title: The Home Buyer's Answer Book: Practical Answers to More Than 250 Top Questions on Buying a Home
author: Diana Summers
description: Diana Brodman Summers received her law degree from DePaul University College of Law. She is an arbitrator for the Cook and DuPage mandatory arbitration programs. She currently maintains a law practice outside of Chicago.
zlib_text: **“WE WANT THIS HOUSE!”**
  
  Money magazine knows that owning a home you love is still the American dream.
  But today more than ever, you need help—not just in finding the perfect house,
  but in making the deal go through at a price that won’t put you in the poor
  house.
  
    * When is the best time of year to shop for a house?
    * How much home can I afford?
    * How can I decide if a house is likely to rise in value?
    * Should I get a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage?
    * Is there a way to keep closing costs low?
    * Is a condo ever a good investment?
    * What is my seller’s bottom line?
  
   **Your Dream Home**
  
  ![](Images/image00140.jpeg)
  
   **Money magazine**
  
  Alternate selection of Money® Book Club™
  
  _Other books in the_  
   _Money ® America’s Financial Advisor series:_
  
  _How to Retire Young and Rich_
  
   _401(k) Take Charge of Your Life_
  
   _Paying for Your Child’s College Education_
  
   _The Right Way to Invest in Mutual Funds_
  
   _Dollar Pinching: A Consumer’s Guide to Smart Spending_
  
   _Car 