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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 Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
3043 Cloudland Dr, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$220000 2 Beds - 1 Baths - 0.52 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Welcome to your own piece of paradise in Lakeshore! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home rests on over half an acre of lush land, offering a serene retreat for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. The property was recently updated with vinyl plank flooring upstairs (2022), a new fence (2022), new appliances (2022-2023) ensuring convenience and style. It also features a 2018 roof, new 200AMP electric in 2022, and 2016 HVAC & Water Heater. The property has an abundance of fruit trees including cara cara navel orange, blood orange, tangerine, peach, lemon, lime, mulberries, figs, olives, persimmon, pear, pomegranate, kumquat, loquat, bananas...
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By Jim Lee, REALTOR, CRS, ABR, Buying or Selling? Ann & Jim are the local experts
(RE/MAX Shoreline)
What is a bridge loan?A bridge loan is a temporary loan that helps “bridge” a gap for you. It can allow you to buy a new home before you sell your old one. You can borrow money based on the equity in your current home to use for the down payment on your new home. Then, when you sell your old home, you can use the money to pay off the bridge loan.How does a bridge loan work?A bridge loan works by providing short-term financing to help you buy a new home before you sell your current one. Here’s how one typically works: Application: You apply for a bridge loan with a lender, providing details about your current home, the new home you want to buy, and your financial situation. Approval: If approved, the lender will determine the loan amount based on the equity in your current home and other...
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By Matt Helganz
(Meridian Capital Real Estate)
When you’re gearing up to buy a house and you turn to lenders to sort out your finances, it’s easy to wonder: do they really get what I can afford? Sure, they’ll crunch numbers based on your income and expenses, but they don’t have the full picture of your spending habits. Only you know if your income can comfortably cover your lifestyle, including housing costs and all the extras like new furniture, appliances, and maintenance.Now, let’s talk about the magic numbers lenders use. You might have heard of the 28/36 rule—it’s kind of like the golden ratio in the mortgage world. Basically, lenders typically cap your housing expenses at 28 percent of your gross monthly income, and your total debt load (including things like credit card payments and car loans) at 36 percent.Up in Canada, they...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Anaheim Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Westwood Village NEWLY LISTED Cerritos Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 504 sq. ft. | $369,000
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By Phyllis Lerner call 914.438.7556, Corcoran Legends Realty
(Corcoran Legends Realty)
Fully Available - $775,000 - 528 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591 - For Sale - Listed @ $775,000 - Charming Side Hall Colonial in the very heart of the Pocantico Hills Hamlet. Beautiful property abuts the Rockefeller State Park land. So many old world details throughout this well maintained home. This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home has been freshly painted throughout. Solid hardwood floors ready to be refinshed. Gorgeous period staircase in entry hall. Full walk out basement. Large level backyard. Driveway to garage. Lots of possibilties to make it your own. Short walk to Pocantico Hills School, Olympic size pool, baby pool, tennis/pickle ball & basketball courts, playgrounds & ball fields. Surrounded by Rockefeller State Park walking trails. Pocantico School boasts Pre-K (3 & 4 year olds)...
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By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
5668 Paradise Avenue, Paradise, CA 95969 - $29,5005668 Paradise Avenue, Paradise, CA 95969FEATURESAcreage: 0.28School District: Paradise UnifiedAgent Name: Sandi BaumanBroker: Chico Homes Real Estate Sales IncMLS #: SN24044465DESCRIPTIONWelcome to Paradise! Prime, level lot located in lower Paradise close to the fire station. The previous improvements included a 2 bedroom home with a private septic. Priced to sell! LINKSSearch for More Paradise Properties Here! - https://www.chicohomesales.net/map/CONTACT INFOSandi Bauman530-864-5407Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 1Your Chico,CA Real Estate Loan Application-It's Not THAT Hard!Looking for additional Real Estate Listings? Visit My Blog, The Pink Couch!!
