House Rent
Housing - Ownership and Renting Resource Renting header Navigation TOPIC AREAS About The House HomeWorks News Rent Smart Publicaciones en Español Download a copy of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print information provided as PDF files. RENT SMART Background Rental property managers are often faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, they want to keep their units full, they want to meet their fair housing obligations and, as good citizens, they want to provide housing to people who need it. On the other hand, in order to stay in business they need to rent to people who are likely to pay their rent and maintain the property. One way to address this dilemma is with a community program that provides high-risk tenants with practical training to help them succeed as tenants. Rent Smart is a teaching guide designed to be the core of a community tenant education program. It was developed by staff from the University of Wisconsin-Extension in consultation with the Wisconsin Apartment Association, the Wisconsin Trade and Consumer Protection Division, the Tenant Resource Center, the Apartment Association of Southeast Wisconsin and other housing and tenant support groups. It was field tested in several locations before publication. What's Included? Rent Smart stresses information that can help participants succeed as tenants and avoid confrontations and legal hassles. The publication is intended for trainers and includes reproducible fact sheets and worksheets for participants as well as masters for overhead transparencies. A model certificate, designed to be awarded to participants who successfully complete the training, is also included. A key feature of Rent Smart is that it stresses learner participation. Each of the lessons is organized around a series of activities so that participants are actively involved in the learning. Materials are provided to help the instructor use the activities successfully. Local Partnership Needed In addition to the curriculum, a successful tenant education program requires a local partnership. Involvement of local rental housing providers in design and delivery of the local program is essential. When this is the case they may be willing to take greater risks with applicants who have completed the program and may even provide financial incentives such as a reduced security deposit. Involvement of local housing authorities and other tenant service providers is also essential. They have contacts with households who would benefit from the program, may be able to help design the program so it meets specific client needs and may have incentives they can provide participants. In one county an agency obtained a grant to provide a partial rent payment to participants who completed the program. In many communities, extension staff members have been available to assist in developing this partnership, developing the initial tenant education program and offering some of the instruction. The Lessons 1. Where Does the Money Go? - Determining monthly income and tracking expenses 2. Developing an Spending Plan - Planning spending and reducing expenses 3. Making the Most of Your Credit Report - Understanding credit reports and ways to improve credit. 4. Finding a Place to Live - Determining apartment needs and understanding search strategies. 5. Checking Out the Landlord and the Place - interviewing and checking up on landlords 6. The Rental Application Process - Completing a rental application and knowing what landlords look for. 7. Understanding Rental Agreements - Reading and understanding rental agreements. 8. Home Care: Who Is Responsible for What? Understanding when tenants are responsible for maintenance. 9. Home Care: Keeping It Clean and Safe - Understanding why cleaning is important and ways to do it more efficiently 10. Communicating With Your Landlord and Neighbors - Saying what you mean and resolving conflicts. 11. Moving On: Giving Notice, Security Deposits and Evictions - Ending a tenancy properly and understanding why it is important to do so. Ordering Information This sample contains the Table of contents and the first Chapter. To order a CD containing the complete text plus files to make transparencies, please contact: Extension Publications 877-WIS-PUBS cecommerce.uwex.edu footer 2002-2004 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, doing business as the Division of Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. If you have any questions regarding this site's contents, trouble accessing any information on this site, require this information in an alternative format or would like to request a reasonable accommodation because of a disability email: flp@uwex.edu
Buy Home
