Synopses & Reviews
"Buying a house is one of the largest and most important investments you'll ever make, and you need to make sure you get the best house for your money. In How to Buy a House in California, Attorney Ralph Warner and realtors Ira Serkes and George Devine lay out effective strategies for buying a house in California's changing market. They show you how to: * choose a house *and a neighborhood * find the right agent * get the most up-to-date information on the latest mortgage options and rates * take advantage of creative financing strategies * figure out how much down payment you can afford * make an offer and negotiate with confidence for the best possible price * buy a new house in a development or condominium * inspect a house for physical problems, as well as environmental and earthquake hazards * juggle simultaneously buying and selling a house * successfully go through escrow * find out how to get information about schools, safety, traffic, earthquakes, weather, pollution and more to help you find the new location that's best for you and your family. You also get all the necessary real estate forms and worksheets and clear information on how to use them. Whether you're looking with a real estate agent or going it alone, this thorough, practical guide to every aspect of buying a house will save you thousands of dollars and help you get the house you want at a price you can afford. A note to those outside California: Even though How to Buy a House in California provides state-specific forms and information for Californians, there's plenty of material in the book that can help home sellers in the other 49 states as well. Don't buy a house without it! "