How to Buy a Home When You Can't Afford It [Paperback]

Robert Irwin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 24, 2002

Good news for those who think they cannot scrape together a down payment and get approved for a mortgage

This latest book from million-selling real estate author Bob Irwin brings a ray a hope to the millions who dream of owning their own homes but who either aren't sure they can afford one or lack the "official" financial qualifications for a mortgage. Pitched exclusively to the needs of this market, How to Buy a Home When You Can't Afford It is a treasure trove of innovative tactics, tips, strategies, and methods for finding financing and closing on a home. Irwin shows readers how to determine how much they're really worth, how to uncover hidden assets they never new they had, and how virtually anyone can improve his or her credit rating in just six months. He then cuts right to the chase with dozens of proven options, including:

• First-time home owner benefits
• Creative ways to cover closing costs
• Bargaining down sellers
• Obtaining "sweat equity" government homes

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Think you can't afford to buy a home? Think again!

If you are thinking about buying your first home in today's real estate market, it's easy to feel discouraged. It may seem as if you needed to save up for your down payment since kindergarten and never pay a bill late in your life. Nothing could be further from the truth! Best-selling real estate author Robert Irwin can show you how to make your dream of home ownership a reality regardless of your financial situation. Loaded with information and advice about everything from low down payment and no down payment mortgages to finding the right agent, Robert Irwin leads you down the path to home ownership one step at a time.

• Cash poor? How about coming up with as little as 10, 5, or 0 percent down!
• High prices? Discover how persistence, patience, and a little hard work can really pay off!
• Worried about big monthly mortgage payments? Between adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) and huge tax breaks, a mortgage is a lot more affordable than you think.
• Credit concerns? Irwin gives you the inside scoop on credit scores and what you can do to improve yours.
• Where and what to buy? Learn how to identify the best neighborhood for your money and compare different housing options.
• Looking for new construction? Find out how you can save up to 30 percent if you build it yourself!

Irwin doesn't stop there, How to Buy a Home When You Can't Afford It is packed with advice about affordable government housing programs, tips on cutting closing costs, how to evaluate fixer-uppers, and so much more. So stop making excuses and start making your dream a reality today!

About the Author

Robert Irwin, one of America's leading experts in all areas of real estate, is the author of more than 50 books, including McGraw-Hill's best-selling Tips and Traps series. For more real estate tips and traps, go to www.robertirwin.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (June 24, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071385185
• ISBN-13: 978-0071385183
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,126,873 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is not Just a Catchy Title, October 13, 2002

By 

K. Wheaton "valleygardener" (Napa Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Buy a Home When You Can't Afford It (Paperback)

This book is a godsend to anyone who feels there is no way they will ever be able to afford a house. In the last few years many things have changed in the home mortgage market and this book walks you through how to buy a house with 0% down, how to avoid PMI insurance with a 80/20 Loan , not to mention where to look for bargains, how to low-ball etc.

This book is worth every penny. It is well-written, researched and up to date. If you would like to buy a home and are waiting to save up for a downpayment order this book today. You won't be sorry!

46 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From San Francisco Chronicle 12/8/02 (by Robert J. Bruss), December 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Buy a Home When You Can't Afford It (Paperback)

#1 of year's 10 top real estate books. This survey book explains virtually all the home-purchase alternatives, such as different types of houses and condos, as well as low-cost finance alternatives. Aimed at first-time buyers, this well-designed book explains home-buying techniques that less-than-perfect buyers should consider.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical Reference For Home Buyers, July 10, 2005

By 

lalala - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Buy a Home When You Can't Afford It (Paperback)

This is a practical book for home buyers. However, it does not contain a wide-spectrum of information one'd expect. For example, information about town-house and condo are superficial. And there are other sections I'd expect the author to go a little bit more in detail. Even with all these concerns, this book and author should get credit where credit is due. It gives good guidelines and portrays a clear system of how to determine a good house buy.