One third of all homes sold today are condos, co-ops, or townhouses. America's No.1 real estate expert shows what to watch for when buying one of them. Home ownership is still the American dream, but not everyone follows tradition by buying a detached one-family house. Condos, co-ops, and townhouses are increasingly popular alternatives nationwide. These "shared ownership" options have unique pluses and minuses, as Bob Irwin reveals in "Tips & Traps When Buying a Condo, Co-op, or Townhouse". Like other books in his best-selling "Tips & Traps" series, it's packed with targeted, reader-friendly advice. If you're a prospective buyer, Bob Irwin will show you how to: decide if shared ownership is right for you; read between the lines of bylaws; deal with homeowners associations; check out the seven warning signs of big trouble; handle disclosures and inspections; and much more.