Book Review > Buying & Selling Property - In A Nutshell

"In a nutshell" means "cut down for an easy read". This is a book by a knowledgeable man who has cut down the text to make it quick and easy to read. It covers the buying and selling process from deciding to buy through to settlement, and the costs involved. All the basic mechanics are covered, plus related topics such as how to handle yourself at an auction, and what is worth doing to prepare a house for sale (eg first impressions, repairs, gardening).

The condensed style does have a drawback in that the book tends to identify issues rather than explaining them or advising what to do. Key points are identified, usually as lists, but then the text may only provide a short description. The author does include some references to web sites which can be used to get further information. There are "in a nutshell" summaries at the start of each chapter but these don't always reflect the key points in the chapter. I did get value from the appendix on GST matters, which was useful.

In my view this book isn't for investors who have already bought or sold a few properties (as I have). So I asked a young colleague to review it too - she is actively looking for her first home and is understandably nervous about the whole process. Her comment was similar: "covered the surface well but not much to get your teeth into".

This book is probably best suited as a primer for someone considering their first purchase - but I'd expect them to come back with questions.