Buying a Home - HUD HUD News Newsroom Priorities About HUD Homes Buying Owning Selling Renting Homeless Home improvements HUD homes Fair housing FHA refunds Foreclosure Consumer info Communities About communities Volunteering Organizing Economic development Working with HUD Grants Programs Contracts Work online HUD jobs Complaints Resources Library Handbooks/ forms Common questions Tools Webcasts Mailing lists Contact us Help Buying a Home Information by State Esta página en español Print version Email this to a friend Counseling and Education Housing counseling agencies can give you advice about buying a home. Find a housing counselor near you. Common questions Homeownership videos More from HUD Mortgage glossary FHA mortgage limits HUD approved lenders HUD approved condos Healthy homes Environmental maps Energy info About appraisals Links Rural housing loan programs Loan programs for veterans Freddie Mac Fannie Mae US Postal Service Mover's Guide The homebuying process can seem complicated, but if you take things step-by-step, you will soon be holding the keys to your own home! Nine steps to buying a home Figure out how much you can afford Know your rights Shop for a loan Learn about homebuying programs Shop for a home Make an offer Get a home inspection Shop for homeowners insurance Sign papers Step 1: Figure out how much you can afford What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, downpayment and the interest rate. The calculators below can help, but it is best to visit a lender to find out for sure. How much home can you afford? Buying vs. Renting Need help with your downpayment and/or closing costs? Homebuying programs in your state A housing counselor can help you figure out how to manage and pay off your debt, and start saving for that downpayment! Find a housing counselor near you Step 2: Know your rights Fair Housing: Equal Opportunity for All - brochure Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) Borrower's rights Predatory lending Back to Top Step 3: Shop for a loan Save money by doing your homework. Talk to several lenders, compare costs and interest rates, negotiate to get a better deal. Consider getting pre-approved for a loan. Looking for the best mortgage: shop, compare, negotiate - brochure Let FHA help you Step 4: Learn about homebuying programs Homebuying programs in your state FHA loan programs offer lower downpayments and are a good option for first-time homebuyers. Let FHA help you HUD's special homebuying programs Good Neighbor Next Door Program - for police officers, teachers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians Homeownership for public housing residents Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program (Section 184) Step 5: Shop for a home Choose a real estate agent Wish list - what features do you want? Home-shopping checklist take this list with you when comparing homes Homes for sale (including HUD homes) " Fixer-uppers " - home purchase and repair programs Manufactured (mobile) homes Build a home If you choose a home in a neighborhood with a Home Owners Association (HOA), be sure to request a copy of the HOA packet, so you can review before closing. Back to Top Step 6: Make an offer Discuss the process with your real estate agent. If the seller counters your offer, you may need to negotiate until you both agree to the terms of the sale. Making an offer Step 7: Get a home inspection Make your offer contingent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs. For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection Step 8: Shop for homeowners insurance Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance. Be sure to shop around. Homeowners insurance 12 ways to lower your homeowners insurance costs Step 9: Sign papers You're finally ready to go to "settlement" or "closing." Be sure to read everything before you sign! Settlement Costs and Helpful Information Content updated December 1, 2005 Back to Top FOIA Privacy Web Policies and Important Links Home U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410 Telephone: (202) 708-1112 TTY: (202) 708-1455 Find the address of a HUD office near you
real estate agents to
Real Estate Agency Disclosure Laws You are here: About > Home & Garden > Home Buying / Selling Home & Garden Home Buying / Selling Essentials 10 Things Home Buyers Shouldn't Do Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers "Must-Do" Tasks Before You Sell How to Buy a Home, Step by Step For Sale by Owner Advice Articles & Resources How To Buy a Home How To Sell a House Celebrity & Historic Credit Reports & Scores Design & Remodel Home Maintenance Inspections & Appraisals Investing & Foreclosures Modular & Manufactured Mold, Radon, Lead, etc. Mortgage Advice Moving & Relocation Real Estate Careers Real Estate For Sale Vacation Homes Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Home Buying Books Foreclosure Books Mortgage Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Home Buying / Selling newsletter! See Online Courses Search Home Buying / Selling Real Estate Agency Disclosure Laws Most states in the US require real estate agents to disclose who they work for, buyer or sellers or both. Some disclosures can be verbal and others must be in writing. Find out what type of disclosure the real estate agents in your state should make. Scroll down for disclosure table. State Disclosure Required? Find Details Alabama Yes: Transaction Brokerage, Single Agency, Limited Consensual Dual Agency A Consumer Information Booklet (pdf) Alaska Yes: Written agency disclosures required. Real Estate Commission Statutes (pdf) Arkansas Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Agency Representation (pdf) California Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Agency Relationship Disclosure Colorado Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Brokerage Relationships (pdf) Georgia Yes: Written agency disclosure required. License Law Rules & Regulations (pdf, page 51) Hawaii Yes: Written or oral agency disclosure required. Real Estate Rules (pdf, page 10) Idaho Yes: Disclosure will focus on the differences between a "customer" and a "client;" dual agency explained. Agency Disclosure Brochure (pdf) Illinois Disclosure requirements unclear in online materials. If you are an Illinois agent, I'd appreciate clarification . Agency Relationships Iowa Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Customer or Client, the Choice is Yours (pdf) Kansas Agents must give you the brochure: "Real estate brokerage relationships." Overview of Brochure Kentucky Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Consumer Information Brochure (A specific agency brochure is mentioned, but I could not find it online; ask your agent) Louisiana Agents should provide you with an information pamphlet. Agency Disclosure Pamphlet (pdf) Maine Agents should provide you with a disclosure form. Agency Disclosure Form (pdf) Maryland Seller Agency disclosure required at first substantial meeting. Disclosure Information Massachusetts Yes. Disclosure is required. Agency Information Michigan I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Michigan State Board Missouri Yes. Disclosure is required. Missouri Broker Disclosure Form (pdf) Nevada Yes. Disclosure should be made "as soon as is practicable." Duties Owed by a Nevada Real Estate Licensee (pdf) New Hampshire Yes. You must be given an Agency Disclosure Form. Agency Disclosure Forms New Mexico I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. New York Yes. Disclosure is required. Real Estate Agency Disclosure Form (pdf) North Carolina Yes. Written disclosure is required. Working with Real Estate Agents (pdf) Ohio Yes. Disclosure is required. Agency Disclosure Statement (pdf) South Carolina Yes. Disclosure is required. Consumer Information Brochure (pdf) South Dakota Yes. Disclosure is required. Real Estate Consumer Guide Tennessee I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Utah I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Virginia I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Washington Yes. Disclosure is required. Agency Law (pdf) West Virginia Yes. Disclosure is required. Notice of Agency Relationship (pdf) Wisconsin I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Wyoming I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. A few states are missing and will be added as they are found. State Web sites have a habit of frequently changing their links. If you find a link that goes to different information, I'd appreciate it if you would send me an email so that I can update this file. Talk About Real Estate From Janet Wickell , Your Guide to Home Buying / Selling . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Important disclaimer information about this About site. Advertisement Related Blogs Mortgage Fraud Blog The Real Estate Blog The Money Pit Most Popular Modular and Manufactured Homes Finding Your Best Place to ... Home Buying Don'ts First Time Home Buyer Tips Before You Sell Your Home What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews Related Topics Home Repair Architecture Credit / Debt Management Housekeeping Landscaping Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Oprah's Life Vacation Ideas Shop Safely Online VIDEO: Craft Rooms VIDEO: Christmas Traditions What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews Headlines Getting Ready to Sell Your House Guests and lots of activities make it difficult to show... Before You Buy Gas Logs Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers... Pros and Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent You've decided you want to become a real estate agent,... Step-by-Step Directions Help You Measure Square Footage Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square...
Home Mortgage Insurance U.S.
