Rating: 
Summary: Great book for general information, but not hard specifics.
Review: I will be buying a house in about 8-10 months and want to make sure I dont make an expensive mistake. I've read this whole book since I got it from Amazon, and overall I'm glad I read it, but wish I had checked it out of the library instead. It's an EXCELLENT book for generals - general facts, general information, to be pointed in the right general direction. But it's not a good book for cold hard facts and really valuable specifics. It wont turn you into a real negotiating shark or wheeler and dealer when you're dealing with agents or mortgage brokers (which is the kind of information I was looking for). This book is very slanted towards New York and Chicago, also, because that is where the author's experience lies. But I'm in North Carolina, and some of the information presented as gosepl in this book is just plain factually incorrect for my state. This can be really misleading and problematic depending on your state if you try to follow this book too closely. The book does contain great reference sections on contracts, resources, and real estate terms; and it also has mortgage payment tables in the back (but they only go up to 100,000 and who really spends less than 100K anymore?). Although I have said more negative and positive, this is a nice book in a lot of ways. If you know nothing about what is involved in buying a house, definitely get this book. It's wonderful for basic introductory information and it is a pretty hefty book (450 pgs - great value for the cover price). But if you know what is involved and are looking for "inside" information and consumer protection advice on negotiations with brokers, agents, lawyers, mortgage brokers, title companies, etc etc., get something else. If you really want to know about tricks and traps and shady dealings to avoid, you wont find much of that in this book. It's a real estate primer and a wonderful read - but very basic, simple information.
Rating: 
Summary: Forget 'Dummies'. Listen to Ilyce!
Review: I'm in the process of learning about buying a home. I've read 5-6 books on the subject. Some books explain things a bit but still leave you with questions. Other books seem to "preach" their philosophy but that may not be right for everyone. By far the best book, I've read has been "100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask, Second Edition : With Answers from Top Brokers from Around the Country" by Ilyce R. Glink. This book is incredibly easy to read, but thorough enough to answer the questions that the other books left me asking. Whether you're a first time buyer or someone looking to brush up on home buying...this book is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Forget 'Dummies'. Listen to Ilyce!
Review: I'm in the process of learning about buying a home. I've read 5-6 books on the subject. Some books explain things a bit but still leave you with questions. Other books seem to "preach" their philosophy but that may not be right for everyone. By far the best book, I've read has been "100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask, Second Edition : With Answers from Top Brokers from Around the Country" by Ilyce R. Glink. This book is incredibly easy to read, but thorough enough to answer the questions that the other books left me asking. Whether you're a first time buyer or someone looking to brush up on home buying...this book is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Forget 'Dummies'. Listen to Ilyce!
Review: I'm in the process of learning about buying a home. I've read 5-6 books on the subject. Some books explain things a bit but still leave you with questions. Other books seem to "preach" their philosophy but that may not be right for everyone. By far the best book, I've read has been "100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask, Second Edition : With Answers from Top Brokers from Around the Country" by Ilyce R. Glink. This book is incredibly easy to read, but thorough enough to answer the questions that the other books left me asking. Whether you're a first time buyer or someone looking to brush up on home buying...this book is for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Good stuff.
Review: Ilyce R. Glink, 100 Questions First-Time Homebuyers Should Ask (Three Rivers Press, 2000) The title of this book, perhaps, does it something of a disservice. The information to be found here is useful for anyone in the process of looking for a new home. Sure, a good deal of it will be more useful to those who haven't been through the process before (the section on different types of mortgages, and different breeds of mortgage brokers, is likely to be especially helpful), but since buying a new home isn't something one does on a weekly, or even a yearly, basis most of the time, there's stuff in here that might make for it being a good refresher course when it comes time to sell. (As well, it may remind the sellers of the state of mind of the homebuyer and invoke a little sympathy.) Much of it may seem like common sense, but let's not forget that the vast majority of humanity are notably devoid of that particular capacity. Good stuff, well worth reading. ****
Rating:
Summary: You won't be naive with this book!
Review: In the world of fast-paced real estate, I was defintly glad to have had this book on my side. Not only was the book a quick, easy read, but it also gave advice and definitions that were very easy to comprehend. My husband and I have consulted this book for almost every step of our homebuying process and definitly feel that our naivetee (sp?) would have been taken advantage of w/o out it!! I seriously recomend this book for any home buyer who isn't interested in being taken advantage of!!
Rating:
Summary: Great book for first time home buyers
Review: My husband and I will be looking for our first home soon, so I picked up this book at the library. I think it is very helpful in explaining all the terms and steps you will have to go through when looking for and purchasing a home, but it has so much information it can be overwhelming. I would skim through it first and look at the questions that pertain to you instead of trying to read it word for word. Overall it is helpful if you're new to home buying and have no idea what to expect or do!
Rating:
Summary: Great book for first time home buyers
Review: My husband and I will be looking for our first home soon, so I picked up this book at the library. I think it is very helpful in explaining all the terms and steps you will have to go through when looking for and purchasing a home, but it has so much information it can be overwhelming. I would skim through it first and look at the questions that pertain to you instead of trying to read it word for word. Overall it is helpful if you're new to home buying and have no idea what to expect or do!
Rating: 
Summary: Coming from a narrow perspective
Review: The fact that the author is herself in real estate lends a skewed perspective to her material. I found "Home Buying for Dummies" to be much more objective and definately superior in clarity!! I found it rather astonishing that the author did not go into the idea of requesting an activity sheet from the agent or that you should always ask for comp sheets. She wants the reader to place a lot of faith in their agent, and while we can assume she is above board, this is a rather dangerous attitude to espouse.
Rating:
Summary: More helpful than my father!
Review: This book answered every question my dad couldn't. I would have been lost without it. It takes the fear out of buying a house for the first time and gives you confidence to pursue your dream!
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