This bestseller provides effective strategies for buying a house in California's unique real estate market. Home buyers learn how to: -- choose a neighborhood and find a house-- raise money for a down payment-- unearth the best mortgage-- take advantage of creative financing techniques, such as private mortgages and probate sales-- choose and work with a real estate agent-- inspect a house for physical problems and environmental hazards-- make an offer and successfully negotiate a contract-- go through escrow and take titleHow to Buy a House in California provides detailed advice on how to use the Internet to compare mortgages and apply for a loan, find and screen houses, gather community information and much more Includes all necessary real estate forms and worksheets, including offer forms and disclosure statements.