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Home Buying 101: What They Don't Teach You in the Classroom

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Growing up, I was always bewildered why important financial lessons like taxes, investments, and buying a home weren’t taught in school. Ever since, I've wanted to learn and help others with their financial needs, including buying a home, which is the reason I wrote "Home Buying 101: What They Don't Teach You in the Classroom". Unlike a textbook, this book about home buying is short, informal, and easy to read. It’s the "Cliffs Notes" version, filled with information and tips I’ve learned throughout my career. Testimonials and “This book is worth its weight in gold. Jabs understands that buying a home is much more than a purely financial decision. The book exemplifies his intellectual brilliance, his entrepreneurial creativity and his charismatic ability to relate to all different walks of life, cultures, styles and income levels. It is easy to read but impossible to forget.” - Honorable Jim Moran (Former Virginia Congressman) “Great practical advice! A must read for every first-time home buyer.” - Paul K. Mock (Vice President, NVR Inc.) “Home Buying 101 is a straightforward, informative, complete, and concise guide to walk you through each phase of the home buying process. Jabs’ tips throughout give insight and tricks of the trade on how to get the best deal while saving you money. Highly recommended for anyone looking to buy a home.” - Faisal Al-Thani (Board Member, Qatari Diar) “Successfully navigating the home buying process requires foresight. “Home Buying 101” will empower readers to identify the important issues associated with buying a home as well as plan accordingly with critical insights and suggestions” - Brian M. Grindall, J.D. (Attorney-at-Law, Tenenbaum & Saas)

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2020

50 people are currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Abduljabar Totonji

1 book13 followers

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5 stars
54 (73%)
4 stars
12 (16%)
3 stars
5 (6%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Chrys Phillips.
30 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2022
❤️❤️❤️ Home Sweet Home ❤️❤️❤️

This book really simplified the home buying experience. It’s straightforward and easy to read. I particularly enjoyed the last chapter with the helpful tips and also appreciated the glossary at the back of the book.
Profile Image for Noel Long.
29 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2022
*Awesome Read*

Home Buying 101 helped us with our dream of becoming homeowners. We loved the book and will be gifting it to friends and family looking to buy a home in the future.
Profile Image for Omar Altalib.
17 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2021
I really learned many things from this book! It is very handy and does not bog you down in too many technical details. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Frank.
29 reviews13 followers
October 22, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed reading HB101. The book has a conversational tone which made such a significant subject that much easier to understand and grasp.
Profile Image for Jennell Brown.
Author 27 books51 followers
October 19, 2022
Very Helpful and Informative!

It’s not a secret that everyone wants to own their own home, a special place that is just for them.  The truth of the matter is that buying a home is a long process and it can be hectic and stressful. However, with the help of this book you can master the entire process of buying a home. 

This book is the perfect guide for people who want to buy a house and don’t know where to start. This book is very organized. It’s broken into steps and each chapter highlights what comes next in the process of buying a home. It provides in depth information on the benefits of buying a home instead of renting one. It teaches about property appreciation and tax deductions. It also gives tips on how to prepare your finances and knowing the different types of mortgages and loans. 

The book lays out the details on how two find the perfect home, interviewing the real estate agents and searching for a house within your budget. It also provides information on what to do after you sign your contract, including obtaining home insurance and closing the deal. What I love most about this book is that it also gives tips on what to do after purchasing your home. 

This is a great book. It’s the full package, well written and loaded with helpful information.  It's also simple and easy to understand. 

I love that the author, Abduljabar Totonji has years of experience with real estate .  It's comforting to find someone who knows what they are talking about and can offer solid advice.I'm very grateful for him taking the time to put this information out and her genuineness to help others.. 

Highly Recommended!
Profile Image for Jessica.
29 reviews10 followers
October 21, 2022
Very Helpful Book

Buying a home has been challenging, especially in the current environment. This book helped simplify the process and take us through the buying process step by step!
Profile Image for Craig Glance.
1 review
December 26, 2020
The authors style is almost conversational making the book easy to read and comprehend. A lot of great examples and tips from his personal experience. I’ll be recommending for friends and family looking to buy a home.
14 reviews
January 24, 2021
This is the first book I read on the subject. While I can't compare it to any other guides of this type, I found that it was clear and concise, easy to understand, and after finishing it I feel much more confident with getting started on the home-buying process.
Profile Image for Unleash The Knowledge.
143 reviews19 followers
June 10, 2022
If you are thinking about buying a home, READ THIS!

