Don't Rent, Buy! is the definitive guide to first-time homebuyers shopping for a home in the most difficult, confusing and complex residential market in United States history. What is a good mortgage rate? Do I apply for a 15- or 30-year mortgage? What's an ARM? How big a down payment do I need? Can I buy a foreclosure? What is REO? Do I need a professional real estate agent? How do I find a reliable lender? All those questions—and many more—are answered in easy to understand language. The complete home-buying process, from getting pre-approved for a mortgage to shopping for neighborhoods to negotiating a price to closing without surprises is described, step-by-explanatory-step. Helpful checklists help the first time homebuyer keep track of all the absolutely necessary details about different properties, mortgage opportunities and more.
Another helpful feature: Don't Rent, Buy! lists scores of resources, including contact information for state housing finance authorities, listings for federal programs designed for the first time homebuyer—and an extensive glossary of terms common to the residential real estate market. Eddie Fadel, author of Don't Rent, Buy!, believes that today's first-time homebuyers have an unprecedented opportunity to achieve the American dream of home ownership. The first step in realizing that dream, he says, is acquiring the comprehensive knowledge, understanding and awareness of today's residential real estate market presented in Don't Rent, Buy!
