How to Buy a House in California - 19th Edition by Ira Serkes & Ilona Bray (Paperback)

About the Book

The only book providing detailed, practical, legally sound guidance to the process of buying a California home; a longtime customer favorite.

Book Synopsis

Strategies that work in California's unique market

Looking for a house in the Golden State? This bestselling book, written specifically for California, will show you how to find a house you can afford and will enjoy living in for many years.

You'll save time and money by learning how to:

• choose a house and neighborhood you'll love


• select and manage a knowledgeable, hard-working agent


• qualify for the best mortgage


• figure out how much down payment you can afford


• make an offer and negotiate a good deal


• compete in multiple-bid situations


• inspect a house for problems and hazards


• buy and sell houses simultaneously, and


• get through escrow successfully.

This 19th edition is completely updated to address new difficulties in obtaining affordable insurance and a mortgage.

Packed with checklists and financial information, How to Buy a House in California will guide you step-by-step through the challenges of purchasing a home in California.

Review Quotes

"The most complete book for California homebuyers." Los Angeles Times

"This guide for general readers explains how houses are negotiated, financed, inspected, and purchased in California, with special emphasis on how California law differs from others states, and how laws and markets differ even within California. Coverage encompasses the purchase process, finding an agent and lender, choosing a mortgage, making a down payment, and arranging for inspection. The book offers guidance on financing, working with real estate professionals, types of houses and residences, and types of mortgages and loans. It contains many checklists, realistic vignettes, examples, and agency and web site resources. A companion web site offers forms, worksheets, videos, podcasts, blogs, and legal updates. About 40 pages of appendices offer facts on California and a list of related web sites keyed to each chapter, plus checklists and a list of forms." Eithne O'Leyne, Editor Ringgold, Inc. ProtoView