Buying a home can be scary enough, but when you are surrounded by job losses, foreclosures and media tales of a credit crunch, many potential buyers give up the American Dream without even trying. But today's potential homebuyers have advantages that buyers a few years ago lacked:

* There are plenty of homes on the market,

* Home prices have become more affordable in many markets,

* Mortgage lenders have money to lend and interest rates are at historically low rates.

This step-by-step guide will show homebuyers how to take advantage of the current market conditions to buy a home that is both a refuge from the tough times and a worthwhile financial investment. Includes information on:

* Buying vs. renting

* First-time financing

* Finding the right realtor

* Choosing a neighborhood

* Understanding legal, tax, and insurance issues, contracts, contingencies, inspections, warranties, and settlement

* Also includes a list of US state & Canadian territory Real Estate Commissions; list of first-time homebuyer programs with descriptions; glossary of real estate terms; US and Canadian resource guide to websites with first-time homebuyer information.