a great buy if you have bought Author's other books.
Review: I was expecting little detailed explanation regarding home financing, but the book simply dispensed advised 'buy my other book' -'Mortgage for dummies' Many of the information given in this book have practically same content as other books from same authors namely 'Personal finance for dummies' 'Small businesses for dummies'. I am _not_ going to pay for 'Mortgage for dummies' to get one more printed table of 'tax brackets' in USA. No new information here - plain advice that your parents would give you for free! This book reading
Rating: 
Summary: Required Reading For Home Buyers!
Review: If you are even THINKING of buying a home, this could be the best cash you EVER spend. This easy-to-read guide helps you determine how to save to buy a home, how to pick an agent, how to pre-qualify, what to expect at closing, picking inspectors, plus all the warning signs you need to know to help you walk away from all of the above. Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make... this guide makes it one of the easiest. Bravo guys!
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Summary: Now I'm ready to handle the chaotic property market!
Review: My perspective on buying a home has changed 180 degrees after buying this book. Not only that, but now I finally know why there are so many dummie books sold each year. The writing is easy to flow through. The content is tight, essential and highly informative. I was inches away from buying a home before I read this book and now not only did I decide otherwise, but I'm trained to recognize when will be the right time to buy and the right home to own. Here are a few highlights...Buy a home only if you have at least a 20% down payment and another 5% for closing costs. This formula will usually yield you the best bargain. But you also have to determine how long you plan on staying in the home. How long you stay in the home will determine what type of loan will give you the best return. Knowing these details will save you thousands already. Then the book goes on to talk about the pros and cons of the different types of homes, ie condominiums, attached homes, etc. locations, new vs old homes, etc. What's also interesting is that through a bit of cross promotion, they include home buying guidance with financial management tips. OK, basically they imply that you should go on to read their other books about financial planning, taxes and mortgages, but if you think about it, its very sensible. Buying a home changes your entire financial standing. Not only is it critical to see how your mortgage will affect your other financial goals, its essential.
Rating: 
Summary: Satisfactory overview
Review: I was somewhat disappointed in this book. It gave a pretty good overview of home buying, but lacked the detail and specific advice that I was looking for. Fortunately, I got a better feel for what to look for from The 106 Mistakes Homebuyers Make.Dummies is worth its cost, yet I would give a stronger rating to 106 Mistakes.That book gives the experiences of many different homebuyers which I found very practical and right on target to guide us to a better buy.
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Summary: As complete a book on home-buying that I've seen
Review: I bought this book several years ago when I decided to baptize myself into home ownership...for the first time. There was a great price on a fixer home in SoCal. I purchased this book after going to a bookstore and perusing some 20 or so titles. Choosing this, I was not disappointed. The authors don't talk down to you, but rather offer valuable advice and make good sense. In addition, using some ideas from the book, I was able to work with my realtor in lowering the price over a month of negotiations by almost 10 percent. Today, 3 1/2 years later, my house has practically doubled in value (after labor and $ on my part, though). Still, the investment is certainly worth it. No more rent being flushed down the toilet. The old American Dream. (Instead of the white picket fence, though, we opted for chain link.) In addition, the cartoons are a hoot. It's nice to be able to laugh while you prepare to sign your life away!
Rating:
Summary: Good for those of us who have absolutely no clue
Review: when it comes to buying a house. My husband and I are still in the house-hunting process, but this book has cleared up so many questions that we've had. The section on mortgages was especially helpful, and my husband enjoyed the chapter on negotiations (he's honing his skills as I type this!). I liked the explanations of how to figure out what a fair asking price is, as well as the tips on finding a good realtor. I do wish there were more information on FHA programs, Fannie Mae, etc., as I'm sure many readers of this book are young first-time buyers like us who don't have a huge down payment.
Rating:
Summary: A must for every person considering the purchase of a home
Review: I have yet to be disappointed with a Dummies book, and this one is no different. As a first-time home buyer, I found this book to be a quick read and immensely helpful in knowing what to ask my agent, what to look for on walk-throughs, what to expect in terms of offers and counter-offers, and the entire timeline and process from open houses to moving in. This book really is invaluable to anyone purchasing a home, even if you're not a first-time homebuyer, or you otherwise think you know what you're doing.
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Summary: Thank Goodness!
Review: I know nothing about buying a house and numbers and finance make me squirm so I needed simple, clear and helpful information that didn't feel like a lecture - this book is it. Whew!
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