Book Notes

Each year hundreds, if not thousands, of books are published containing advice and in-depth examinations of homebuyer issues. Consumer Action highlights the best of these resources the Book Notes section. The Editor welcomes your feedback and suggestions. Click here to e-mail the editor.

The Common Cents Money Management Workbook

The Common Cents Money Management Workbook Cover ArtIn an age of information overload, many simply don't have the time, knowledge or organizational skills to create a simple, functional system for managing personal finances. Now in its fifth edition, "The Budget Kit: The Common Cents Money Management Workbook "is a best-seller that has helped hundreds of thousands of people across America develop effective budgets and gain financial freedom. Even if you are using…  More About: The Common Cents Money Management Workbook

10 Excellent Reasons Not to Hate Taxes

10 Excellent Reasons Not to Hate Taxes Cover Art"Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society."—Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. This short, snappy handbook countersthe anti-tax, anti-government rhetoric that permeates our culture and reminds us why taxes lie at the heart of a functioning democracy. Paying taxes is something almost everyone loves to hate. 10 Excellent Reasons Not to Hate Taxes makes the case for thinking about taxes in a…  More About: 10 Excellent Reasons Not to Hate Taxes

House Lust

House Lust Cover ArtBlending social commentary with reporting, House Lust is a funny and disturbing portrait of the behaviors that drove the greatest real estate boom in history—and its eventual bust. Owning a home has long been considered the fulfillment of the American Dream. But in the last decade, as the real estate market boomed, Americans’ fascination with homes turned into a frenzy. Shelter has been transformed from…  More About: House Lust

The Complete Guide to Reverse Mortgages

The Complete Guide to Reverse Mortgages Cover ArtUntil recently, there were only two main ways you could get cash from your home: sell it or borrow against it and make monthly loan repayments. Reverse mortgages offer a third way of getting money from your home. If you are a homeowner, age 62 and older, you are eligible to apply for a reverse mortgage loan that converts your home equity into tax-free income.…  More About: The Complete Guide to Reverse Mortgages

Solve Your Money Troubles

Solve Your Money Troubles Cover ArtEverything you need to get out of debt and repair your credit, from the Nolo Press, the pre-eminient self-help legal publisher. Feeling overwhelmed by your debts? If you're ready to regain your financial freedom, this book is exactly what you need! To make the process easier, Solve Your Money Troubles also includes sample letters to creditors, as well as worksheets and charts to calculate your debts and…  More About: Solve Your Money Troubles

The Reverse Mortgage Advantage

The Reverse Mortgage Advantage Cover Art

Consumer Action advises consumers to go slowly when considering reverse mortgages, as there are some bad deals out there. But we recognize that reverse mortgages are helpful for many house-rich, cash-poor seniors. People who do not have heirs and therefore do not have to consider the issues of leaving money to their children or other family members may also benefit from reverse mortgages, because they…  More About: The Reverse Mortgage Advantage

Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise

Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise Cover Art

Is a neighboring business driving you crazy? Too much noise from next door? Run-off from up the hill threatening to drown your yard?

Learn your rights and responsibilities with Neighbor Law, Nolo's clear-cut, comprehensive guide to the laws concerning common neighbor disputes. The popular bestseller covers fences, trees, boundaries, blocked views, noise, water issues, neighborhood businesses, dangers to children ("attractive nuisances") and more.

In plain…  More About: Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise

The New Complete Book of Home Buying

The New Complete Book of Home Buying Cover ArtThe New Complete Book of Home Buying can help you find the best houses and avoid the lemons in today'schanging housing market. Information is offered on how to use the Internet effectively, whether to buy a new or existing home and what to watch for in an older home. The book contains many hands-on, helpful features such as checklists, mortgage tables, investment and tax strategies…  More About: The New Complete Book of Home Buying

How to Buy a Home

How to Buy a Home Cover ArtIt's hard to think about buying a home, especially if you are a newcomer who lacks the knowledge of the U.S. housing market or the language skills to handle negotiations. Where do you begin? How do you know if you're ready? What forms must you fill out? How can you avoid being taken advantage of? You might even feel that owning a home is so…  More About: How to Buy a Home

House Poor

House Poor Cover Art

Skyrocketing home values, cheap money and enticing home equity offers have had Americans in thrall. In recent years millions of people took on bigger mortgages, bigger houses and bigger debt. "House Poor: Pumped Up Prices, Rising Rates and Mortgages on Steroids: How to Survive the Coming Housing Crisis," points to signs that the housing bubble may be ending. Among the signs: home sales and new…  More About: House Poor

 

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