Want to buy a house, but concerned about the market? Have no fear — this trusted guide arms you with Eric Tyson and Ray Brown's time-tested advice and updated strategies for buying a home in current market conditions. You'll discover how to find the right property, make smart financial decisions, and understand the latest lending requirements and tax implications.

• New to this edition — new and expanded coverage to help homebuyers take advantage of low home prices, understand the subprime mortgage crisis, obtain a mortgage, and improve credit scores

• To buy or not to buy? — weigh the advantages of owning versus renting, get your finances in order, and know how much house you can safely afford

• Handle financing — understand your credit rating, navigate the different types of mortgages, and complete all paperwork

• Play the real estate game — find the right location and property, assemble an all-star real estate team, and make the most of the Internet's real estate resources

• Let's make a deal — negotiate with finesse, make successful offers, inspect and protect your new home, and cover all your bases in escrow

"Invaluable information, especially for the first-time home buyer." — Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"A reference you'll turn to time after time." — St. Petersburg Times

Open the book and find:

• Reasons why home prices rise and fall

• Hands-on instruction for buying a home in up or down markets

• How to pay the price you want

• The best mortgage options

• A sample home-buying contract

• Pros and cons of comparable market analysis

• Tips for overcoming mortgage and appraisal problems

• How to cope with buyer's remorse

• The best real estate Web sites

Eric Tyson, MBA, is a financial counselor and the author of bestselling For Dummies books on personal finance, investing, and real estate investing. Ray Brown, a real estate professional for more than 30 years, has hosted a real estate radio show in San Francisco.