Book excerpt: "This book is for anyone looking for a house in the Golden State. It guides the reader step-by-step through the process of buying a home in California. It explains to the reader how to: choose the house and neighborhood they'll be happy with; select and manage a knowledgeable, hard-working agent; qualify for the best mortgage; figure out how much down payment they can afford; make an offer and negotiate a good deal; compete in multiple-bid situations; inspect a house for problems and hazards; buy and sell houses simultaneously; and get through escrow successfully. Includes helpful checklists and worksheets"--