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Home Buying Kit for Dummies
America's #1 bestselling home buying guide. Want to buy a house, but concerned about the real estate market? Have no fear--"Home Buying Kit For Dummies" arms you with Eric Tyson and Ray Brown's time-tested advice and updated strategies for buying a home in current market conditions. You'll discover how to find the right property, make smart financial decisions, and understand the latest lending requirements and tax implications.
You'll discover how to take advantage of low home prices, navigate tighter lending requirements, and take advantage of the newest resources available to home buyers and new owners. Plus, the bonus CD-ROM is chock-full of information, materials, and resources for first-time buyers and savvy investors alike. All the forms and paperwork needed for buying a home, including: loan applications, appropriate tax documents, counter offer forms, and more. Worksheets and calculators for comparable market analysis, budget, mortgage, property taxes, and more. Printable home buying checklists for hiring an agent, home inspections, and questions to ask during home visits
"Home Buying Kit For Dummies" is for the millions of home-buyers throughout the U.S. who need a fun and easy guide to navigating the complexities of purchasing and owning a home.
You'll discover how to take advantage of low home prices, navigate tighter lending requirements, and take advantage of the newest resources available to home buyers and new owners. Plus, the bonus CD-ROM is chock-full of information, materials, and resources for first-time buyers and savvy investors alike. All the forms and paperwork needed for buying a home, including: loan applications, appropriate tax documents, counter offer forms, and more. Worksheets and calculators for comparable market analysis, budget, mortgage, property taxes, and more. Printable home buying checklists for hiring an agent, home inspections, and questions to ask during home visits
"Home Buying Kit For Dummies" is for the millions of home-buyers throughout the U.S. who need a fun and easy guide to navigating the complexities of purchasing and owning a home.
432 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2012
353 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 19, 2015
(3.5) Lots of the basics, helpful for first time buyers
Some of this I could have saved time if I'd read before buying our house. Wanted to see if there was anything I missed (and there were a couple things). Seems a bit wordy and repetitive at times, but might be best used as a reference when you're at each stage of the process. Didn't look at the CD, but maybe there's something helpful in there for collecting comparable sales and guides you to the price home you're envisioning? There's some generally good financial advice in there too, but hope it's not the first place you see/hear/read those advice.
Some things that were good tips that I didn't think through during our buying process:
* tips on how much to let yourself spend on improvements: don't make the place stick out (too well maintained, style out of sync with neighborhood, too big), be the most expensive house in neighborhood etc.
* how to interview prospective agents (with specific--good--questions) - p. 204
* be sure to use a property inspection contingency (and duh use your own inspector that you hire, ASHI certified) - p. 262
* questions to interview property inspector - p. 283
* be AT the property inspection - p. 284
* insurance: get guaranteed replacement cost insurance - p. 289
* personal property replacement guarantee - p. 290
* ask for a refinance rate on the title insurance if you're refinancing (much cheaper) - p. 294
* joint tenancy with right of survivorship vs community property (as in the book, we made this decision last minute when we were asked in escrow officer's office) - pp. 307-8
* save all receipts for improvements to the property/house for cost basis purposes at sale - p. 322
- earlier in the book discussed what is maintenance vs improvements
* if buying rental property, to assess cash flow, ask for current owner's Schedule E from tax return (expenses on the rental) - p.330
* rental losses may not be deductible (depending on income), so make sure it's cash flow positive! - p. 330
* selling: selling agent tips, e.g. 3 month max contract - p. 333
* do a practice walkthrough before selling (friends, prospective agents)...figure out what's wrong with the place before you list!
* really helpful property inspection report example so you know what to look for. - appendix
- above, reminded us to ask for sample report from prospective property inspectors to see if they're worth anything (or pure boilerplate)
So, overall, pretty good. Could be more concise. Again, I recommend for people heading into first home purchase!
Some of this I could have saved time if I'd read before buying our house. Wanted to see if there was anything I missed (and there were a couple things). Seems a bit wordy and repetitive at times, but might be best used as a reference when you're at each stage of the process. Didn't look at the CD, but maybe there's something helpful in there for collecting comparable sales and guides you to the price home you're envisioning? There's some generally good financial advice in there too, but hope it's not the first place you see/hear/read those advice.
