Book Description
The most complete guide to buying a home in the Golden State
A thorough, practical guide to every aspect of buying a house, How to Buy a House in California will help you make informed decisions that can save you thousands of dollars. With this bestseller in hand, you'll learn how to:
choose a house and neighborhood
find the right agent
get the most up-to-date information on mortgage options and rates
take advantage of creative financing strategies - from
seller financing to government loans
figure out how much down payment you can afford
make an offer and negotiate with confidence for the best price
buy a new house in a development
inspect a house for physical problems and environmental hazards
juggle buying and selling houses simultaneously
successfully go through escrow
The 11th edition is completely updated and provides an easy method for calculating how much house you can afford. Plus, you'll find the current rules for government-assisted loans and the latest resources.
List of Forms:
Ideal House Profile
House Priorities Worksheet
House Comparison Worksheet
Family Financial Statement
Directions for Completing the Family Financial Statement
Download Description
"The most complete guide to buying a home in the Golden State. A thorough, practical guide to every aspect of buying a house, How to Buy a House in California will help you make informed decisions that can save you thousands of dollars. With this bestseller in hand, you'll learn how to: choose a house and neighborhood find the right agent get the most up-to-date information on mortgage options and rates take advantage of creative financing strategies - from seller financing to government loans figure out how much down payment you can afford make an offer and negotiate with confidence for the best price buy a new house in a development inspect a house for physical problems and environmental hazards juggle buying and selling houses simultaneously successfully go through escrow The 10th edition, completely updated, explains how to use the latest mortgage financing options - such as no-interest loans - without getting burned. It also covers how to research a home's insurance history, deal with problems with newly built homes, and to what extent a buyer can trust inspection reports provided by a seller. Home buyers beyond California: Even though this book provides state-specific forms and information for Californians, most of the material in it can help home buyers in the other 49 states as well. Don't buy a house without it! List of Forms Describing Your Dream House Ideal House Profile House Priorities Worksheet House Comparison Worksheet How Much House Can You Afford? Family Financial Statement Monthly Carrying Costs Worksheet Mortgage Rates and Terms Table Presenting Your Offer and Negotiating Contract to Purchase Real Property Extension of Offer to Purchase Real Property Counteroffer [Counter Counteroffer] Revocation of Offer to Purchase Real Property Escrow, Contingencies and Insurance Extending Time to Meet Contingencies Contingency Release Release of Real Estate Purchase Contract "
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Resource.......2007-10-10
I purchased this book because I was a first time home buyer and the information and tips I got from this book were wonderful. There was a tip about calling local title companies to find out who they think are good local real estate agents. I called for a recommendation, and it worked wonderfully! I found a great agent using that tip and I am extremely pleased with how everything worked out. The extra knowledge I acquired from this book was very helpful throughout the whole home buying process. It is an easy and fun book to read. The authors give stories from their personal experiences and also provide explanation of terms, etc. I would recommend it to any one who is going to buy a home.
Demystify the Maze.......2007-07-23
This book rocks! It is well written, clearly organized, full of incredibly useful insights and obviates the need for any other books. Purchasing property in the Golden State is hugely complicated and this book unravels the knots and truly educates the potential buyer to the point that ones agent will be impressed. Every aspect is covered and in such depth that I truly believe it helped me negotiate the best price and the best mortgage terms. I fully understood all the steps and when it came to final closing costs, I was impressed that I was able to accurately predict exactly what those would be ...no shocks here. I highly recommend this book.
I have nothing bad to say about this book........2006-03-18
I will be a first time homebuyer shortly and this book is really helping me put things into perspective and feel confident about purchasing a home. Easy to read. Easy to understand. Easy to find specific information. Highly recommended.
Prepared for the LA Market-Whoa!.......2006-02-02
This book is the only book you will need if buying a home in California. I am in my early thirties and knew nothing about the housing market in California until reading this easy and thorough guide to California home buying.
