The ultimate guide to worry-free home buying

Can you afford to buy a home? Should you buy a single-family home, a co-op, or a condo? Do you always need a sizable down payment? How can you be sure you're getting the best possible deal? This completely updated new edition of Robert Irwin's classic guide for homebuyers provides authoritative, often -surprising answers to these questions and many, many more.

You'll find out how to get a great deal on a home , whether the market is rising or falling; how to get a lender to put up all (or most) of your purchase price; and how to avoid getting caught in a bidding war over your dream home. Tips and Traps When Buying a Home, Third Edition gives you practical, step-by-step information; proven home buying strategies; and indispensable advice current market conditions, new rules and regulations, and recent changes in lending practices. Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, you'll learn plenty that you need to know, including how to:

* Boost your credit rating
* Make successful counter offers
* Get the best mortgage in town
* Save money by buying direct
* Analyze a home inspection
* Avoid getting gouged at the closing