The Unofficial Guide to Buying a Home Online

Book excerpt: The inside scoop… for when you want more than the official line! From real estate supersites to online financing sources, the Internet has made buying a home dramatically easier—or dramatically more complicated. If you're looking to use the Internet to buy a new home, you know you need a guide that alerts you to all your alternatives, from the initial investigation to pulling off moving day. You want the inside scoop! The Unofficial Guide™ to Buying a Home Online is designed to give savvy consumers like you a foolproof appraisal of how to use the Internet to research cities and neighborhoods, tap into the smartest sources of residential financing, and find insurance. In this book you'll get unbiased recommendations that are not influenced by any company, product, or organization. The Unofficial Guide™ to Buying a Home Online is intensively inspected by The Unofficial Panel of Experts: Tamara and Robert Gordon, who are currently searching for a home online; Al Napier, a successful Realtor who pioneered the use of the Internet for buying a home online; Howard Savage, a U.S. Department of Commerce economist whose current work involves analysis of residential mortgage markets; and Timothy W. Thompson, a real estate developer and builder who has launched several online real estate sites. These specialists ensure that you are armed with the most up-to-date insider information on the subject of buying a home online and are told exactly what "the Official establishment" doesn't want you to know. Vital Information on tapping into the vast array of online home-buying resources available Insider Secrets on the pros and cons of FSBOs, securing the lowest down payment, negotiating a great deal, and finding the most reasonable home inspection and insurance options Money-Saving Techniques on using the Internet to track down financing options and making the most of the tax benefits of home ownership Time-Saving Tips on improving your credit rating, calculating your maximum mortgage amount, and selecting a Realtor The Latest Trends in building your own home, finding financing online, and marketing and selling your home online Handy Checklists and Charts to help you determine your net worth, choose between renting and buying, prequalify for a mortage, and more visit us on-line at www.idgbooks.com