It provides a detailed and easy to understand guide to preparing oneself for entering theCalifornia housing market. The book is broken down in comprehensible, step by step chapters covering a wide range of subject areas. There are plenty of worksheets designed to help in your home search (practical and financial) as well as plenty of real life examples that illustrate common inquiries, pitfalls and scenarios.
I live in Los Angeles and was very intimidated by the insanely competitive housing market. This book has gotten me over these worries and am now working confidently with an amazing broker in looking for the house that's right for me. Don't bother with other guides, this is honestly the only one you will need!
Informative and easy to understand.......2004-01-28
This book explains all the little nuances about buying a house. I read the whole thing and parts of it more than once before I bought my first house. It is well organized so that you can read just certain chapters if you need specific information right away. I actually sold my copy online after my house closed. Later, I ended up buying a copy as a gift for a friend. I recommend this book to all my friends who are thinking about buying a house.
Book Description
Combining the latest state specific information with solid industry fundamentals, this user friendly text gives students a strong foundation for a career in real estate. California Real Estate Principles comes loading with instructor resources and extra features to enchance the student learning experience and make teaching the class easier than ever. This new fifth edition has been updated for 2004. Chapters include:
Introduction
Part 1: Teaching Outlines
* Chapter 1 The Business of Real Estate
* Chapter 2 The Nature of Real Property
* Chapter 3 Ownership of Real Property
* Chapter 4 Transferring Real Estate
* Chapter 5 Encumbrances
* Chapter 6 The Law of Agency
* Chapter 7 Contracts
* Chapter 8 Financing Real Estate
* Chapter 9 Government-Sponsored and Other Financing
* Chapter 10 Escrow and Title Insurance
* Chapter 11 Real Estate Taxation
* Chapter 12 Landlord and Tenant
* Chapter 13 Real Estate Appraising
* Chapter 14 Residential Design and Construction
* Chapter 15 Government Control of Land Use
Part 2: Chapter Quizzes and Exams, including a Math Appendix Quiz (you need a PIN number to access this file)
* Chapter Midterm Exams (you need a PIN number to access this file) and Comprehensive Chapter Exam.
Part 3: Answer Keys
* Answer Keys for All Quizzes and Exams (you need a PIN number to access this file)
Part 4: PowerPoint Slides
Customer Reviews:
Helped ME pass the test........2004-10-26
This is an excellent general introduction to the principles of California real estate. I passed the broker's exam on the first try with no experience as a real estate salesperson and no cram course. This book was a great help in preparing for it. A large percentage of the test questions deal with the principles covered in this book.
Horrible explanations.......2003-01-28
This book is not a very in-depth book on the principles of california real estate. It covered topics only very breifly, and really sped through them with not a whole lot of explanation. I would highly advise buying a different book if you intend to pass the CA Real Estate Licensing Exam.
Book Description
The most comprehensive -- and easiest to use -- guide to California residential property management available.
Every California landlord and residential property manager needs The California Landlord's Law Book: Rights & Responsibilities. The definitive guide for over 20 years, it clearly and comprehensively covers everything you need to know about:
security deposits
leases and rental agreements
inspections
liability
lead paint
discrimination
rent control
satellite dishes
and more
The book provides you with all the forms you need as tear-outs and on CD-ROM, including rental applications; leases and rental agreements 3-, 30-, 60- and 90-day notices -- and much more.
The 12th edition includes up-to-date landlord-tenant laws and forms, including new rules for terminating a tenancy. It also has updated rent control charts for 15 cities. All forms included as tear-outs and on CD-ROM.
Also available: California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Information.......2007-10-10
This is an excellent book with loads of information and handy tips. I'm not the landlord but I am the manager. This book sure helps me complete my obligations without calling the owner for advice etc. Also, the forms are handy and easy to download and use. I highly recommend this publication.
not a panacea.......2007-09-06
The book is not accurate in some circumstances. We had to consult an attorney for the correct info concerning a tenant who paid one year in advance and then broke the lease. The book does not cover this. The tenant went to a web site and started a series of actions designed to force us into a position where he could sue us. Also our attorney said the book was outdated as the new leases are different.
