Home ownership is a cornerstone of the American dream, but it's a complex process that, without the right guidance, can seem like a nightmare. This Missing Manual takes you through the process of buying a home, from start to finish. Along the way, you'll use the book's expert advice and fill-in forms to identify the house you want, figure out what kind of neighborhood you want to live in, determine what a target home is really worth, make an offer, and close the deal. Throughout the process, this book helps you:

• Realistically determine how much house you can afford


• Assemble a real estate team that's looking after your interests and not the seller's


• Understand the different ways to finance your house, and which is best for you


• Create an attractive offer with the best chance of acceptance


• Learn what lenders look for so you can get your mortgage approved


• Inspect your new home to uncover potential problems


• Prepare all the right paperwork for a smooth closing