First-time home buyer: the complete guide to avoiding rookie mistakes

Part one. Home buying strategy. 1. Is buying a house a good investment? ; 2. Understanding exit options ; 3. How to take control of appreciation ; 4. Analyzing rental opportunities

Part two. Before you buy. 5. Preparing to purchase ; 6. Your loan, plus a whole lot of acronyms ; 7. Choosing the best lender ; 8. Hiring the right agent

Part three. Buying a house. 9. Listings, viewings, and starting your search ; 10. Making an offer ; 11. The home inspection ; 12. Under contract ; 13. After you close.