Some things that were good tips that I didn't think through during our buying process:
* tips on how much to let yourself spend on improvements: don't make the place stick out (too well maintained, style out of sync with neighborhood, too big), be the most expensive house in neighborhood etc.
* how to interview prospective agents (with specific--good--questions) - p. 204
* be sure to use a property inspection contingency (and duh use your own inspector that you hire, ASHI certified) - p. 262
* questions to interview property inspector - p. 283
* be AT the property inspection - p. 284
* insurance: get guaranteed replacement cost insurance - p. 289
* personal property replacement guarantee - p. 290
* ask for a refinance rate on the title insurance if you're refinancing (much cheaper) - p. 294
* joint tenancy with right of survivorship vs community property (as in the book, we made this decision last minute when we were asked in escrow officer's office) - pp. 307-8
* save all receipts for improvements to the property/house for cost basis purposes at sale - p. 322
- earlier in the book discussed what is maintenance vs improvements
* if buying rental property, to assess cash flow, ask for current owner's Schedule E from tax return (expenses on the rental) - p.330
* rental losses may not be deductible (depending on income), so make sure it's cash flow positive! - p. 330
* selling: selling agent tips, e.g. 3 month max contract - p. 333
* do a practice walkthrough before selling (friends, prospective agents)...figure out what's wrong with the place before you list!
* really helpful property inspection report example so you know what to look for. - appendix
- above, reminded us to ask for sample report from prospective property inspectors to see if they're worth anything (or pure boilerplate)
So, overall, pretty good. Could be more concise. Again, I recommend for people heading into first home purchase!
March 24, 2024
Scariest book I've read all year!
If I had to read this, I get to count it
If I had to read this, I get to count it
March 22, 2022
If you live in the United States and plan to buy a house, or to provide help and support for someone who does (which is my situation), you should read this book cover to cover, and then have it available as a primary resource for every step of the complex process of home buying. Make sure you have the most recent edition, as changes occur constantly in laws, tax codes, business practices, and software services. I used the seventh edition, published in 2020.
Like all Dummies books, in my experience, Home Buying Kit for Dummies is well written, clear and unambiguous, and sufficiently informal that you feel like you are talking to an old friend.
Like all Dummies books, in my experience, Home Buying Kit for Dummies is well written, clear and unambiguous, and sufficiently informal that you feel like you are talking to an old friend.
July 20, 2015
If you read this book from cover to cover and you STILL can't figure out the best way to buy (or not buy) a house, perhaps you should live with your parents forever. Seriously, this book covers everything in just the right amount of detail.
December 24, 2014
This book had everything that I needed to learn about buying a home (detached and attached residences, financials,mortgages, contracts, useful tips and more!)
I spent a week before downloading articles and doing research about the home buying process and I noticed I often got distracted. This book helped saved me time instead of going online and researching different sites and articles. This book has it all to start your journey to the difficult and confusing times of buying a home.
I highly recommend this book to MY WIFE!
I spent a week before downloading articles and doing research about the home buying process and I noticed I often got distracted. This book helped saved me time instead of going online and researching different sites and articles. This book has it all to start your journey to the difficult and confusing times of buying a home.
I highly recommend this book to MY WIFE!
April 4, 2021
A helpful guide as we enter our first home buying journey!
August 1, 2021
A helpful book on the home buying process.
April 19, 2019
This is an excellent resource to get up to speed on the intricacies of home buying. Going in, I had very little idea on what goes on when it comes to buying a place, and by the end, I can say that I understand the process much better. I may have become a fan of the ....for Dummies series.
The book is peppered with good advice in bite-size portions. Some of the most useful parts include tips on choosing the right professionals, importance of inspections, importance of objectivity and data, and importance of patience. This is the first book where I took many notes to revisit the main lessons. If you are even casually contemplating about owning a home, and you are detail oriented, you should do yourself a favor and read this!
The book is peppered with good advice in bite-size portions. Some of the most useful parts include tips on choosing the right professionals, importance of inspections, importance of objectivity and data, and importance of patience. This is the first book where I took many notes to revisit the main lessons. If you are even casually contemplating about owning a home, and you are detail oriented, you should do yourself a favor and read this!
