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The Answer Book for Buyers

Contents

A collection of how-tos, checklists, and worksheets to help your buyers and sellers understand what to expect during the real estate purchasing experience.

The Basics

Buyer

What to Know \| 7 Reasons to Own A Home	page 3
What to Know \| 7 Reasons to Work With a REALTOR®	page 4
Questions to Ask \| When Choosing a REALTOR®	page 5
Vocabulary \| Agency & Agency Relationships	page 6
How to \| Prepare for House-Hunting	page 7
How to \| Prepare to Buy a Home	page 8
Worksheet \| Track Your Budget	page 9
What to Know \| About Credit Scores	page 10
How to \| Improve Your Credit	page 11
What to Know \| The Tax Benefits of Owning	page 12
How to \| Prepare to Finance a Home	page 13
Vocabulary \| Loans & Lending Terms	page 14
Questions to Ask \| When Choosing a Lender	page 15
How to \| Finance a Home Creatively	page 16

The Property

Buyer

Worksheet \| Define Your Dream Home	page 17
Questions to Ask \| About the Neighborhood	page 18
Questions to Ask \| When Considering a Condo or HOA	page 19
Questions to Ask \| The Condo Board	page 20
Questions to Ask \| When Choosing a Home Inspector	page 21
What to Know \| About the Home Inspection	page 22
What to Know \| About Home Hazards	page 23
Vocabulary \| Green Home Terms	page 24
What to Know \| About the Appraisal Process	page 25
Questions to Ask \| About Property Tax	page 26

The Transaction

Buyer

Worksheet \| Service Provider Contacts	page 27
Checklist \| Your Mortgage Application	page 28
Questions to Ask \| Before Making a Short Sale Offer	page 29
Checklist \| Your Short-Sale Purchase Team	page 30
How to \| Buy In a Tight Market	page 31
What to Know \| About Homeowner’s Insurance	page 32
How to \| Lower Homeowner’s Insurance Costs	page 33
What to Know \| About Title Insurance	page 34
Worksheet \| Track Closing Costs	page 35
Vocabulary \| Transaction Documents	page 36
Checklist \| Your Final Walk-Through	page 37

The Move

How to \| Prepare for the Move	page 38
How to \| Pack Like a Pro	page 39
How to \| Move With Pets	page 40
Checklist \| For New Owners	page 41