Special offer

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)
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
Comments 0
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
Comments 0
By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Is Renting-to-Own a Good Idea? Unlock the door to homeownership with the intriguing concept of rent-to-own. Delve into option fees, escrow accounts, and the potential benefits and pitfalls for both buyers and sellers. Rent-to-own, or lease purchase, is a legal means of buying a home with a future closing date, usually one to five years from the date of the rent-to-own contract. Until then, the homebuyer rents the home before applying for a mortgage to buy the home. The concept can benefit both homebuyers and home sellers, but there is loss potential, too. Here’s how it works: The renter pays the homeowner a non-refundable option fee of 1% to 7% of the purchase price of the home. The renter also pays a rent premium above the rental amount, and the rent premiums plus the option fee go int...
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Encino Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 5400 Newcastle Ave RECENTLY SOLD Newcastle Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 731 sq. ft. | $375,000 Encino Concord Townhouses BACK ON THE MARKET Yarmouth Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1430 sq. ft. | $749,000 Encino Oaks RECENTLY SOLD White Oak Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1009 sq. ft. | $365,000 White Oak Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 990 sq. ft. | $299,000 Newcastle Manor RECENTLY SOLD Newcastle Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 903 sq. ft. | $450,000
Comments 0
By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Dreaming of homeownership but wondering what you might have to sacrifice to get there? 🏡💭 Many opt to skip the daily coffee run or dine out less to save for their future nest. What small luxuries would you give up to unlock the door to your new home? Let's make those dreams a reality together! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #realestate #realtor ##househunting #finances #investment #happyhomeowners
Comments 5
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Canoga Park Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Olive Creek NEWLY LISTED Schoenborn Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 719 sq. ft. | $389,000 Roscoe Courts RECENTLY SOLD Roscoe Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 731 sq. ft. | $355,000 Woodlands De Soto RECENTLY SOLD De Soto Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1354 sq. ft. | $609,999
Comments 0
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 Be...
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Mar Vista Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Grandview Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Grand View Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 841 sq. ft. | $830,000 Habitat Pacific RECENTLY SOLD Pacific Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1220 sq. ft. | $999,000 Pacific Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1260 sq. ft. | $949,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Tarzana Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 California Place RECENTLY SOLD Hatteras Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 472 sq. ft. | $349,000 Lindley Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Lindley Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2393 sq. ft. | $749,000 Parc Tarzana RECENTLY SOLD Hatteras | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 911 sq. ft. | $389,000 Tarzana Court NEWLY LISTED Hatteras Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1465 sq. ft. | $750,000 Tarzana Villas North RECENTLY SOLD Collins Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1655 sq. ft. | $570,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Westchester Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 La Tijera Terrace NEWLY LISTED Thornburn Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $579,000 Tremont Condominiums RECENTLY SOLD Alvern Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1140 sq. ft. | $750,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Marina del Rey Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 20 Ironsides BACK ON THE MARKET Ironsides Street | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1875 sq. ft. | $2,150,000 Azzurra RECENTLY SOLD Marina Pointe Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1227 sq. ft. | $1,625,000 Marina City Club BACK ON THE MARKET Marina City Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2652 sq. ft. | $1,749,500 Via Marina Tahiti BACK ON THE MARKET Marina City Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2652 sq. ft. | $1,749,500 Ironsides Street | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1875 sq. ft. | $2,150,000 RECENTLY SOLD Ocean Front Walk | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2256 sq. ft. | $4,990,000 Glencoe Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 984 sq. ft. | $998,000 Marina Pointe Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1227 sq. ft. | $1,625,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Mission Viejo Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Aegean Heights BACK ON THE MARKET Triton Court | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1487 sq. ft. | $880,000 Aliso Villas RECENTLY SOLD Via Pera | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $610,000 Finisterra on the Lake BACK ON THE MARKET Redondela | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1228 sq. ft. | $715,000 RECENTLY SOLD Redondela | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1125 sq. ft. | $575,000 Redondela | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1228 sq. ft. | $699,000 Valencia RECENTLY SOLD Los Viveros | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 812 sq. ft. | $525,000 Los Viveros | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 812 sq. ft. | $505,000
Comments 0
By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
LOOK! Where is the best place to live? Well that would be the Phoenix Arizona metro area with great employment opportunities. Phoenix in Maricopa County is the 5th largest city in the US and is Sunny with blue skies and wide open spaces abount for day trip adventures of all kinds. Photo: 3803658, PixabayPhoenix Metro from South Mountain Lookout at Dobbins Point (Phoenix Parks and Receration Website)As your Buyer's Realtor, I track single family detached homes for sale in the Phoenix Arizona metro area for my clients and let you "filter" those homes with hundreds of criteria on the free MLS I provide.UPDATED DAILY Homes For Sale in the Phoenix Arizona Metro on the MLSClick "Sort" and view in price order lowest to highest and ALWAYS UP TO DATE Phoenix Arizona Metro Detached Homes on the M...