This book is your one-stop-shop for all things you need to know before buying a home.

Whether it is your first or another home to add to your portfolio.

Abduljabar Totonji grew up in a hardworking immigrant family and was shocked by how little important financial lessons were not being taught in the formal education system.

His book: Home Buying 101: What They Don’t Teach You in the Classroom is a short, impactful read for all good reasons!

Jabs wanted to provide the world with a quick, actionable guide to get the necessary knowledge they need to feel confident and ready to buy their first home.

I can vouch that he has done exactly that!

This will absolutely be a book I refer back to regularly as I inch towards the day of buying my first property.

As a successful real estate investor, developer, agent, and property manager, Jabs has the knowledge and experience to share a helpful step-by-step plan to prepare for your first house purchase and all else you need to know to make it a success!

Grab a copy today or gift it to a friend who is preparing for a house, apartment, or condo purchase!
1 review
October 8, 2020
This is a must read for everyone, and especially those in their 20s! Personally, as a young individual, this book has opened my eyes and helped me understand the ins and outs of real estate! I’m immensely grateful to have had the privilege of reading this book at this age.
A bonus star for it being an easy read as well! Highly recommend!
1 review
October 2, 2020
A very informative, yet concise book, that will provide you with all the ins and outs of home buying. The knowledge provided in this book takes a lot of the pressure and stress of home buying, by informing you what to expect at each step.
Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Hannah Carmona.
Author 44 books5 followers
January 8, 2022
Informative and to the point. I loved the conversational style and realistic examples. It made a tricky topic easier to understand
41 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book . For centuries people have been drawn to real estate and it’s usually the personal motivations that are more interesting. I certainly learned a lot about real estate investing that I didn’t know before. I also likes the author’s writing style that was informative, yet also entertaining and accessible. You can tell that he genuinely wants to share what he’s learned!
I really appreciated the straightforward style of the book. He tells a very compelling story and then provides a deeper dive into the legal definitions and details of deal making as a final chapter. This makes critical, instructive information easy to find for further reference.
This book is definitely a need for anyone buying their first home. It really lays out all the information and steps going into buying a house so you at least have a general understanding of what’s going to happen. It brought up many things I had no clue to even think of. The way that it is organized is fantastic. Easy to understand, broken into chapters/sub-chapters, examples and lists are very valuable and clear.
I would recommend this book to all my first time home buyers. Or anyone that might be thinking in the future.
Profile Image for K. Weikel.
Author 111 books59 followers
April 4, 2023
This is a must-read for anyone, especially new home buyers or those looking to buy a home. Home Buying 101 breaks everything down in an easily digestible chapters, and the author writes in such a way that had me hanging on every word. I learned so, so much, and I even started highlighting parts!

I can't recommend this enough. I'm impressed by the author's entrepreneurial drive, even from when he was young, and his curiosity in learning about home buying is outstanding. I'm so glad this book crossed paths with me, and I can't wait to put it to use. This is definitely a book that will get worn as I read it several times over to make sure all the information sticks. I'll probably end up lending it out to others, too, or even buying them their own copy!

All in all, I very much enjoyed this. It was short, simple, and straightforward. Everything is broken down into easily understandable tidbits, without all the fluff, and I appreciate that. Give this book a read. It won't let you down.
Profile Image for Henrietta Bowman.
2 reviews
March 19, 2024
I found "Home Buying 101" to be an invaluable resource as I navigated the complex process of purchasing my first home. The author does an excellent job of breaking down the various stages of home buying in a clear and concise manner, covering everything from understanding mortgage options to negotiating with sellers. What sets this book apart is its focus on the practical aspects of home buying that often go unmentioned in traditional classroom settings. The tips and insights provided were incredibly helpful, and I felt much more confident in my decisions after reading this book. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to refresh your knowledge, I highly recommend "Home Buying 101" for its comprehensive coverage and practical advice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7 reviews
October 19, 2022
Home Buying 101: what they don't teach you in the classroom.