December 30, 2017
I am glad I read this book. Although our home-buying process has barely begun, I feel much better about it. We are going to have a short time shopping as it's due to job transfer. I gave the book four stars because as a first-time buyer I would have preferred to have some of the later chapters show up earlier for peace of mind. I knew nothing about any of it! However, I read the whole thing and got to them eventually, so it's good enough. I would recommend reading this a year or two before you plan to buy because earlier chapters advise you to start saving for your down payment and how to invest. While it does not pertain to everyone, it is better to have your game plan going. Good luck!
April 27, 2022
When we move to Texas we are planning to buy our first home. So of course I bought a book to learn all I could about doing so.
I love the “for dummies” series of books and HIGHLY reccomend them when people need to learn stuff. I’ve used a few different ones.
This one was great except, a lot of the info does not apply to us. Talking about when to buy for instance, well, that will be when we move and that is when the Army says so. 😂🤷🏻♀️
Which by the way…. WE ARE NOW MOVING ONE MONTH SOONER! 🤩🤠
This book did have a lot of great info and I did learn from it. But I also realized I know more ab buying a home than I thought I did.
I love the “for dummies” series of books and HIGHLY reccomend them when people need to learn stuff. I’ve used a few different ones.
This one was great except, a lot of the info does not apply to us. Talking about when to buy for instance, well, that will be when we move and that is when the Army says so. 😂🤷🏻♀️
Which by the way…. WE ARE NOW MOVING ONE MONTH SOONER! 🤩🤠
This book did have a lot of great info and I did learn from it. But I also realized I know more ab buying a home than I thought I did.
February 16, 2020
Super clear and helpful information on everything regarding home-buying - I liked that it helped you break out your finances to determine how much mortgage payment you could afford. I'll definitely be revisiting in upcoming years and recommend to anyone thinking of buying a house.
March 15, 2020
This book has many helpful tips!
June 10, 2020
My husband and I are in the process of starting our house-hunt, so I thought that reading something about the process would be a good idea. Neither of us has ever had a similar experience, so there's a lot that we don't know, and I'm definitely the controlling type who likes to have my own knowledge and not just rely on other people's guidance.
I thought that this was a really good book for beginners. The writing style is pretty simple and straightforward, so while it's not the most stimulating subject matter, it's very readable. The authors take the time to go over things from the very basics, starting with assessing whether you're better off buying or renting, and then talking about some basic budgeting and how to figure out what you can actually afford to buy. They're very good about highlighting the difference between what you can get qualified for and what you can actually afford, which I think is a very important point that people don't always realize.
They also go over the whole process of finding a team to work with, from your lender to your real estate agent. They provide lists of what kind of questions to ask, and red flags to look for, in the effort to work with the best people. They also discuss what the people you work with can and should do for you. For example, asking your real estate agent to provide a listing of comparable houses in the area that have sold recently is something that I didn't even know was a thing before reading this book. And since the best way to figure out an offering price is using recent sales in the area, that is hugely vital information. Learning that felt a bit like turning a light on inside the dark world of home buying.
They also go over negotiating, escrow, titles, different types of insurance, condos, foreclosures, short sales, and even give a basic overview of selling your house or buying investment properties. I have to say, after reading this, I am a lot more confident in my knowledge of the home buying process. I won't say that I'm an expert in any way, but it no longer feels as completely mysterious as it once did, which I am very grateful for. I hate not understanding what's going on, but I'm not always the best about asking questions, so this book was great for me.
I really recommend this book if you're interested in buying a house, but are like me and don't really know what you're doing. I think the authors do a good job of offering balanced information, although they do sneak a few personal plugs in there as well. I think this gives a very realistic overview of what the process is like and what some of the common pitfalls are.
I thought that this was a really good book for beginners. The writing style is pretty simple and straightforward, so while it's not the most stimulating subject matter, it's very readable. The authors take the time to go over things from the very basics, starting with assessing whether you're better off buying or renting, and then talking about some basic budgeting and how to figure out what you can actually afford to buy. They're very good about highlighting the difference between what you can get qualified for and what you can actually afford, which I think is a very important point that people don't always realize.
