Professional Resources
In this section, I compiled information from experts and business services dedicated to real state.
1. Books/Guides
Although many could find printed sources outdated in this digital era, I would not underestimate the value of these sources, given the important decision buying a house is. Let me recommend two books or guides that cached my eye for their expert, detailed, and well-organized information (click on the pictures or their titles to be redirected):
1. Books/Guides
Although many could find printed sources outdated in this digital era, I would not underestimate the value of these sources, given the important decision buying a house is. Let me recommend two books or guides that cached my eye for their expert, detailed, and well-organized information (click on the pictures or their titles to be redirected):
_1.1 Kiplinger's Buying and Selling a Home Guide
If you are sure about your decision to buy, I think this is "the guide". It will walk you through the whole process of buying and selling a house. The first part is dedicated to buying which is what I am commenting here. Starting with the psychological motivations and financial reasons to buy (or to rent, if it would be the case), the guide explains in a technical, and as much accessible as possible language, the steps you need to do for a successful transaction. Once you have the decision clear, your next move will be to assess your financial situation and shop for mortgages. Then, look for the best house and pay attention to important details like location, the house condition, and the house market. Finally, the guide explains you the process of making an offer, counteroffer, and closing, with special mention to the importance of taxes in a real state deal. |
_1.2 Finding the Uncommon Deal (Bailey, 2011)
My second recommendation is this other book from lawyer Adam Leitman Bailey who is specialized in real state. It is also a very good guide that is focused on the how to be prepared and get the best from the negotiation process with the seller or realtor. It is a good complement to the previous one, and it gives you the perspective of an investor. By all means, buying a home is traditionally the biggest financial operation that families undertake, so why not try to get the maximum benefit out of it? Strengthen your purchasing power, getting the cheapest loan, buying with the less possible amount of money, understand short sales and foreclosures, make your offer attractive or get the best closing deal are among the juicy chapters that will find in this book. |
2. Websites
The Internet is the first source for information in this digital era. Nevertheless, there are too many sites full of advertisement and outdated information. Here is my short selection of worthy links:
The Internet is the first source for information in this digital era. Nevertheless, there are too many sites full of advertisement and outdated information. Here is my short selection of worthy links:
_2.1 CNN Money - Money 101: Tips for buying a house
10 basic and very rational tips if you have decided to become a homeowner. They are intended to provide the reader with the ABC when it comes to real state, like (a) you need some savings although you can become an owner with less than famous "20%", (b) get your homework done before the process (credit score, professional help, inspections, etc., and c) aim for a well-located property that you can afford without struggle. |
_2.2 Michael Bluejay - How to Buy a House
This is probably the most comprehensive professional website to serve as a guide in the process of buying a house. The guide provides information from the initial 'Buy or rent?' question to the closing process. Michael Bluejay is a real state investor who created this site with the intention to help others in the process, something he would have liked to count with when he first bought a home. As it happens with this website you are in, Mr. Bluejay offers information to use at the visitor's own risk. |
_2.3 Zillow - First Time Buyers (Blog)
Zillow is one of the most important real state websites in US. They have different forums and blogs created by the company where users can participate. The one dedicated to first-time buyers has frequent updates with tips and recommendations about when to buy, what to buy, and other useful tips. |