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Home Buying

Welcome to the ActiveRain Home Buying section. This is the place where you'll find comprehensive information on everything connected to purchasing a home – and we mean everything.


What exactly goes on in a home inspection and how is it different from a home appraisal? Curious about what it takes to purchase that foreclosure you've had your eye on? You'll find out how to do it right here. Look around: the professionals at ActiveRain have the information you need.


ActiveRain is the top real estate social network in the world. So, while you may find articles about purchasing a home on other websites, only at ActiveRain do you have the opportunity to read the words of wisdom from over 300,000 real estate industry professionals. From real estate agents to lenders to home inspectors and stagers -- that's a lot of brain power and we've harnessed it, right here at AR.


What are you waiting for? Everything you need to know about home buying awaits you on the following pages!

Recent blogs on Home Buying
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Brentwood Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Brentanna Court RECENTLY SOLD Montana Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 4 baths | 1865 sq. ft. | $1,915,000 Brentana Court RECENTLY SOLD Montana Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 4 baths | 1865 sq. ft. | $1,915,000 Mayfield Manor NEWLY LISTED Mayfield Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 961 sq. ft. | $795,000
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Clubview at Auburn University Club Discover Clubview at Auburn University Club, the ultimate golf course living community! Located in the desirable Yarbrough Farms, this twin home development offers the best of Auburn right at your doorstep. Just a little over 2 miles from Joran-Hare Stadium and the Auburn Arena, you’ll never miss a game or event! Plus, enjoy convenient access to recreation, fine dining, shopping, and cultural activities, making every day an adventure. Construction began in 2021, ensuring modern and stylish homes built to perfection. Michael Allen Homes, a renowned builder, is bringing this vision to life. Get ready to embrace a luxurious lifestyle with incredible neighborhood amenities! Indulge in the five-star clubhouse, savor delicious dining experiences, stay active...
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By Theresa Hus, The Official Real Estate Agent Directory
(RealEstateAgent.com)
You've likely been contemplating (amid news of escalating mortgage rates and rising home prices) whether 2024 is the right time to buy. Well, here's the gist: property values in the States have been on a rollercoaster, thanks partly to the economy's twists and turns.  You can apply no general formula to the real estate market nationwide. Prices and housing costs vary widely by location. Still, the unchanging rule of real estate always applies. It's all about location, location, location. If you're hunting in booming metros, brace yourself for higher tags. In quieter areas? More bang for your buck.Should you listen to friends and family before making a decision?Did you know that the median rent for all rental unit types in the States was $2,050 as of March 19, 2024? (source: Zillow) We c...
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By Matthew Klinowski, PA, Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle
(Downing Frye Realty)
Bonita Bay Single Family Home Pending SaleThis spectacular Bonita Bay single family home is now under contract! Located in the Hidden Harbor neighborhood, this custom built home features a large pool and spa on an extended lanai.27411 Hidden River Ct. Bonita Springs, FL – List Price $2,900,000 More About Bonita Bay Single Family Home:The home features a wide open living kitchen and living area with soaring ceilings. With four bedrooms and a den, there is plenty of space for the entire family or entertaining friends.The outside lanai space includes a large outdoor kitchen under cover, with gas grill and beverage cooler. A large pool and spa with spectacular views of the tranquil lake behind the home. Four Bedrooms Plus Den Four and a Half Bathrooms 4,670 Square feet under air Three Car G...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
The process of buying a home can be stressful. The pre approval.  Home shopping.  Choosing the right home and location.  Bidding wars and negotiations.   The home inspection process.   Getting your mortgage commitment. Unforeseen problems.  Closing day.  And finally, moving in !    I agree, it can be stressful.  But everything in life that "matters" can be stressful, also.  Everything.   When you are in the care of a seasoned real estate professional, and a seasoned real estate attorney, things tend to be a lot less stressful.   Contact me, and we will arrange a no obligation buyer consultation, where I explain every single step of the way, and answer your specific questions and concerns.  (609) 864-8164. I love what I do, and what I do is help home buyers and home sellers! https://mic...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
There's no place like home, especially after a rejuvenating vacation! 🌟🏡 If you're dreaming of a welcoming space to come back to, let's find that perfect home where every return feels like a joyous occasion. Reach out, and let's start the search together! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #happyhome #cominghome #cavay #cavation #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #happyhomeowners #dreamhome