They also go over the whole process of finding a team to work with, from your lender to your real estate agent. They provide lists of what kind of questions to ask, and red flags to look for, in the effort to work with the best people. They also discuss what the people you work with can and should do for you. For example, asking your real estate agent to provide a listing of comparable houses in the area that have sold recently is something that I didn't even know was a thing before reading this book. And since the best way to figure out an offering price is using recent sales in the area, that is hugely vital information. Learning that felt a bit like turning a light on inside the dark world of home buying.
They also go over negotiating, escrow, titles, different types of insurance, condos, foreclosures, short sales, and even give a basic overview of selling your house or buying investment properties. I have to say, after reading this, I am a lot more confident in my knowledge of the home buying process. I won't say that I'm an expert in any way, but it no longer feels as completely mysterious as it once did, which I am very grateful for. I hate not understanding what's going on, but I'm not always the best about asking questions, so this book was great for me.
I really recommend this book if you're interested in buying a house, but are like me and don't really know what you're doing. I think the authors do a good job of offering balanced information, although they do sneak a few personal plugs in there as well. I think this gives a very realistic overview of what the process is like and what some of the common pitfalls are.
February 7, 2017
This is a pretty handy manual that can help you buy a good house. I liked the clear explanations, and some useful information that I didn't know at all.
This is the cover and editorial information of the book I read. It was a book published in 2016, so the information is pretty current.
This is a summary of the table of contents. The book has financial advice, as well as negotiation tips. I found it complete, accurate and helpful.
A couple of words about living trusts that all of us should know. I think this was a very interesting piece of information in this manual:
And this is a very interesting analysis about "balloon loans". I did not know those existed, but I am happy that now I know that there are more dangers out there and that not all thieves need to hold knives.
In summary, a good book, interesting, easy to read and useful if you are looking to buy a new house.
Well, I hope you liked this review. Did you know that I also have a blog? Take a look here: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com
This is the cover and editorial information of the book I read. It was a book published in 2016, so the information is pretty current.
This is a summary of the table of contents. The book has financial advice, as well as negotiation tips. I found it complete, accurate and helpful.
A couple of words about living trusts that all of us should know. I think this was a very interesting piece of information in this manual:
And this is a very interesting analysis about "balloon loans". I did not know those existed, but I am happy that now I know that there are more dangers out there and that not all thieves need to hold knives.
In summary, a good book, interesting, easy to read and useful if you are looking to buy a new house.
Well, I hope you liked this review. Did you know that I also have a blog? Take a look here: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com
December 2, 2021
Basically the most comprehensive book I’ve read so far on home buying. And I’ve read 4 so far including this so obviously I know what I’m talking about.
Jokes aside, this book is actually a really comprehensive bible for those who want to buy a home. It has all the tips and tricks that one wouldn’t think about and also has ideas on how you should invest your money. Just remember. If you hold you property for 5-7 years, and the growth in prices exceeds both the case-Schiller for the area and is close enough to the stock market, you’ve got a good deal going on. Probably.
When you think about this it actually makes sense. How can a book about home buying be devoid of the aspect of investing? Home buying is literally the number one way people build wealth in America; it’s how people become millionaires.
The dude who wrote this also wrote the investing guide for dummies. I know it’s embarrassing to say I liked a dummies book but legit why is that the case? It’s not like I’m an expert on the subject matter and if a book claims to help dummies understand something better and it’s thick AF then it probably has something good to say. This book was definitely one of those.
Jokes aside, this book is actually a really comprehensive bible for those who want to buy a home. It has all the tips and tricks that one wouldn’t think about and also has ideas on how you should invest your money. Just remember. If you hold you property for 5-7 years, and the growth in prices exceeds both the case-Schiller for the area and is close enough to the stock market, you’ve got a good deal going on. Probably.
When you think about this it actually makes sense. How can a book about home buying be devoid of the aspect of investing? Home buying is literally the number one way people build wealth in America; it’s how people become millionaires.
The dude who wrote this also wrote the investing guide for dummies. I know it’s embarrassing to say I liked a dummies book but legit why is that the case? It’s not like I’m an expert on the subject matter and if a book claims to help dummies understand something better and it’s thick AF then it probably has something good to say. This book was definitely one of those.
