This book couldn’t be timelier. With hundreds of thousands of Americans expected to lose their homes because they took out mortgages beyond their ability to pay, it is clear that home buyers need assistance—beyond the reassurance of the mortgage broker trying to close the deal and get his commission. This book, written in an easily accessible manner, provides that assistance; it lays out the economics of buying, owning, and financing a home. — Joseph Stiglitz, Columbia University, 2001 Nobel Prize in Economics

Think everything that could be said about housing had already been said? Think again. The Smiths offer a perspective on home buying that is fresh, sensible, and very much needed these days. — Alan Blinder, Princeton University

The purchase of a home is the most significant investment decision confronting nearly all adults. Yet sound advice, untainted by the self-interest of real estate and mortgage brokers, is extremely scarce. The Smiths provide simple and understandable answers to the vexing questions surrounding home ownership, making it a valuable resource for anyone serious about their financial future. — Bryan White, Managing Director, BlackRock

[This book] offers great insights about how to think about home ownership. Its approach is innovative, but the analysis is grounded in common sense. A useful primer for what is the most important investment most people make in their lives. — Paul Efron, Advisory Director, Goldman Sachs

This book is a common sense response to those who question the value of homeownership. The Smiths validate the argument that homeownership is normally a key component of lifelong wealth building. They present a practical guide to basic financial analysis for those planning on owning a home or who currently own a home. — Doug Duncan, Chief Economist, Mortgage Bankers Association

There is a lot of wisdom in Gary and Margaret Smith’s book regarding the biggest investment that most people ever make. Anyone considering buying or selling or refinancing a house, determining their net worth or their financial preparedness for retirement should read this book. Reading it would be time well spent for recent college graduates, newly weds, those contemplating moving to a new location and those still renting an apartment. It is so well written that reading it is a joy and yet almost everyone can gain valuable knowledge in the process. The time you take to read this book will be a smart investment indeed. Having taught economics at Stanford for 35 years, I can only wish that more authors were as knowledgeable as the Smiths and wrote this well. — John B. Shoven, Charles R. Schwab Professor, Stanford University

The Smiths have done their homework, and with their new book you can do yours too—on what, for most families, is the most important investment people ever make. Their careful analysis takes account of important elements of the housing decision that even most so-called professional advisers overlook. And their writing is clear and easy to understand. Their book should help millions of American families. — Benjamin M. Friedman, William Joseph Maier Professor of Political Economy, Harvard University

This book is packed with insights for anyone who owns a home or is thinking about buying a home. The Home Dividend is an original and invaluable way of thinking about homes. This book opened my eyes; it will open yours too.ng. — Chris Dialynas, Managing Director, Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO)

This book provides the most intuitive framework for understanding the power of real estate investing. It is a great toolkit for first-time homeowners and seasoned real estate investors. — Matt Thompson, Director of Business Development, Sony Pictures Television International

No one explains the economics of the rent vs. buy decision as clearly as the Smiths. If you are looking to purchase a home, consider this book your “House Buying 101.” A must read. — Jeff H Ellis, Portfolio Manager, L Street Capital Management

The Smiths take a common sense approach to the housing market which is something that has been sorely missing. Their book is not just fun and informative for the first time home buyer, but for industry professionals as well. — Andrew Sloves, Senior Managing Director, Bear Stearns

Few investors treat housing with this level of thoughtfulness and depth. Thye Smiths' book offers an invaluable perspective on housing as an asset, with returns that can be calculated and evaluated when considering home ownership and long term personal portfolio management. — Kristin Horne, Principal, TPG Capital

Homebuying can mean stressful encounters with The Industry: the lenders, agents and lawyers who may not speak what you and I would call English. This book breaks down the Big Decision into small words and digestible concepts. They key is what the Smiths call the “home dividend”—an argument for homeowning and how it can serve your interests, not The Industry's.— Scott Tong, Correspondent, Marketplace Public Radio

This book couldn’t be timelier. With hundreds of thousands of Americans expected to lose their homes because they took out mortgages beyond their ability to pay, it is clear that home buyers need assistance—beyond the reassurance of the mortgage broker trying to close the deal and get his commission. This book, written in an easily accessible manner, provides that assistance; it lays out the economics of buying, owning, and financing a home. — Joseph Stiglitz, Columbia University, 2001 Nobel Prize in Economics