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
The process of buying a home can be stressful.The pre approval.  Home shopping.  Choosing the right home and location.  Bidding wars and negotiations.   The home inspection process.   Getting your mortgage commitment. Unforeseen problems.  Closing day.  And finally, moving in !   I agree, it can be stressful.  But everything in life that "matters" can be stressful, also.  Everything.  When you are in the care of a seasoned real estate professional, and a seasoned real estate attorney, things tend to be a lot less stressful.  Contact me, and we will arrange a no obligation buyer consultation, where I explain every single step of the way, and answer your specific questions and concerns.  (609) 864-8164.I love what I do, and what I do is help home buyers and home sellers!https://michaelell...
Comments 13
By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
FSBO  RENT to OWN  House Summerville 🈚▐►NO BANK QUALIFYING RENT to OWN Brick House 3bd Summerville-CharlestonNEW TODAY!!     NEW TODAY!!Creative No bank financing, Any credit okay!  Brick 3 bed home, available today!✅SCHEDULE Your Visit by Appointment: See Video Tour on Our Website Below  ★ Terms = Savings!★ FREE RENT Month 3 - Boost Your Credit Score ★ Two Rent to Own Options to Choose OR ★ Buy Outright for HUGE Cash Discount  ★ JUST RENOVATED & UPDATED - SEE WEBSITE BELOW★ ★BUY HERE AVAILABLE TODAY!! 3 bd BRICK HOUSE RENOVATED  PLUS LAND – NEW APPLIANCES, Large Yard Front and Back, Trees, PLUS Shed! MORE! ★ ★ BUY HERE WholeSale Buyer Values see:✴️▐► SCInvestmentProperties.com ★ ★★ We contact ALL who Visit Our FREE Preferred Buyer VIPCall Steve for Appointment★ ★See Our BUYER Website B...
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By Tom Gilliam- RE/MAX Classic, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Re/Max Classic)
Navigating the dynamic Oakland County real estate market may prompt you to consider whether to halt your home search until after the anticipated settlement of a significant real estate commission lawsuit. With discussions in the media and among political figures suggesting potential savings, pausing your home search might seem appealing. However, it’s vital to carefully weigh several important factors before making this decision. 1) Potential to Miss Out on Your Ideal Home The inventory of available homes in Oakland County remains consistently low, a trend that shows no signs of reversing. If you find a home that seems perfect, deciding to halt your home search until after the settlement takes effect could mean missing out on your ideal property. While some buyers might postpone their ...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
528 Truett Dr, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$400000 4 Beds - 2 Baths - 0.27 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Coming Soon till 3/14!! Location is top tier on a lot that would be very difficult to find again! Seller will replace roof prior to closing with acceptable offer. Perfect for large family needing extra space. Exterior space with unmatched potential for entertaining large groups or happy pets! Minutes from the Capital, FSU and the highway. Showings start 3/14! Follow This Home
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
1003 Hiawatha Drive, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$225,000 4 Baths - 0.25 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Nestled in Southeast Tallahassee, this fantastic three bedroom, two bath lives large with a well appointed kitchen with updated appliances and breakfast nook opening into the living room, a separate dining or additional living space or office space, vaulted ceilings in the private & oversized master suite upstairs with his-and-hers closets, interior laundry and an abundance of windows throughout the home that allow for much desired natural light. Updates have been completed (2020 HVAC and duct work, 2019 Roof & 2021 Water Heater). This ideal location is convenient to downtown, shopping, parks and entertainment for home buyers, or is a great investment opp...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Carlsbad Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Alta Mira RECENTLY SOLD Hyacinth Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1339 sq. ft. | $1,100,000 Heath Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1502 sq. ft. | $1,170,888 La Costa Hills NEWLY LISTED Caminito Sierra | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1022 sq. ft. | $692,000 La Costa View RECENTLY SOLD Altisma Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1225 sq. ft. | $639,000 Altisma Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1225 sq. ft. | $619,900 La Costa Village NEWLY LISTED Plaza De La Costa | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1908 sq. ft. | $1,050,000 Meadow Villas NEWLY LISTED Luciernaga Street | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1824 sq. ft. | $999,000 Mystic Point RECENTLY SOLD Jetty | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1341 sq. ft. | $849,000 Olive Point RECENTLY SOLD Olive Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1...
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By Jane & Jeff Daley, PhD, Scottsdale Real Estate Arizona
(Luxury Valley Homes Scottsdale)