Outstanding!!!.......2007-07-12
I purchased this book along with a couple of other books by Nolo when I found out my county court house Law Library uses it. These books really spell things out in layman's terms. I took my tenants to court and won! I will definitely keep buying these books!
It's the Landlord's Bible!.......2007-06-18
This book saved me! A realtor friend turned me on to it and I can't thank her enough!
Indispensible! .......2007-05-30
I had the 10th edition and facing evicting a problem tenant. What a headache since California forms had changed a fair bit. Updating to the 12th ed. changed everything in regards to filling out forms and knowing that I crossed every t and dotted every i totally correctly since it walks you through the most current forms numbered item by numbered item. Now, when I get done with these forms I actually think that they're beautiful (now that's a bit weird I think). It really has put so much power back into my hands, vs. being a victim of the CA bureaucracy!
Book Description
Pick up the real estate textbook that thousands of professionals in California have already trusted! CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE PRINCIPLES is designed entirely around the salesperson exam and gives you a 150-question practice exam to use while you're preparing for the test. It includes test taking hints if you need them. Use the real estate textbook that helps you succeed. Trust CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE PRINCIPLES.
Customer Reviews:
California real estate principles.......2007-05-13
Excellent book. Large print. Clear and easy to read. Well written and well organized. Highly recommended. This is part of a series of books which all seem good; (I have purchased 2 others in the series, but not read them yet). This particular book is great!!
Simple, Easy to Understand, Comprehensive.......2007-03-09
I am enjoying this book for a class I am taking. It is nice and easy to understand. It has lots of helpful ideas and it is fairly comprehensive.
Not quite what I expected.......2007-03-09
The author attempts to break down the different concepts of CA real estate by presenting the concept then explaining it with an example. There are a few errors noted (mostly in spelling and grammar), but other than that the book is very easy to read and understand if you have a real estate dictionary or some other type of outside text help. The author goes over the basic principles of CA real estate, but when it comes to specifics, the book is really lacking. Overall, this book is great if one decides to use it for a class to supplement the instructor, but I wouldn't use this book in lieu of an instructor.
Complete Guide to California Real Estate.......2007-02-11
This book is designed to be useful in several different situations.
It's primary goal is to be used as a text and examination preparation guide for people wanting to become real estate agents and who are required to take a class before they take the examination. The book provides a strong basic understanding of the principles of California real estate. The end of the book has a 150 question examination that is similar in format and content to the state test.
Alternatively this book will also be useful to individuals who wish to become informed consumers and/or investors and desire to know more about the law and the processes that are applicable to California real estate.
This is the eighth edition of this book, as such it reflects recent changes in the law, as well as having corrected errors and points of confusion found in previous editions. This is a large book that completely covers the subject.
Book Review.......2007-02-11
Got the book quickly and it was in good shape. Thank You
Book Description
The highly praised, step-by-step guide to evicting a problem tenant.
Sooner or later, every landlord is faced with handling an eviction. The California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions shows you how to proceed every step of the way.
Step by step and in plain English, this book explains the different legal grounds for eviction and provides all the forms and instructions necessary to:
prepare and serve 3-, 30-, 60- or 90-day notices
file an unlawful detainer complaint in court
win by default if the tenant doesn't respond
handle a contested case
represent yourself in court
deal with eviction-delaying tactics
collect the unpaid rent after you win
Still the only step-by-step guide through the California eviction process, this edition reflects current law and provides the latest information, forms and instructions you need.
Also available: California Landlord's Law Book: Rights and Responsibilities
Customer Reviews:
Goes hand-in-hand with the other Nolo title on Landlord Rights and Responsibilities.......2007-06-18
The California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions is a companion book that goes hand in hand with the Nolo title The California Landlord's Law Book: Rights and Responsibilities. In fact, the opening chapters of the Evictions book repeatedly remind the reader to refer to Rights and Responsibilities, not for the purpose of selling more books, but because landlord/tenant law is best addressed with an overarching title, and if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to evict a tenant, you can pick up the more specialized title on that topic.
