It's the biggest purchase of your life! And it sould also be the biggest mistake...if you attempt it without consulting America's leading real estate advisor. Hundreds of thousands of home buyers have turned to this guide for solid "how-to" advice on this all-important buy. Now real estate veteran Robert Irwin is back with a new edition of his bestselling classic. Do you know the 7 most important tips? The 4 most significant buyer's traps? Is now really the right time to buy? With this book, you'll be the savviest, best-prepared home shopper possible—whether you're seeking a primary or vacation home, condo or co-op, new construction or resale.

Here's inside information on:*How to check out neighborhoods for school quality, crime rates, and future price appreciation. *The latest home inspection rules involving earthquake and hurricane retrofitting, asbestos and lead removal; and radon detection. *New warranties implied in purchase contracts. *Each step of the home-buying process, including assessing market conditions, house-hunting, dealing with agents and attorneys, negotiating, conducting inspections, getting the best financing, even saving on closing costs!