It's a great book that has all the information you need in one place without having to dig deep. As a newbie to homebuying, after reading this book, I feel more knowledgeable and prepared for the process. It's a lot of work. The knowledge gleaned from this book will demystify the process and give readeis elucidated they need to make better decisions. Everything is elucidated very simply and clearly. Recommended for those who are thinking of buying a house.
1 review
January 29, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. The book is very well written and is loaded with plenty of useful information and suggestions about buying home and about entering in to real estate market. Even though the book is useful for all types of people but if you are a first time home buyer then you must definitely read this book. Jabs must have put so much thought and effort in writing this useful book.
Profile Image for Travis Hill.
1 review
April 5, 2024
This book truly empowers buyers with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the real estate market. "Home Buying 101" goes beyond the basics and delves into the finer details that are often overlooked. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to refine your skills, this book is an indispensable resource that will give you the confidence to make the right decisions when purchasing your next home.
Profile Image for Wade Robertson.
1 review
April 7, 2024
Finally, a book that offers expert advice for the real-world challenges of homebuying! "Home Buying 101" doesn't just skim the surface; it provides in-depth insights and strategies that are essential for success in today's competitive market. Whether you're navigating bidding wars or weighing the pros and cons of different neighborhoods, this book has you covered with practical tips and actionable advice.
Profile Image for Yolanda Cole.
1 review
April 7, 2024
Consider "Home Buying 101" your roadmap to homeownership success. This book takes you step-by-step through the entire home buying process, offering guidance and support every step of the way. With its wealth of knowledge and practical advice, you'll feel empowered to make confident decisions when purchasing your dream home. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, this book is an invaluable resource that you'll refer to time and time again.

Profile Image for Melissa Romero.
124 reviews
August 28, 2023
4 stars because I don't really have any other house buying books to compare it to. However,
it was a simplified (in a good way) overview of the process of homebuying with a lot of key terms and straightforward lists of what to do. Definitely would recommend this book to someone who doesn't have much knowledge about homebuying.
Profile Image for Spencer Blair.
1 review
April 2, 2024
Home Buying 101" serves as an essential handbook for prospective homeowners, offering invaluable insights and advice that go beyond what's taught in the classroom. From understanding market trends to negotiating contracts, this book covers it all in a clear and concise manner. It's a must-read for anyone considering the leap into homeownership.
Profile Image for Drew Mccarthy.
1 review
April 2, 2024
Unlock the secrets of home buying with "Home Buying 101." This comprehensive guide demystifies the process, providing readers with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions. Whether you're navigating the pre-approval process or weighing the pros and cons of different property types, this book equips you with the information you need to succeed.
Profile Image for Joseph Massey.
1 review
April 3, 2024
Home Buying 101" is a transformational read that takes you from novice to savvy buyer in no time. With its practical advice and insider tips, this book empowers readers to approach the home buying process with confidence and clarity. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to fine-tune your skills, this book is an indispensable resource.
Profile Image for Stacy Spencer.
1 review
April 3, 2024
Dreaming of homeownership? Look no further than "Home Buying 101" to turn your dreams into reality. This comprehensive guide covers everything from setting a budget to closing the deal, offering practical advice and expert tips along the way. With its step-by-step approach and real-world examples, this book is sure to become your go-to resource for all things home buying.
Profile Image for Abraham Goodman.
1 review
April 4, 2024
Navigating the maze of home buying can be overwhelming, but "Home Buying 101" is here to help. This invaluable resource breaks down the process into manageable steps, providing readers with the guidance and support they need to make informed decisions. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, this book is your go-to companion for a smooth and successful home buying journey.
Profile Image for Jesse Greene.
1 review
April 4, 2024
Home Buying 101" is like having a complete toolkit at your disposal when embarking on the journey to homeownership. It covers all the essential topics and provides practical advice that empowers readers to make informed decisions. From understanding mortgage options to navigating the closing process, this book equips you with everything you need to succeed in the real estate market.
Profile Image for Don Hampton.
1 review
April 5, 2024
Home Buying 101" is a comprehensive guide that covers every aspect of the home buying process. From understanding your financial readiness to conducting inspections, this book leaves no stone unturned. Its clear explanations and practical tips make it accessible to readers at any stage of their home buying journey. If you're serious about buying a home, this is the book you need by your side.
Profile Image for Betsy.
68 reviews
December 27, 2022
Still some things I have questions about. Like it doesn't tell you how to find a real estate lawyer or any of the other people it mentions. But it's still good to get a general sense of how home buying works. Has some good tips too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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