In the annual holiday special, Charlie Brown asks Lucy what she wants for Christmas. “Real estate,” she replies. Lucy might want to pick up a copy of “Nolo’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home.” This no-frills paperback is one of scores of home-related books that publishers pumped out this year. The books are aimed at both buyers and sellers, people who want to clean up, fix up, build new or just dream about it. There are hardworking how-to paperbacks and coffee-table books filled with stunning photos on everything from “The New Western Home” to “Majestic Metropolitan Living.”

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