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By Carla Freund, NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848
(Keller Williams Preferred Realty)
Brookstone SubdivisionCary NC 27519Elementary School 2024-2025: Turner Creek Elementary SchoolMiddle School 2024-2025: Salem Middle SchoolHigh Schools 2024-2025: Green Hope High School Thinking about a move to Cary NC? Wondering where the best neighborhoods and schools are located in Cary? Have you considered Brookstone in Cary NC?Brookstone is located in West Cary off Highway 55 between Old Jenks and High House Rd. It boast some of the top scoring schools. The neighborhood is very convenient to White Oak Greenway which connects to the American Tobacco Trail and across the street from Ed Yerha Park off Jenks Carpenter Rd. It features a large neighborhood pool and playground. The active HOA is amazing at planning events for its almost 400 residents. Outline of the Brookstone neighborhood...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Huntington Beach Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Brisas Del Mar BACK ON THE MARKET Utica Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 914 sq. ft. | $689,000 Cabo Del Mar RECENTLY SOLD Tortuga Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 498 sq. ft. | $450,000 Dorado Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 862 sq. ft. | $600,000 Christiana Bay BACK ON THE MARKET Harbour Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1336 sq. ft. | $1,395,000 Harbour Vista BACK ON THE MARKET Grunion | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1272 sq. ft. | $499,000 RECENTLY SOLD Blackbeard Lane | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 843 sq. ft. | $355,000 Huntington Bay RECENTLY SOLD Ascot Circle | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 790 sq. ft. | $675,000 Huntington Landmark NEWLY LISTED Coral Springs Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1056 sq. ft. | $598,880 BACK ON THE MARKET Amador Cir...
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Blossom Rock at Superstition Vistas: Your Dream Community in Apache Junction, ArizonaWelcome, future homeowners and seekers of a new home! If you're looking for a place that combines breathtaking natural beauty, a thriving community, and a perfect location, then look no further than Blossom Rock at Superstition Vistas in Apache Junction, Arizona. In this blog post, we'll delve into the wonders of this new masterplanned community, highlighting the best time to buy, the amazing location, the fantastic community amenities, and its place within the Superstition Vistas community. So, let's dive in and explore the hidden gem that is Blossom Rock!Best Time to Buy:Timing is everything when it comes to purchasing a new home, and Blossom Rock offers an ideal window of opportunity for new home bu...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Fullerton Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Gilbert Vista BACK ON THE MARKET Loma Alta Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1080 sq. ft. | $720,000 Malvern Creek BACK ON THE MARKET Whitewater Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1098 sq. ft. | $679,000 RECENTLY SOLD Creekside Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1381 sq. ft. | $829,999 Water Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Windsor Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1652 sq. ft. | $685,000
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By Glen Bigness, Since 1986 a trusted real estate resource.
(Premier Plus Realty)
Florida waterfront real estate for sale on the Gulf of Mexico-beachfront, Intracoastal Waterway, Bayfront, Saltwater Canal many with Gulf access and boat dock available! Single family homes, condo and new construction see all property on our website!Newest Property Listings are presented first or do an Advanced Property Search by price, location, community type, amenities, water type etc. You can also search by MAP, Zip Code, MLS Number, Address, and Condominium Name- we try to make it as easy and efficient as possible for users!For those needing even more CUSTOM Property Search contact us with the details and we will build it from our end and send daily updates and results!The MLS listings BELOW are but a sample of those available, create an ADVANCED search for complete list of BEST pr...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Laguna Niguel Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Capri RECENTLY SOLD Elba Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1344 sq. ft. | $925,000 Chandon RECENTLY SOLD Chandon | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1256 sq. ft. | $889,900 Hillhurst Condos RECENTLY SOLD Hillhurst Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 728 sq. ft. | $475,000 Village Niguel Gardens NEWLY LISTED Airporter Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1494 sq. ft. | $965,000 RECENTLY SOLD Meridian Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1509 sq. ft. | $950,000 Village Niguel Terrace II RECENTLY SOLD Mozer Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 918 sq. ft. | $630,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
