Customer Reviews

The Smart Money Guide to Buying a Home

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book may be slightly better than two stars, but with all of the overly enthusiastic reviews below, some balance is needed.

For starters, this book is very brief - barely over 100 pages not including appendices - and can easily be read in two sittings. Largely an overview with little detail. Thus, you're better off checking it out of a library than buying it for a long term reference.

It also unbalanced/biased - it is obviously written by a realtor. For example, it does not address the issues concerning buying vs. renting and dogamatically assumes that buying is always a great move. While buying a home is usually a great investment, more of the risks of buying need to be brought up.

More annoyingly, the book makes real estate agents (buyer reps) out to be white knights. Untrue! From my experience, there are far more bad ones than good ones and finding a sharp, diligent agent can be a real chore. And the authors claim that it is in your agent's best interest to be patient and find you the best house possible. Also untrue! It is in your agent's best interest to get you to buy ASAP with as little of their time invested as possible. Understanding the players and their motivations is key in the home buying process, and this book just isn't honest enough in that regard.

It may be worth a trip to the library, but not a purchase. Of the four home buying books I read, "The Unoffical Guide to Buying a Home" was the best. More comprehensive and honest.

As a young couple buying our first home, we found the process overwhelming until we read this book. Now it is our bible. We particularly found the simple check lists of "things to do" at the end of each chapter invaluable. It clearly explains in layman's terms everything we need to know about buying our home. Anyone making the largest and most important investment in their lives should read this book first.

As a realtor investor, I was impressed by the forthright information given in this publication. No double talk, no come on's just simple straight talk. I'd advise any home buyer looking to save money, to buy this book.

As a realtor investor, I was impressed by the forthright information given in this publication. No double talk, no come on's just simple straight talk. I'd advise any home buyer looking to save money, to buy this book.

This is the only good advice I gained from this book.
Also, to much focus on existing homes rather than new construction.

I couldn't believe how useful and encompassing the book was. There was so much good information inside, I felt like the authors were really watching out for me. Definitely recommended for anyone who has questions about buying a home!!

I recently bought three books to help me purchase my home. I wanted a home to be proud of, but I wanted also to save money if possible by buying the home below market value. This book was the best by far. I believe I saved somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 by being more "aware". It was very direct...totally useful. The de-bunking of the real estate industry was invaluable. I have passed this book to my son who will be in the market soon.

A quick, easy read and a wonderful reference for all home buyers. I zipped through it in an evening but have referred to it many times since I began my search for a new home.

I saw the author on a local TV talk show and after hearing her straightforward advice and encouragement for the single woman thinking of buying a house, I purchased the book. I'm just starting out on my house search, but thanks to the advice in this book I know I'm going about it in the right (and smart) way. I'll be a home-owner soon!