What's so great about buying a house? -- What do you want? : figuring out your homebuying needs -- Does this mean I have to balance my checkbook? : figuring out what you can afford -- Stepping out : what's on the market and at what price -- Select your players : the real estate team -- Bring home the bacon : getting a mortgage -- Mom and dad? the seller? Uncle Sam? : loan alternatives -- I love it! it's perfect! : looking for the right house -- Plan B : fixer-uppers, FSBOs, foreclosures, and more -- Show them the money : from offer to purchase agreement -- Toward the finish line : tasks before closing -- Send in the big guns : professional property inspectors -- Who's got your back? : homeowners' insurance and home warranties -- Seal the deal : finalizing your homebuying dreams -- Settling into your new home.