I personally purchased the Evictions book when I had a non-paying roommate in my own home who refused to move out. I purchased this book after I had started the eviction process and seen the sheriff way too many times, and I cursed myself for not getting it earlier, because I found out that the law was more on my side that I had thought. Nolo taught me that the sheriff is often misinformed about the process of evicting a roomer (someone in a bedroom in your primary residence) versus that of evicting a tenant in a separate rental property. This book referred me to the relevant sections of the California civil code and penal code for situations with roomers.
The book and accompanying CD have all the California law forms needed for the eviction process, as well as instructions for deciphering the forms, which is a formidable task on one's own. Personally, the most important chapter in the book was the one that guided me though the unlawful detainer trial process. The author described in detail all the facets of a court hearing, the relevant players, the methods for addressing the judge, the order of events, and so on. I went into my trial with confidence because I knew what to expect and I knew how to prepare my case.
This book is well worth the cover price. The most important lesson to remember is that not following the unlawful detainer procedure precisely will lead to delays in resolving the issue (by getting rid of the tenant or getting them current on their rent). This title is one of the only ways, short of hiring legal help, that a lay person can ensure their documentation will be in order and the process will not be delayed any longer than necessary. Every landlord needs to own The California Landlord's Law Book: Rights and Responsibilities, and the moment a tenant is late on rent or troublesome for other reasons, landlords need to buy The California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions.
Customer Reviews:
Unquestionably the best book on its subject.......1999-07-18
If you are into trust deed investment or brokering this is THE BOOK to have. Beg, borrow or steal a copy. Do anything you have to, but get this book!
Smart Trust Deed Investment in California.......1997-12-28
For the person who is interested in really learning how to invest in Trust Deeds, this is without a doubt the best guide you will ever find. George Coats' coverage of this subject is very thourough and complete. I have been investing in trust deeds for some years, and luckely found this book shortly after it was written. It has been my bible ever since. The laws may be somewhat different in other states, but the principals and guidelines he provides are wonderfull. This book has helped me to avoid may pitfalls in making private loans. Required reading for anyone interested in this subject.
Book Description
Planned Community Living has now been updated. Since 1996 the book has provided anyone associated with planned communities with a comprehensive yet practical and easy to understand reference. The second edition not only includes the new laws enacted but also several of the forms needed to manage a planned community. The book is in a larger, easier to read format. Planned Community Living is essential for those who want to expand their knowledge of the law and issues which govern their everyday lives.
Customer Reviews:
Best Kept Secret for Homeowner Associations.......2001-05-03
I think I have found the best kept secret in this growing circle of CA homeowner's associations - John Linford's "Planned Community Living." Whether it is deciphering foreign acronyms and terms (i.e. CID, CCR, appurtenant interests, indemnification), dealing with power-hungry board members, or trying to settle a seemingly simple dispute over the height of a fence - this book finally helped me understand the foundational issues surrounding the places where many of us live. Buying and settling into a home is agonizing enough. Dealing with escrow, title, loan managers and realtors will test our patience. Add on top of this the "association" with their dues, covenants, conditions and restrictions, and I soon wondered where my freedom went of owning my own home. There are many benefits, like privacy, golf courses and swimming pools, but this was like walking into a foreign country without my Berlitz. The best time to read this book is before you commit yourself to living in a planned community. But, buy it anyway, even if you have already started paying your dues. It will help you navigate the legal side so that you can understand the issues and stand on solid ground when presenting your concerns. I recommended this book to one friend who was thinking about becoming a member of a homeowner's association and another who was already a board member. Both thanked me! Another plus, is that the publisher provides an annual update, discussing all the new laws each year that affect property owners and homeowners association. This is a real estate textbook worth 5x the asking price. It should be included in the package for every new homeowner, board member or property manager. There is a downside to the author if this were to happen......the annual association's legal fees would probably decrease substantially! What can I say - buy it!