San Marcos Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Campana RECENTLY SOLD Ballow Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1027 sq. ft. | $635,000 Chateau RECENTLY SOLD Circa Del Lago | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 962 sq. ft. | $345,000 Circa Del Lago | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 660 sq. ft. | $179,000 Circa Del Lago | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 960 sq. ft. | $342,000 Larkspur Creek RECENTLY SOLD Longstaff Court | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1458 sq. ft. | $775,000 Morgans Corner RECENTLY SOLD Avery Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1515 sq. ft. | $799,000 Panorama NEWLY LISTED Camino Rociar | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1204 sq. ft. | $825,000
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
"Great read! Staying updated on mortgage rates is crucial for anyone considering buying or refinancing a home. This blog likely provides valuable insights into current trends and factors influencing mortgage rates. Thanks for keeping us informed! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Recent headlines may leave you wondering what’s next for mortgage rates. Maybe you’d previously heard there were going to be cuts this year that would bring rates down. That refers to the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and what they do to their Fed Funds Rate. While cutting, or lowering, the Fed Funds Rate doesn’t directly determine mortgage rates, it does tend to impact them. But when the Fed met last week, a cut didn’t happen — at least, not yet.  There are a lot of factors the Fed considered i...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Recent headlines may leave you wondering what’s next for mortgage rates. Maybe you’d previously heard there were going to be cuts this year that would bring rates down. That refers to the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and what they do to their Fed Funds Rate. While cutting, or lowering, the Fed Funds Rate doesn’t directly determine mortgage rates, it does tend to impact them. But when the Fed met last week, a cut didn’t happen — at least, not yet.  There are a lot of factors the Fed considered in their recent decision and most of them are complex. But you don’t need to be bogged down by those finer details. What you really want is the answer to this question: does that mean mortgage rates aren’t going to fall? Here’s what you need to know.  Mortgage Rates Are Still Expected To Drop This Ye...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Waukesha County 4 Bedroom Home Sales Market Report February 2024Waukesha County Homes For Sale, Waukesha County Real Estate, Kristin Johnston,RE/MAX   Real Estate Market Report for Waukesha County, WI for February 2024.  Waukesha County Real Estate, Waukesha County Homes For Sale My name is Kristin Johnston.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Waukesha County, WI 3 bedroom homes for the last 30 days. Are you looking to buy a house in Waukesha County? Wondering what your Waukesha County Home is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net. I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Waukesha Real Estate and Pewaukee Real Estate.  In fact, I have lived in Waukesha, WI since 1997.   Review my many happy clien...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Vista Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Bridgecreek RECENTLY SOLD Durian Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1624 sq. ft. | $598,000 Marlin Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Marlin Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1006 sq. ft. | $575,000 Nob Hill RECENTLY SOLD Nob Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1013 sq. ft. | $515,000
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Home Sales Market Report February 2024 Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Homes For Sale, Waukesha County Real Estate, Kristin Johnston, RE/MAX    Real Estate Market Report for Waukesha County, WI for February 2024.  Waukesha County Real Estate, Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Homes For Sale   My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Platinum.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for 5 Bedroom Homes In Waukesha County, WI for the last 30 days.    Are you looking to buy a house in Waukesha County?  Wondering what your Waukesha County Home is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net.     I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Waukesha Real Estate and Pewaukee Real Estate.  In fact, I have lived...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
With such diverse architectural designs available, it can be challenging to determine the ideal fit based on personal preference and lifestyle. After all, each one boasts distinctive characteristics, from the charming coziness of cottages to the sleek modern lines of contemporary residences. Learn more about the following home styles, including some of their pros and cons, to find out which one perfectly complements your vision and needs. Cape Cod Immensely popular from the 1920s to the mid-1950s, these simply designed homes have an appeal that endures to this day. They typically feature shutter-clad dormer windows, steeply pitched shake or clapboard roofs, central chimneys, shingled exteriors, and main front entrances. Over time, older Cape Cod homes have been expanded and modernized ...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Ocean Beach Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 4841 Del Monte Ave RECENTLY SOLD Del Monte Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 750 sq. ft. | $750,000 Spray RECENTLY SOLD Spray Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 612 sq. ft. | $775,000
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