Home ownership is a cornerstone of the American dream, but it's a complex process that, without the right guidance, can seem like a nightmare. This "Missing Manual" takes you through the process of buying a home, from start to finish. Along the way, you'll use the book's expert advice and fill-in forms to identify the house you want, figure out what kind of neighborhood you want to live in, determine what a target home is really worth, make an offer, and close the deal. Throughout the process, this book helps you: realistically determine how much house you can afford; assemble a real estate team that's looking after your interests and not the seller's; understand the different ways to finance your house, and which is best for you; create an attractive offer with the best chance of acceptance; learn what lenders look for so you can get your mortgage approved; inspect your new home to uncover potential problems; and, prepare all the right paperwork for a smooth closing.