When it comes to buying a home, the first time is always the hardest—whether it’s searching for the perfect property, struggling to raise a down payment, or striking the deal. Fortunately for first-timers, Nolo’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home provides key information on each step of the purchase process.This book incorporates down-to-earth, authoritative advice from a panel of 12 real estate professionals, including real estate brokers, a home inspector, a mortgage specialist plus experts on home insurance, condominiums, homeowner’s associations, neighborhood demographics, and more. Real estate newbies will get the best information available on: • purchasing houses (old and new), condos, coops, and townhouses • realistic budget, mortgage and credit advice • borrowing a down payment from family and friends • doing a thorough property inspection • making an attractive offer and successfully closing the deal Every year more than 2.5 million American homes are purchased by first-time buyers. Specially tailored to meet the needs of these motivated buyers, Nolo’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home is insightful, entertaining, and easy-to-use. This guide comes complete with tons of added-value features a CD filled with MP3s and forms, including home buying wish list, budget worksheet, home inspection checklist, and interview questions for real estate agents, brokers, inspectors, and other professionals. Read Less