The Homebuyer's Question & Answer Book

First-time buyers are walking into a brutal real estate market with high prices, confusing mortgage terms, tight inventory and an endless loop of online advice. The Homebuyer's Question & Answer Book (second edition) gives bookstores, libraries and retailers a much-needed consumer finance title for readers facing one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

Author of Second Homes for Dummies and The RE/MAX Homebuyer's Survival Guide, Bridget McCrea covers the topics that first-time buyers are afraid to get wrong, including:

• How much house can I really afford without becoming house poor?

• What will a lender ask for?

• What should I really be looking for at a showing?

• Can a low appraisal kill the whole deal?

• What does "as is" mean?

• How much cash do I need beyond the down payment?

• Who is looking out for me before closing?

• What happens if I find a hidden defect after I move in?

The book walks readers from early budgeting and credit prep through house hunting, offers, inspections, appraisals, insurance, closing costs, buyer protections and the first months of homeownership. It's built for anyone who wants accurate answers before they sign, spend or commit.