As a realtor in the La Jolla-San Diego area for over 20 years, I am often asked for advice about buying a new home.  As an expert in homebuying I offer my clients sound advice and the value of my experience to help them through the buying process, but it is always a good idea to do some of your own research.  Whether you are a first time buyer or haven't been in the market for a long period of time, it is important to educate yourself.

There is no one method that guarantees the "perfect" home buying experience, but the books below offer insight and advice on how to find a home that is right for YOU. These books include tips from people who have been through the process and provide the "do's" and "don'ts" of home buying. 
Happy Reading! :)

1) "The New Complete Book of Home Buying"
Originally published in 1980, this excellent home buying book has recently been updated to reflect the changes that have occurred in the real estate market during the past few decades. It includes the advice you need to buy a home and get it financed. 

2) "Tips and Traps When Buying a Home"
You'll find plenty of useful advice in this home buying book by Robert Irwin. The author helps you understand many aspects of the home buying process, but puts special focus on financing options and techniques.

3) "106 Common Mistakes Home Buyers Make and How to Avoid Them"
This is a book I wish all my clients would read before they start home shopping. Dr. Gary Eldred uses real-life scenarios to explain common mistakes and myths, offering advice for all aspects of buying a home. Learn to keep things in perspective, how to negotiate, how to navigate the world of mortgages, and so much more. It's an excellent text that will be of help to all home buyers, not just first-timers.

4) "100 Questions Every First Time Homeowner Should Ask"
This home buying book is arranged in an easy-to-use question and answer format. Ilyce Glink offers a complete look at the home buying process, discussing nearly every item you'll encounter. She also provides advice on areas not always covered, such as how to negotiate with builders for new construction and how to take advantage of tax laws. Be sure to include this in your home buying library.

5) "Buy Your First Home"
Here's another text by Robert Irwin. It's geared to first-time home buyers, but includes information that should be of help to all but the most seasoned buyers (and may be useful to those folks if they would like to learn more about using Internet tools to buy a home). Written in easy-to-understand language, this is an excellent primer for those who want to learn the basics of home buying.

6) Home Buying by the Experts: The Pros Make Your Dream Home a Reality
A home buying text that's a compilation of advice from several real estate pros. It has all the advice you'll need to take your home buying transaction from start to finish.