Comment from Anonymous
Time July 7, 2010 at 10:43 am

I bought this book after it was rated one of the top ten real estate books of the year in the Los Angeles Times real estate section. Boy, was I disappointed. This book didn’t come close to living up to its promises. The author gave too much information and not enough direction for the typical layperson. He explains the reasons behind all the fees that are attached to loans, but does little to explain how to avoid or reduce them. He describes the different types of loans available, but doesn’t really tell you why you should choose one over another. This book was a mostly a waste of time. You are better off reading the section about mortgages in Home Buying For Dummies and finding yourself a good mortgage broker.
Rating: 1 / 5

Comment from Anonymous
Time July 7, 2010 at 1:42 pm

Excellent book. Took the mystery out of home buying and allowed us to negotiate a better mortgage rate (and not pay any points)!
Rating: 4 / 5

Comment from Anonymous
Time July 7, 2010 at 1:46 pm

I have read several home-buying books and two other mortgage books and found this to be the only source for detailed information. As another reviewer suggested, if you want the feel-good basics then look elsewhere (“Navigating the Mortgage Maze”, by Turnauer or “The Centuray 21 Guide to Choosing your Mortgage”). My view is that if you are taking the time to read a book on a subject, you want details. I find generalities and broad sweeping statements a waste of time. This text provides a breadth and depth of information in a clear and succinct manner. My only complaint is that the book could be updated with a newer edition. However this 10 year-old text is by no means out of date since the author gives you the framework to understand everything in the fast-changing mortgage industry.
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment from Anonymous
Time July 7, 2010 at 2:36 pm

Nine times out of ten the biggest factor that decides whether or not you successfully buy or sell a real estate property is — financing. And yet it is the one area people know the least about. By understanding home loans and how they work, you dramatically increase your chances. And this book is the best on the subject I have read. The writer is a professional experienced mortgage broker who writes well. The bottomline, as the writer states, is “Most loans…are approved or denied based on some very fundamental rules.” It’s really good to know these fundamentals.
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment from Anonymous
Time July 7, 2010 at 3:11 pm

I hesitated at first, I’d had a home loan before. What else was there to learn? I cannot put this book down. There is so much to know about home loans and this author writes it in easy to understand language. I wish I had this book 10 years ago. The is an excellent, easy to understand book packed with information that I highly recommend everyone read before applying for a home loan.
Rating: 5 / 5