FCIC: The Guide to Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance Return to Federal Citizen Information Center Home Page Printer-friendly page -- Guide To Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Housing Office of Single Family Housing www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gov Revised February 2005 Becoming a Homeowner Many people in the United States dream of owning their own homes,but few are able to pay cash for them. Many individuals and families whocould not otherwise afford to own a home become homeowners with thehelp of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs. FHA is a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) . One of the chief purposes of FHA is to help people obtain financing to buy their homes. This booklet can help homebuyers understand how they can make use of FHA mortgage insurance programs. It explains: How FHA mortgage insurance works Who can get FHA mortgage insurance How to shop for a HUD-approved lender How to apply for an FHA-insured mortgage loan What restrictions apply to FHA-insured mortgage loans Buying a home is the biggest single purchase that most people will make in their lifetimes. Most people borrow money through a mortgage loan to buy a home. Some people reduce the amount of money they borrow by making a large downpayment on the loan to buy a home. Persons who do not have money for a large downpayment may need the help of an FHA-insured mortgage to get a loan. MortgageA legal document that promises a property to the lender as security for payment of a debt. Here is more information about mortgage loans. DownpaymentThe part of the purchase price that a buyer pays in cash and is not included in the mortgage. How FHA Mortgage Insurance Works FHAs mortgage insurance programs help low- and moderate-incomeindividuals and families obtain financing to buy homes or refinance theircurrent mortgages. FHA mortgage insuranceallows a homebuyer to make a low downpaymentand get a mortgage loan for the balance ofthe purchase price. The mortgage loan is made by a HUDapproved lender, such as a bank, mortgage company, or credit union. FHA insures the mortgage and pays the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the loan. FHA/HUD does not make direct loans to people who want to buy, build, or refinance homes. Who Can Get FHA Mortgage Insurance If you are buying a home, refinancing a mortgage for a home youalready own, or making home improvements, you may qualify for anFHA-insured mortgage. In fact, almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. Generally, homebuyers must live in the home in order to get an FHA-insured mortgage loan. The program is not open to investors. To find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you, call the HUD housing counseling and referral line toll-free at 1-800-569-4287 or visit the HUD website at www.hud.gov . To find a HUD-approved lender , search online at www.hud.gov . You can also find lending institutions in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under the heading Mortgages. To find out if you qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage loan, youshould visit a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or a HUD-approved lender , such as a bank, credit union, or mortgage company. The housing counselor or lender will look at certain information about your income and spending to determine if you qualify. Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability. How FHA Mortgage Insurance Can Help You Whether you are buying a home, making home improvements, or refinancingyour current mortgage, you should work with a HUD-approvedlendersuch as a bank, a mortgage company, or a credit unionto applyfor a mortgage loan.Once your loan isapproved, FHA willinsure the loan and paythe lender if you defaulton the mortgage.Because the lender isprotected by this insurance,the lender cangive you better termson your loan. A lower downpayment Some lenders require borrowers to pay 10 percent or more of the price of a home in cash as a downpayment. With FHA-insured mortgages, your downpayment can be as low as 3 percent. The lender will likely require you to prove that you have enough money for the loan downpayment. Use of cash gifts toward downpayment With an FHA-insured mortgage, under certain circumstances you can use a gift from a relative, a local nonprofit organization, or a government agency for all or part of the downpayment and closing costs. The Kinds of Homes Covered by FHA Mortgage Insurance FHA-insured mortgages are available in urban and rural areas for: Single family houses Houses with two, three, or four units Condominium units Houses needing rehabilitation In addition, FHA-insured mortgages are available for reverse mortgages for seniors, called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage . To make sure that its programs serve low- and moderate-income people, FHA sets upper limits on the dollar value of the mortgage loan. These limits change every year and vary by city and state. Check with a local lender or look online on HUDs website, www.hud.gov . Shopping for an FHA-Insured Loan Since buying a home is one of the most important purchases you willmake in your lifetime, HUD recommends you visit a HUD-approved housing counseling agency where a counselor can help you compare loansand give you homebuying tips. You can find counseling agencies by callingthe HUD housing counseling and referral line toll-free at 1-800-569-4287 or visiting the HUD website at