Book excerpt: An all-you-need-to-know introduction to purchasing a home--ideal for beginners as well as veterans wary of today's roller-coaster market * Smart Strategies for surviving the crucial negotiation stage--what to watch out for and how to know when you've landed a successful deal * Smart Advice on the ins and outs of choosing an agent, evaluating a property, and selecting the neighborhood that's right for you * Smart Techniques and simple, step-by-step worksheets for determining your net worth and buying power * Smart Insights into the entire home-buying process, from scouting to closing, so you always know where you stand, what's next, and what to expect * Quick reading and easy referencing with a comprehensive index and loads of sidebars and tables