Excellent Reference-A Must Read for CA Homeowners Assns........2000-10-01
This is a must read for anyone who is a member of a homeowner association. Linford's explanations of how to successfully live within homowners associations are detailed yet simple enough for the layman. This is a great book to have on your bookshelf as a reference.
very helpful and informative.......1998-10-21
I recently purchased this book about the rights of homeowner association members. this is the greatest laymens book. All documented by case law so you know your rights and what to do about them.
Book Description
This text is ideal for people studying for a real estate licensee, individuals seeking to enter the mortgage loan business and for those already actively working in the industry. Key topics of coverage include appraisal, credit agencies, title and escrow, and computer programs used in the industry. Important legal concepts such as trust fund handling and both federal and state compliances are also covered. There is extensive coverage of the forms necessary for the industry such as loan application, credit authorization, actual escrow instructions and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Must Read This Book If You Must Fully Understand The Industry.......2006-06-04
This book shows thorough research. I feel confident that I know about the industry enough to venture out even further - owning my own brokerage... I currently originate loans as an independent loan officer who is disturbed at the level of professionalism and support that many brokerages offer. This has not only given me further insight into the industry but provides strategies for success. And, who better to get it from but people who have been there, done that, and succeeded. If it is knowledge you need, then this is it!
Only good if you can read it........2003-09-08
I can't image how a well know publisher like South-Western could mess up this badly. I have perfect 20/20 vision and have read countless textbooks in my life - that said, I can tell you that this is an exceptionally difficult book to keep focused on - literally! My eyes begin to strain and ache after 5 min. of reading, primarily because of the poorly chosen typestyle and typesize.
There may be valuable information in here - but I'm going to find it elsewhere.
Book Description
This CD-ROM program is simple for users at any computer-competency level. The program helps people planning on taking the California Real Estate Sales license exam best prepare through practice. The CD-ROM contains practice exams, a pre-assessment mini exam and an extensive glossary of real estate terms. Users can take exams as timed— an exam simulation with results and feedback at the end, or as un-timed—instant feedback on answer choice. Results can be viewed with calculated scores, and list correct and incorrect answers with answer rationale. These reports can be printed for the most effective studying.
Customer Reviews:
Highly Recommended.......2007-02-07
This is an excellent prep for the sales exam. I did all 9 practice exams and was able to pass the sales exam the first try. The types of questions and range of topics covered in this prep exam are very similar to the real exam. However, the degree of difficulty in the prep exam is more than the real exam, which I appreciated very much. The only thing I didn't like about this CD is that the software does not allow printing of the correct answers along with the questions I got wrong. Also, there is no way to save what you had done and come back another day to finish the exam.
A helpful study guide, but could be improved.......2004-11-11
This CD-ROM contains 1 pretest and 9 practice exams for a total of 1,425 questions. I am currently studing for the real estate exam and this is most definately a useful tool. However, there are a few annoying factors that should have been addressed before releasing, especially at its price. First of all, there are numerous spelling, grammatical, and spacing errors. Next, once you open the program there is no way to minimize the screen. The practice exams are 150 time-consuming questions each, so if you are an hour into it and want to check your email you have to scrap the whole thing. Lastly, the 1 pretest allows you to answer a question and immediately see the correct answer. I like that. The other 9 exams don't allow you to see the right or wrong answers until the test is complete. It's a pain to roll back through the test again. I want to see the answers right away so I can burn them into my brain. Also, at the end of each test there is an option to print all wrong answers, but the questions and the right answers come out on different sheets. I quickly grew tired of matching them up, it was a waste of time. The questions that were answered incorrectly should print out with the right answer marked. If you can live with this products' problems, it is worthwhile.
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General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
How to Buy a Home When You Can't Afford It
The 106 Common Mistakes Homebuyers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask: With Answers from Top Brokers from Around the Country (100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask)
Home Buying For Dummies, 3rd edition
How To Buy Your First Home, Second Edition