www.hud.gov . You can also findHUD-approved lenders on the HUD website. Your house hunting and homebuying experience can be easier when you become pre-qualified for a loan. To become pre-qualified, you will complete a pre-qualification loan application. When a lender pre-qualifies you, the lender tells you the maximum amount of money you can borrow to buy a home. With that information, you can spend your time looking at homes that you can afford rather than ones that are too expensive. Some lenders may charge a fee for pre-qualification, so you should ask about fees and compare two or more lenders. You should shop for an FHA-insured mortgage loan the same way you shop for any high-cost itemcompare prices and features. The cost of getting a mortgage can vary from one lender to another, so compare these features when you are comparing lenders: Interest rate Discount points Closing costs and other fees Annual percentage rate FHA/HUD does not set the amounts for the above factors. You can negotiate with the lender and come to agreement on the interest rate, points, and most processing fees. Interest Rate You can negotiate with your lender on the interest rate that you will pay for your mortgage. Interest rates fluctuate daily, depending on conditions in the mortgage market. FHA recommends that you check with several mortgage lenders to make sure you get the best interest rate available. Discount Points Lenders can charge you discount points when the interest rate is lower than the yield required by investors who buy mortgage securities. A discount point is $1 for every $100 of the mortgage loan amount. The number of points charged varies in different places at different times and among different lenders. Discount points for an FHA-insured mortgage may be paid by you as the homebuyer, by the homebuilder, or by the person selling the house. Closing Costs and Prepaid Items When your loan is finalized, you will have to pay closing costs. Closing costs are costs in addition to the price of the property that are paid when you close your loan to cover the transfer of ownership. A mortgage loan is made up of two parts: principal and inter- est. Principal is the amount of money borrowed to buy your home. Interest is the amount paid for the privilege of borrowing the money and paying it back later, usually over 30 years. When the borrower pays the mortgage each month, some of the amount goes toward paying the principal and some toward interest. Equity is an owner's financial interest in a property. It is the difference between the amount still owed on the mortgage loan and the fair market value of the property. Closing costs are generally made up of thefollowing: Closing agents or attorney fees Interest paid from date of closing through the end of the month of closing Loan origination fee to cover lender administrative costs Credit report fees Appraisal fees Recording fees Survey fee First mortgage insurance premium Title insurance (yours and your lenders) Certain of these closing costs, as well as certain of the prepaid items listed below, may be paid by the seller, or shared between the borrower and the seller, depending on the terms of the sales contract. Prepaids are advance payments (property taxes, first annual premium for homeowners insurance, etc.) made at closing by the borrower that may be placed in an escrow account and used by the lender to pay these bills as they become due. The property tax you will pay is the amount that the state or locality, or both, assesses as a tax on your piece of property based on the value. While the property taxes due at closing are usually covered in your prepaids, your mortgage payment will also include an amount to pay future taxes as assessed by your state or locality. These tax rates vary by area and typically increase over time. Homeowners insurance combines hazard insurance and lia- bility insurance. Hazard insurance covers property damage caused by fire, wind, storms, and other similar events. Coverage for earthquakes and floods may or may not be included with hazard insurance, and you should check with your insurance carrier to determine if this is included in your policy. Liability insurance coverage protects you against claims alleging negligence or inappropriate action resulting in bodily injury or property damage. Annual Percentage Rate The Truth in Lending Act requires the lender to tell you the annualpercentage rate (APR) charged on your home mortgage. The annual percentagerate is calculated by adding the interest rate, the discount points,the initial service charge, the premium paid to insure the mortgage, andcertain other charges collected by the lender. The APR is not the sameas the mortgage loan interest rate. The Cost of FHA Mortgage Insurance When you get a mortgage loan insured by FHA, you have to pay an up-front insurance premium, which can be included in the loan you get through a lender. You will also have to pay a monthly insurance premium that is added to the regular mortgage payment. FHA uses the premiums to pay the lender if you default on your mortgage. The Importance of Getting a Home Inspection Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a homes condition by a trained expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy. The inspector will: Evaluate the physical condition: the structure, construction, and mechanical systems. Identify items that should be repaired or replaced. Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure, and finishes. After the inspection is complete, you will receive a written report of the findings from the home inspector, usually within five to seven days. FHA does not guarantee the value or condition of your future home, and FHA does not perform home inspections. If you find problems with your new home after closing, FHA cannot give or lend you money for repairs, nor can it buy the home back from you. Thats why it is so important for you, the buyer, to get an independenthome inspection. You should remember that an inspection is differentfrom an appraisal, which also will be performed as part of the mortgageprocess. Ask a qualified home inspector to thoroughly examine the physicalcondition of your future home and give you the information you needto make a wise decision. Information Resources You may want more information for yourself, your family, or others.The following services are available to help you. Internet www.hud.gov or espanol.hud.gov HUDs website contains comprehensive information about homebuying, homeownership, selling a home, making home improvements, and other housing-related topicsin English and Spanish. HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency Locator HUD supports a network of approved housing counseling agencies that provide counseling services across the nation. For a complete list of HUDapproved agencies in your area, call the HUD housing counseling referral line toll-free at 1-800-569-4287 or visit the HUD website at www.hud.gov. HUD-Approved Lenders A searchable database of HUD-approved lenders, including banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions, is available on the HUD website at www.hud.gov. HUD Customer Service Center 1-800-767-7468 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) https://webapps1.hud.gov/dds/ Most of the information products developed by HUD are available from HUDs Customer Service Center by calling toll-free 1-800-767-7468 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. EST. Written requests should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Customer Service Center Room B-100 451 Seventh Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 You may fax requests to (202) 708-2313. Return to Federal Citizen Information Center Home Page Printer-friendly page --
Buy Property
Amazon.co.uk: Buying a Home in Spain: Books BOOK SEARCH BROWSE CATEGORIES SPECIAL OFFERS TOP SELLERS AUDIO BOOKS Paperbacks 3 for £12 NEW & USED TEXTBOOKS HARRY POTTER SELL YOUR BOOKS All Products -Books -Used Books -Collectable Books All Subjects -Art, Architecture & Photography -Audio Cassettes -Audio CDs -Biography -Business, Finance & Law -Children's Books -Comics & Graphic Novels -Computers & Internet -Crime, Thrillers & Mystery -Fiction -Food & Drink -Gay & Lesbian -Health, Family & Lifestyle -History -Home & Garden -Horror -Humour -Mind, Body & Spirit -Music, Stage & Screen -Poetry, Drama & Criticism -Reference & Languages -Religion & Spirituality -Romance -Science & Nature -Science Fiction & Fantasy -Scientific, Technical & Medical -Society, Politics & Philosophy -Sports, Hobbies & Games -Travel & Holiday -Young Adult All Subjects Art, Architecture & Photography Audio Cassettes Audio CDs Biography Business, Finance & Law Children's Books Comics & Graphic Novels Computers & Internet Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Education & Languages Fiction Food & Drink Gay & Lesbian Health, Family & Lifestyle History Home & Garden Horror Humour Mind, Body & Spirit Music, Stage & Screen Poetry, Drama & Criticism Reference Religion & Spirituality Romance Science & Nature Science Fiction & Fantasy Scientific, Technical & Medical Society, Politics & Philosophy Sports, Hobbies & Games Travel & Holiday Young Adult BOOKS INFO At A Glance Reviews Customer Reviews See more by these authors: David Hampshire Jim Watson E-mail a Friend About This Item Recommendations If you already own this, rate it and improve your recommendations , Not Rated Find a huge selection of books at 30% off Become an Associate Join our Associates Programme and make money from your website! Buying a Home in Spain David Hampshire , Jim Watson (Illustrator) Publisher: learn how customers can search inside this book. Availability: usually dispatched within 1 to 2 working days 31 Used & New from £1.20 See larger photo Edition: Paperback More Product Details Customers who shopped for this item also shopped for: Buying a Property in Spain: An Insider Guide to Finding a Home in the Sun ; Paperback ~ Harry King The Best Places to Buy a Home in Spain ; Paperback ~ Joanna Styles, Jim Watson (Illustrator) Buy to Let in Spain: How to Invest in Spanish Property for Pleasure and Profit ; Paperback ~ Harry King Property Hotspots in Spain: The Hottest Property Locations in the Sunny Costas and How to Invest in Them ; Paperback ~ Ajay Ahuja Buying a Home in Spain 2005 ; Paperback ~ David Hampshire Product Details: Paperback 288 pages(December 1999) Publisher: Survival Books Language: English ISBN: 1901130363 Category(ies): Business, Finance & Law , Health, Family & Lifestyle , Travel & Holiday Average Customer Review: | Write a review Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 2,760 (Publishers and authors: improve your sales ) 1 new from 5.95 30 used from 1.20 Have one to sell? (We'll set one up for you) View my Wish List . Customers interested in this title may also be interested in: What's this? ( What's this? ) Feedback Business Finance Directory Find a wide range of business finance services and specialists in the finance section