This bestseller provides effective strategies for buying a house in California's unique real estate market. Home buyers learn how to: find a house and choose a neighborhood - raise money for a down payment - unearth the best mortgage - take advantage of creative financing techniques, such as private mortgages and probate sales - choose and work with a real estate agent - inspect a house for physical problems and environmental hazards - make an offer and successfully negotiate a contract - go through escrow and take title. Provides detailed advice on how to use the Internet to compare mortgages and apply for a loan, find and screen houses, gather community information and much more. Includes all necessary real estate forms and worksheets, including offer forms and disclosure statements.