Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, it's important for buyers to learn the latest real estate rules about mortgage lenders, interest rates, down payments, real estate agents, disclosures, FHA loans, and other basic of home buying. That's where this book from the editors at realtor.com can help! In this step-by-step book, we'll guide you through the home-buying process and point out the pitfalls, so that first-time home buyers can navigate the real estate market with confidence. Here's some of the home-buying info you'll learn in this book: What price house first-time home buyers can afford and other mortgage info so that home ownership is financially feasible Advice to help home buyers clean up their credit score, and why it's key to get the best mortgage from a lender How first-timers can find the right mortgage lender, and what it means to get pre-approved verses pre-qualified for a home loan What buyers should know about FHA loans, USDA loans, and other mortgage and down payment options for a new home How a real estate agent or Realtor can help first-time buyers with home buying, mortgage loans, down payments, home sellers, and beyond Advice for home buyers on picking the right real estate agent or Realtor, as well as the best first home, mortgage loan, and more Step-by-step advice on how buyers should make an offer on a first home, and negotiate a real estate deal with home sellers What happens during a home appraisal, home inspection, home closing, and other stages of the home-buying process A guide for first-time home buyers on moving into their first home with minimal hassles