Since the publication of the first edition of A Survival Guide for Buying a Home, much has changed in the real estate market. The inventory of homes-for-sale is ballooning and prospective buyers will need new techniques to narrow their choices effectively. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the average buyer to qualify for a loan. This newly revised edition is tailored to help. It includes updated information on credit requirements, loan qualifying ratios, lease options, buying condos and co-ops, new mortgage and loan rules, buying foreclosure and short sale properties, and much more. Readers will learn the ins and outs of: hiring the right agent • determining financial limits • working with a mortgage lender • evaluating neighborhoods • getting the best deal • arranging appraisals and inspections • avoiding common deal killers • and more There is also a checklist of the 15 costliest mistakes homebuyers make and how to avoid them. With this helpful guide in hand, readers will be ready to find the home of their dreams at a price they can afford.