The 2007 Consumer Action Handbook is now available. It’s free from your Uncle Sam. Order it online here. Or call 1-888-878-3256. Can’t wait that long? No problem, the pdf is here (all 178 pages).
The Handbook is considered the bible for buyers and one of the most popular government publications. It has tips on buying a home, understanding and obtaining credit, preventing identity theft, and many more topics. It also tells you who to complain to if you get rooked and you don’t have access to strong armed thugs.
TIP: Order a bunch of copies and give them to prospective clients at listing presentations or Open Houses (along with some good finger food).
UPDATE: A professional has informed us that this so-called bible for buyers may not be all it’s cracked up to be. At least as it concerns real estate, foreclosures and mortgages. See comment. So read with caution.
After reading the advice on real estate, foreclosures and mortgages, I couldn’t help but think about who wrote those sections. I mean, it didn’t sound like the people who wrote it really knew what they were talking about. My guess is the wonderful people at Carfax and Frito Lay did an employee brainstorming sesssion.
If the same quality level holds true with the rest of the book, I would guess that the remainder of the info in there could only be marginally useful. I’ll come up with something else to hand out at open houses. Maybe some Sellsius shirts or something.
I guess you can’t trust the government to hire competent writers. I am really disappointed. No wonder people are so misinformed. Thanks for passing this on Spencer. We will have to update the post.