May 2, 2015
Good basic info but outdated
I wish I had gotten around to reading this before the middle of the home buying process, but I was kind of glad to see how much I had learned in a short time from the experience itself. This book is good if you literally know nothing about buying a house (like I used to), but has some definite deficiencies. It's outdated enough that it doesn't even contemplate interest rates below 4%, barely discusses online resources, and seems focused on demonizing some types of mortgages that I'm not sure even exist anymore. It also is definitely geared toward the middle of the country as opposed to real estate markets in more competitive cities. All this talk of $200,000 houses got irritating after a while.
I wish I had gotten around to reading this before the middle of the home buying process, but I was kind of glad to see how much I had learned in a short time from the experience itself. This book is good if you literally know nothing about buying a house (like I used to), but has some definite deficiencies. It's outdated enough that it doesn't even contemplate interest rates below 4%, barely discusses online resources, and seems focused on demonizing some types of mortgages that I'm not sure even exist anymore. It also is definitely geared toward the middle of the country as opposed to real estate markets in more competitive cities. All this talk of $200,000 houses got irritating after a while.
June 13, 2021
Later in life than most, I'm looking at buying my first home, and what a mind-boggling process it is of forms, fees, and caveat emptors. Fortunately, I cam across Tyson and Brown's "Home Buying Kit for Dummies." Just from the title, I could tell it was made for me. The book clearly explains the home-buying process, from what to look for to what to beware of. In between, you learn about the types of homes one can buy and the types of sales, and the authors walk you through the loan, bidding, bargaining, inspection, and "congratulations it's yours" processes, including sample contracts and other forms. I found it handy and recommend it to other first time buyers.
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March 2, 2021This book is packed with tons of info, to the point that it might be a bit overwhelming for someone just dipping their toes into the idea of possibly buying a home at some point in the future. For me, it was a good starting point for further research. I will probably return to it when and if I become a little more serious about actually buying a home.
April 20, 2021
I know infinitely more about the home buying process now than I did before getting this book. While I am excited to hopefully soon finally own a home, I am not looking forward to the searching and buying process... Hopefully the knowledge that I gained from this book will allow the process to go as smoothly and painlessly as possible!
March 3, 2015
Sometimes I enjoy writing that is both informative and whimsical, and that's why I appreciated this book, which I think is a great resource for a first time home buyer. This had everything I needed in one place and saved me time from searching for all of the resources elsewhere.
January 22, 2018
Loved it
Short, easy to read, i spoke to home buyers as i was reading this book their mistakes were the same warnings in this book and their advice after learning matched the advice here. Definitely worth becoming knowledgeable in this type of financial decision.
Short, easy to read, i spoke to home buyers as i was reading this book their mistakes were the same warnings in this book and their advice after learning matched the advice here. Definitely worth becoming knowledgeable in this type of financial decision.
August 11, 2020
I feel dumber than when I started it, though I don’t regret reading it. It’s overflowing with good info, so I’m sure it will make an excellent reference for the future. Just as it stands, I still feel pretty dumb about the home buying process and I’m thankful realtors exist.
June 15, 2012
This may come in handy sometime soon.
Pretty well written. Thorough, readable and helpful. Meets expectations of the purchase.
Pretty well written. Thorough, readable and helpful. Meets expectations of the purchase.
January 1, 2013
This was an incredibly useful book. It provides a concise road map for the home buying process along with tips on how to conduct the process. I will be referring here often during the next year.
September 22, 2015
Extremely informative.
December 14, 2015
1 of 2 real estate books I've read.
Informative and thorough. Surprisingly not dry.
Informative and thorough. Surprisingly not dry.
November 12, 2017
An exceedingly well-written guide for the first-time home buyer. As an added bonus, this book won't bore you to tears.
January 7, 2018
Solid book for all things on home buying. Started reading to get familiar with real estate terminology and best practices; book met expectation.
October 23, 2020
Wow. How could I have gotten through buying my first house without this book?? Answer-I couldn’t.
December 13, 2018
Lots of information and advice. Helped me understand the house buying process.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews