Home Buying for Dummies is a great reference tool for upcoming home buyers.  The authors Eric Tyson and Ray Brown write in a style that makes the book useful as well as fun to read.
The book begins by discussing the many topics revolving around the decision to purchase a home, covering everything from the rent vs. buy question to tracking the real estate market.  By the end of the book the reader will understand terms like Escrow, ARM interest rate, inspection contingency and other phrases that can overwhelm the average home buyer.
 
My favorite three tips from their list of the Top 20 Hints for Homebuyers:
 
1) There are no absolutes in real estate negotiation:
Smart buyers realize that there are times when it's wise to make a lowball offer, and times when it's best to make your first offer the highest offer you can afford.  And remember that everything is negotiable.
 
2)  Don't let unexpected closing costs sabotage you: 
Ensure that you have enough cash to buy the house by estimating in advance all the costs you must pay at the time of closing, including moving expenses, insurance premiums, loan fees, and property taxes.
 
3)  The best time to think about selling your home is before you buy it:
Be sure that the home you buy has features other buyers will find desirable, or you won't be able to get a good price when you sell it.
Check out the book, and call us if you want to apply it's advice.  As Portland's top Prudential Real Estate Team, we'd be happy to share our two decades of experience with you.