Comments 3
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
La Mesa Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Villa Elena RECENTLY SOLD Lowell Street | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1178 sq. ft. | $480,000 Westwood Village RECENTLY SOLD Maple Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 673 sq. ft. | $399,999 Maple Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 673 sq. ft. | $399,000 Williamsburg Square RECENTLY SOLD Williamsburg Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 995 sq. ft. | $488,500
Comments 0
By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
With Charles Stallions, CSP, Certified New Home Specialist, guiding you, you can make well-informed decisions as you navigate purchasing a home with cash. Whether you've accumulated a substantial sum ready for investment or leveraging equity in your current property for a seamless transition, understanding the nuances of this transaction is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide to assist you step by step:Why Cash Offers Shine: Purchasing a home outright with cash offers numerous benefits. Not only does it liberate you from the burden of a mortgage, but it also eliminates expenses like mortgage insurance and interest payments. Cash transactions give sellers a sense of security, minimizing the risk of deal disruptions often associated with mortgage contingencies.Navigating Appraisals: Unl...
Comments 0
By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
When embarking on your journey into new construction development, having Charles Stallions, your trusted real estate broker, is paramount. An adept buyer’s agent possesses a vast network of home builders, lenders, and home inspectors, ensuring you gain access to crucial insights for your search. Teaming up with a seasoned agent specialized in new construction empowers you to pinpoint the proper development, scrutinize builder credentials, and decipher the intricacies of builder contracts with finesse.Although home builders typically have their representatives, their allegiance lies solely with the builder's interests. As highlighted by top real estate agent Saud Rai, who boasts an impressive 22% higher sales rate than the average agent in Homestead, Florida, the allure of new constructi...
Comments 1
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Santee Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Highland Trails RECENTLY SOLD Old Mission Court | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1183 sq. ft. | $589,500 Horizon Village RECENTLY SOLD Graves Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1120 sq. ft. | $550,000 Riderwood Terrace NEWLY LISTED Riderwood Terrace | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1321 sq. ft. | $525,000 RECENTLY SOLD Jeanne Ter Unit A | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1321 sq. ft. | $610,000 Riderwood Village NEWLY LISTED Kerrigan Street | 4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1553 sq. ft. | $699,000
Comments 0
By KAREN SANCHEZ, ...Marketing your home like no one else will.
( Reputable Realty)
13531 Mica Rd, Victorville 92395. BOM! BAM!Someone's loose is your gain!  It's back on the market.  Welcome to your dream commuter-friendly abode! Nestled conveniently between the 15 and Hwy 395, this recently remodeled gem boasts 4 bedrooms, including a downstairs suite with a half bath—ideal for guests or a home office. Step into a refreshed ambiance with freshly painted walls and new carpeting throughout. Indulge your culinary senses in the remodeled kitchen featuring brand-new cabinets, hardware, and light fixtures, while the upgraded baths offer a touch of luxury. Experience the ease of living with low-maintenance front landscaping that eliminates the hassle of mowing, while the spacious backyard beckons with endless possibilities—imagine the potential for an ADU (buyer to verify w...
Comments 3
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
La Jolla Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 La Jolla Estates NEWLY LISTED Torrey Pines Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 631 sq. ft. | $640,000 Seahaus NEWLY LISTED La Jolla Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1394 sq. ft. | $1,395,000 Windemere RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Blythefield | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2175 sq. ft. | $1,729,000
Comments 0
By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
2995 Wingfield Avenue, Chico, CA 95928 - $626,500.002995 Wingfield Avenue, Chico, CA 95928FEATURESBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2Year Built: 2020Lot Size: 0.17Garage Size: 2School District: Chico UnifiedSquare Footage: 1964Agent Name: Sandi BaumanBroker: Chico Homes Real Estate Sales IncMLS #: SN24071475DESCRIPTIONA discerning buyer will be delighted- this beauty is better than new, and absolutely LOADED with upgrades! The owners elevated a high-quality build with exceptional finishes. Unlike most 'new' construction, all you have to do is move in! The outdoor living space is impeccably designed with easy care landscaping, and multiple patios (both covered and uncovered) to enjoy the incredible views of rolling green pastures, majestic oak trees, and even the Sutter Buttes on a clear day! Tastef...
Comments 2
Back to Top