Top 3 Real Estate Books You Need to Read Before Buying a House

Buying a home, choosing where to settle and put down roots is critical to how you will raise your family and part of developing your career. Many people only buy a few houses in their lifetime, so it's not surprising that people don't know much about the home buying process. Reading the best books provides you with the knowledge that you need to take the big first step. Here are three real estate books that you should read before purchasing a house.

#1 Home Buying for Dummies by Eric Tyson

Like all the "For Dummies" books, this one simplifies the home buying process in an easy to digest format. Tyson and a team of real estate experts offer tips and advice, including the series' popular "helpful hints." The book has been revised to reflect the home buying landscape after the 2008 crash, so make sure you get one that's at least past the 4th edition. Here is the link to the book on Amazon.

In this book, you'll start with an overview of the buying process, although much of the usable advice is geared more toward those in the middle of the country. Home buyers in more competitive markets may not find some information useful, although much of the insider advice is relevant to all. A thorough explanation of the different types of mortgages is especially helpful, as Tyson breaks down the financial aspect in a manner that even the least financially savvy can understand.

#2 106 Common Mistakes Home Buyers Make and How to Avoid Them by Gary Eldred

106 mistakes seem like a lot to make – and hopefully, you won't be making all of them – but Eldred covers just about any contingency that people face when preparing to buy a home. Those that have already completed one home purchase may already be aware of some of these tips, but a refresher course is always helpful.

Two things stand out with this book. Unlike other home buying advice books, this one has a section about purchasing a custom-built home. Advice from contractors, including commonly cut corners to be aware of, can be invaluable for those designing a forever home. Part of the advice includes the different types of mortgage and insurance you'll need to have a home built, versus existing houses for sale.

The second part offers more insight into the online world of home buying, which can eliminate a lot of the hassle of making viewing appointments. From virtual tours to easier to find details, such as school locations and neighborhood amenities, technology has revolutionized the process of buying a home. Here is the paperback on Amazon.

#3 Home Buyer's Checklist: Everything You Need to Know - But Forgot to Ask by Robert Irwin

Many books offer advice on how to buy a house, addressing many concerns home buyers have. This book goes in a different direction, however, and helps first-, second-, and third-time home buyers ensure that their expert advice is sound. It beings with the premise that finding the information you need lays on the buyer, not the real estate agent or mortgage lender. $1.99 paperback on Amazon is a good deal.

Opening up the question and answer process and encouraging home buyers to be more engaged in the process. Buying a house is stressful and overwhelming. Irwin addresses the important questions that need to be asked while slicing through the emotional aspect many buyers have.

Choosing the right books to read before starting the home buying process arms buyers with the knowledge that they need to find the right house, avoid costly mistakes after closing, and secure a workable mortgage.