As real estate sales continue to drive the economy, the interest in buying homes in all categories continues to expand. Whether a first or second home, for investment or vacation, purchasing real estate remains the biggest expenditure most consumers will make. The responsibilities, decisions and paperwork can make homebuying seem daunting. The author tackles the issues with both a sense of perspective and a sense of humour. He shares the foibles and tribulations of others and lets would-be buyers learn about the potential pitfalls by observation rather than by painful experience. The step-by-step process helps readers to: evaluate the pros and cons of owning versus renting; consider the best type of property for their needs; identify the cast of characters and what those letters mean next to their names; understand the financial profile on paper; learn the basics about homes, neighbourhoods and inspections; take a good look at the neighbourhood - is the home located under a flight path, near railway tracks or on a flood plain? Also included is a sample timeline for a move and all the resources to streamline the process.

Author Biography

Frank Cook, a longtime real estate writer and publisher of the Real Estate Intelligence Report, was formerly a wire service and newspaper reporter and editor. Cook has interviewed thousands of real estate homebuyers, homesellers, and professionals to report on the pulse of the home sales industry. His comments on real estate have appeared in a wide variety of consumer publications, including Smart Money, Forbes, Business Week, and Barron's. He is also the author of 21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me, and has written for Golf Course Living, Discovery.com, Realty Times, and The Real Estate Professional.