of our free business directory. www.business-search.uk.net Reviews Book Information Buying a Home in Spain is essential reading for anyone planning to purchase property in Spain and is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of information available. Whether you're seeking a castillo, villa, farmhouse, townhouse or an apartment, a holiday or a permanent home, this book will help make your dreams come true. Packed with over 200 pages of valuable information, it's designed to help you avoid costly mistakes and save time and money. If you're planning to buy a home in Spain or even just thinking about it--this is the book for you. Buying a Home in Spain is designed to guide you through the property maze and make buying a home a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Most importantly, it's packed with vital information to help you avoid the sort of disasters that can turn your dream home into a nightmare. Vital topics covered include: Doing your Homework and Avoiding Problems Choosing the Region Finding the Right Home and Location Real Estate Agents Finance, Mortgages and Taxes Home Security Utilities, Heating and Air-conditioning Moving House and Settling In Renting and Letting Permits and Visas Retirement, Working and Starting a Business Travelling and Communications Health and Insurance Renting a Car and Driving And much, much more. Customer Reviews Avg. Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other shoppers! 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Buying a Home in Spain , March 8, 2004 Reviewer: A reader from Los Angeles, California USA David Hampshire has written or co-written a series of books on living, working and purchasing homes in different countries; this is the 5th of his "country" books I have bought. We have previously lived in Switzerland and France and have close relatives in Portugal and we find David Hampshire's books invaluable - they are detailed, honest and well-written - good reference books and introduction for anyone contemplating a move abroad. I have given his books to several friends, including his book on the U.S. to a friend who moved to Virginia. I purchased this one for a relative planning to buy a house in Spain. It is not the only hand-book or advice one needs but it is certainly a great guide/check-list of the daily items one needs to deal with in a foreign country. Was this review helpful to you? 25 of 26 people found the following review helpful: BUYING A HOME IN SPAIN , November 25, 2002 Reviewer: Alexandra Campbell from Costa del Sol, Spain Having made several mistakes buying my first property in Spain when it came to the second I invested in David Hampshire's BUYING A HOME IN SPAIN. What a revelation! He has certainly saved me a lot of money, and probably my sanity - Spain is a wonderful place to live, but the laws, regulations, and customs are very different to the UK, and the well-meaning advice of ex-pats can lead to losing your car, home or savings. This book tells it like it is...thank you Mr Hampshire, you obviously HAVE lived here, and your advice really hits the spot. Was this review helpful to you? 28 of 34 people found the following review helpful: One to read if you are one of life's great pessimists! , June 15, 2001 Reviewer: A reader from Britain This book scared the living daylights out of me! Having read it I was convinced that I would never have the mental stamina to deal with all the red tape he describes. I know that it is important that people are warned of the possible pitfalls of buying property abroad but did this book have to be so negative and so pessimistic? The Chapter on Spanish driving was dreadfully insulting, as were the comments about Spain being the noisiest country in Europe! How I would have liked a more ENCOURAGING book - by all means point out potential pitfalls, Mr Hampshire, but please do so in a constructive way. Were I a more timid character I would have read this book and ditched all my plans for moving to Spain in the near future - not a read for the faint hearted. Was this review helpful to you? 27 of 28 people found the following review helpful: Excellent; Should be mandatory reading for prospective owner , July 6, 2000 Reviewer: A reader from Scotland A very comprehensive guide to buying a place in Spain. There's a wealth of facts in this book so don't expect to absorb it all on the first reading. - But don't worry, it's all presented in a very readable and humerous style. The author also provides a useful insight into some of the less palatable aspects of property ownership in Spain (not that Spain is any worse than any other country)and this means that we can approach our negotiations with much more confidence. Indeed, he doesn't appear to be scared to tread on a few toes he also exposes some of the less appealing aspects (for example read the section on Community properties, pages 150-155) Reading the rather vitriolic comments of a previous reviewer made me curious as to why the book prompted such a reaction. It was either somebody in the property trade who's cage he'd rattled or (call me a cynic if you wish) it was deliberate bait. Either way it attracted me to the book. So to that person 'Thank You' for calling it to my attention; it has become my bible. Was this review helpful to you? See all customer reviews... Customers who bought books by David Hampshire also bought books by these authors: Harry King Andre de Vries Charles Davey Joe Laredo Alan S. 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