Rating: 
Summary: Rocky
Review: In 1978 my wife and I bought a house for $41,000. It was brand new and the broker was designated by the builder. Three years later we sold it for a loss of several thousand dollars. I still don't have a clue about what I signed in 1978 or what the checks were all for, but I will when we buy our next home thanks to this book. As easy to read as a best selling mystery novel and more information than you could imagine. The sample inspection report and contract are real eye-openers. Every chapter had value. Great book and I will continue to recommend it to my friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but too general and Californian
Review: For a general overview of homebuying, this book is well written,easy to read, and well-designed in typical Dummy style. But for more detailed and down-to-earth practical advice and examples, we liked Eldred's 106 Mistakes Homebuyers Make. We found the Mistakes' book much easier to apply. The Dummies' authors seem not to be aware that most first-time buyers do not live in California. Overall, though, both (or either) of these books can really help prepare you for the trials and tribulations of what to expect (and watch out for) when buying a home.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely practical, the only book you'll need.
Review: With no other experience than this book and its sister 'House Selling for Dummies' I have done 3 transactions over the last two years. I used them as overviews, instruction manuals and reference guides. Covers the basics in straight forward language, and also goes into sufficient detail to not require buying another books. Don't be fooled or ashamed of the title. There is nothing but intelligence in this book.
Rating:
Summary: A Very Complete Book
Review: I never bought real estate in my life. I never shopped for a mortgage in my life. But after reading this book I am extremely well versed in both. I have been interviewing both buyer's brokers and mortgage lenders and I am extremely well prepared when I call them and when they walk thru the door to meet with me. Buying a home is probably the most money any of us will ever spend at one time. Why not be totally prepared to do it. We spend countless hours reading thru Consumer Reports just to buy a micorowave or a VCR. Don't you think you should be spend hours upon hours studying real estate, mortgages, taxes, etc.? I certainly do. That's why I picked up this book. In total I've read about 6-7 books on the subject. This is definitely one of the better ones. It is comprehensive, informative and detailed. I found myself underlining and using the language and suggestions in the book when talking to the brokers and the lenders. Many of them were impressed with the amount of information I knew about THEIR business. I am in the process now of negotiating my mortgage and so far I've gotten the lenders to decrease the points by .50 PLUS they agreed to pick up some of the closing costs as well. This could mean a sunstantial savings to the bottom line, maybe $2000-3000. We're not talking clipping coupons here anymore! Buy the book. Save some money. Learn about your subject. Knowledge is Power. If you know what they know, they can't screw you.
Rating: 
Summary: Author should read "how to structure a book for dummies"
Review: This is one of the most confusingly organized books I've read in a long time. I finally gave up after chapter six, frustrated by the fact that I was reading about mortgage subtleties when I still hadn't even been presented suggestions on what to buy or how to ferret out a good realtor. As a newbie to homebuying, I was much more interested in getting a step-by-step sense of the process than a bunch of scattershot terminology definitions. Ilyce Glink's books are much better.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, thorough, informative
Review: Great for learning the ropes about home buying. Highly recommended for a first-timer, or second-timer. I bought my first condo, learning as I went along. This book validated my learning experience, and will make my next purchase much easier! I plan to follow its recommendations thoroughly.
Rating: 
Summary: This book was my home buying bible!
Review: Home Buying for Dummies is an excellent source for the first time home buyer. It answered a lot of my questions and gave really good examples. The information was easy to find and to understand. I referred to it time and time again whenever I was stuck and needed an answer to something. The only thing you have to watch for is that all the information may not pertain to the state in which you reside. The rules may be a little different, but in all I rate the book highly!
Rating:
Summary: Informative, helpful, and easy to understand
Review: As a first time home-buyer, there was a lot of "unknowns" in a home purchase. This book took the mystery out of everything from helping establish what you really can afford to finding the right mortgage. The information you get and learn builds confidence when dealing with real estate agents and mortgage lenders because you know what you're talking about (and what to ask) after reading this book. Highly recommend for the home-buying novice.
Rating:
Summary: I'm so glad I bought this
Review: I bought this book from Amazon.com about a year ago and because I did, I was able to carry on intelligent conversations with my agent and lender as I recently purchased a home. Even better, I felt prepared for those conversations and much more in control of the situation than I would have had I not read this book. The tone is light-hearted and practical, and I wish more books were written this way. Thanks to the authors for doing a great job!
Rating:
Summary: Answered a lot of my questions
Review: If you are thinking about or in the process of purchasing your first home, you really should read this book. Practical advice written in laymen's terms.
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