The 250 Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask

by Craig, Christie

• ISBN13: 9781593372651
• ISBN10: 1593372655
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-03-01
• Publisher: Adams Media Corp

Summary

For many people, buying a home is the largest financial commitment they will ever make. This concise book, written in an easy-to-follow question-and-answer format and fully indexed, helps readers answer such tough questions as: How do I decide on a real estate agent? Should I be preapproved for a home loan? How much should I offer on a home? What are the red lights to look for on the inspection report and the final walk-through? Also features a wealth of helpful information on types of loans and mortgages, the pros and cons of homeowners associations, advice on buying fixer-uppers, constructing a new home, and more!

Author Biography

Christie Craig is a writer, editor, and columnist. Her columns include: Home Element in Houston Lifestyles and Homes, and Home Décor in Houston Lifestyles and Homes. She has worked as an associate editor at Texas Journey and New Mexico Journey, and as a staff writer at Houston Parent.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	v
Introduction	vii
Part One Deciding to Purchase	1	(54)
This section covers questions frequently asked by consumers as they first begin to contemplate buying a home: Buying versus Renting, Where to Get the Money for a Down Payment, Where Do You Want to Live?, Affording a Home, Real Estate Agents, Credit Issues.
Part Two Loan Wisdom	55	(50)
This section covers the ins and outs of loans: Deciding on the Right Loan, Applying for a Loan, Fixed Rates versus ARMs, FHA Loans, VA Loans, How to Compare Lenders, Loans with Low Down Payments.
Part Three Shopping for a Home	105	(28)
This section covers questions about shopping for a home: Checking Out a Neighborhood, Should You Consider a Fixer-Upper?, What are the Most Common Defects of an Older Home?, Disclosures, Questions You Need to Ask about the Homeowners Association, New Homes versus Older Homes.
Part Four Making an Offer	133	(24)
This section includes everything you need to know about making an offer: Purchasing Agreements, Contingencies, Deciding a Home's Value, Negotiating Tips, Insurance Questions, Counter-offers, Inspections.
Part Five Closing and Contract Facts	157	(16)
In this section you will find information on the closing and basic contract information that will get you through the last step of the homebuying process: Closing Costs, Title Insurance, Loan Fees, Fees to Watch Out for, Closing Day Tasks.
The 250 Questions	173	(8)
Index	181