Your homebuying companion -- What's so great about buying a house? -- What do you want? Figuring out your homebuying needs -- Does this mean I have to balance my checkbook? Figuring out what you can afford -- Stepping out: what's on the market and at what price -- Select your players: the real estate team -- Bring home the bacon: getting a mortgage -- Mom and Dad? The seller? Uncle Sam? Loan alternatives -- I love it! It's perfect! Looking for the right house -- Plan B: fixer-uppers, FSBOs, foreclosures, and more -- Show them the money: from offer to purchase agreement -- Toward the finish line: tasks before closing -- Send in the big guns: professional property inspectors -- Who's got your back? Homeowners' insurance and home warranties -- Seal the deal: finalizing your homebuying dreams -- Settling into your new home.