Is It Getting More Affordable To Buy a Home?Over the past year or so, a lot of people have been talking about how tough it is to buy a home. And while there’s no arguing affordability is still tight, there are signs it’s starting to get a bit better and may improve even more throughout the year. Elijah de la Campa, Senior Economist at Redfin, says:“We’re slowly climbing our way out of an affordability hole, but we have a long way to go. Rates have come down from their peak and are expected to fall again by the end of the year, which should make homebuying a little more affordable and incentivize buyers to come off the sidelines.”1. Mortgage RatesMortgage rates have been volatile this year – bouncing around in the upper 6% to low 7% range. That’s still quite a bit higher than where they ...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Rancho Bernardo Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Bernardo Pines RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Pinero | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1080 sq. ft. | $599,950 Bernardo Villas NEWLY LISTED Rancho Bernardo Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1106 sq. ft. | $618,800 Garretson in Del Sur RECENTLY SOLD Parkview Loop | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1867 sq. ft. | $1,150,000 Gianni RECENTLY SOLD Camino Bello Mar | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1460 sq. ft. | $950,000 Mandolin RECENTLY SOLD Christopher Ridge | 4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2302 sq. ft. | $1,359,000 Mandolin II NEWLY LISTED Old Stonefield Chase | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2302 sq. ft. | $1,395,000 Oaks North Village NEWLY LISTED Pomerado Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 980 sq. ft. | $509,900 Palazzo Bernardo NEWLY LISTED Avenida Venusto | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 bath...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Informative topic! Affordability is key when considering buying a house. This blog likely offers insights and tools to help determine if you can truly afford a home, considering factors like income, expenses, and savings. Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Owning a home offers advantages alongside a slew of responsibilities. Prior to committing to years of mortgage payments, it’s crucial to grasp the full scope of what homeownership entails. Initially, consider the financial implications. Homeownership comes with various expenses, including a downpayment, home insurance, and closing costs. Additionally, moving into a new home involves purchasing furniture, appliances, fixtures, and landscaping, with the possibility of property depreciation. Transitioning from renting ...
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By Matt Helganz
(Meridian Capital Real Estate)
Owning a home offers advantages alongside a slew of responsibilities. Prior to committing to years of mortgage payments, it’s crucial to grasp the full scope of what homeownership entails.Initially, consider the financial implications. Homeownership comes with various expenses, including a downpayment, home insurance, and closing costs. Additionally, moving into a new home involves purchasing furniture, appliances, fixtures, and landscaping, with the possibility of property depreciation.Transitioning from renting means assuming responsibility for maintenance and repairs. As a homeowner, you’ll be accountable for issues like plumbing, appliances, painting, roofing, and more, all of which require financial investment. Older homes, in particular, may entail higher upkeep costs.To determine...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Over the past year or so, a lot of people have been talking about how tough it is to buy a home. And while there’s no arguing affordability is still tight, there are signs it’s starting to get a bit better and may improve even more throughout the year. Elijah de la Campa, Senior Economist at Redfin, says:“We’re slowly climbing our way out of an affordability hole, but we have a long way to go. Rates have come down from their peak and are expected to fall again by the end of the year, which should make homebuying a little more affordable and incentivize buyers to come off the sidelines.”Here’s a look at the latest data for the three biggest factors that affect home affordability: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages.1. Mortgage RatesMortgage rates have been volatile this year – bouncin...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Panorama City Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Crestgate BACK ON THE MARKET Van Nuys Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 898 sq. ft. | $379,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Van Nuys Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Montecito Gardens NEWLY LISTED Woodley Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1028 sq. ft. | $449,000 Valerio Townhomes BACK ON THE MARKET Valerio Street | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1636 sq. ft. | $600,000 Valley Oaks III NEWLY LISTED Firmament Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 961 sq. ft. | $449,000 RECENTLY SOLD Firmament Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 961 sq. ft. | $448,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Hollywood Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Hollywood Versailles Tower RECENTLY SOLD Hollywood Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1222 sq. ft. | $849,000 W Hollywood Residences RECENTLY SOLD Hollywood Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1600 sq. ft. | $799,999
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