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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 Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Coronado Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Sherwood RECENTLY SOLD E Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1040 sq. ft. | $1,199,000 Coronado Shores NEWLY LISTED Avenida Del Mundo | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1375 sq. ft. | $2,965,000 Avenida Del Mundo | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 756 sq. ft. | $1,210,000 Avenida Del Mundo | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1320 sq. ft. | $3,649,000 RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Del Mundo | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1789 sq. ft. | $3,649,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Santee Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Mission La Vega NEWLY LISTED Mission Viejo Court | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 903 sq. ft. | $468,000 RECENTLY SOLD Mission Vega Road | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 903 sq. ft. | $470,000 Mission Martinique RECENTLY SOLD Arly Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 945 sq. ft. | $520,000 Pepperhill Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Rancho Fanita Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1323 sq. ft. | $580,800 Riderwood Village RECENTLY SOLD Kerrigan Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 800 sq. ft. | $569,000 The Lakes RECENTLY SOLD Palm Glen Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1247 sq. ft. | $599,000 Palm Glen Dr Unit 6 | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1088 sq. ft. | $569,000
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By Benjamin Clark, Buyer's Agent - Certified Negotiation Expert
(Homebuyer Representation, Inc.)
Recent developments regarding real estate brokerage fees harm one party in the real estate transaction far more than the other... The buyer.While those applauding the proposed settlement terms talk about how much of a win this is for consumers, if nothing else changes, the proposed agreement is about as anti-consumer as it can get.Under the imperfect compensation model of the past, buyers were able to have their representation costs included in their purchase transaction. Arguments aside, this is the main reason this model has stood for so long. If no other changes are made in the industry, the proposed settlement terms all but eliminate the low income and first time buyers' ability to operate on a level playing field.Mortgage guidelines, laws and regulations essentially make it near im...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Costa Mesa Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Brookview NEWLY LISTED Whitney Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1512 sq. ft. | $930,000 Coral Point RECENTLY SOLD Avocado | 1 bedrooms | None baths | 828 sq. ft. | $575,000 Orleans Townhouse NEWLY LISTED Tustin Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1334 sq. ft. | $950,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Ladera Ranch Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Charleston Place RECENTLY SOLD Strawflower Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1617 sq. ft. | $894,800
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Newport Beach Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Belcourt Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Hillsdale Drive | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 2684 sq. ft. | $1,995,000 Belcourt Towne Collection RECENTLY SOLD Chatham Court | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2920 sq. ft. | $2,895,000 Corsica Villas RECENTLY SOLD Corsica Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1018 sq. ft. | $899,900 Harbor View Knoll RECENTLY SOLD Hillside Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1473 sq. ft. | $1,349,000 The Bluffs RECENTLY SOLD Vista Entrada | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1455 sq. ft. | $1,599,000 Villa Point NEWLY LISTED Villa Point Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1190 sq. ft. | $1,040,000 RECENTLY SOLD Villa Point Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1250 sq. ft. | $1,049,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Aliso Viejo Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Canyon Point BACK ON THE MARKET Oakgrove | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 792 sq. ft. | $619,888 City Walk RECENTLY SOLD Vantis Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2362 sq. ft. | $1,265,000 Glenwood Village RECENTLY SOLD Rainwood | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1129 sq. ft. | $735,000 Latitudes North RECENTLY SOLD Vantis Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2362 sq. ft. | $1,265,000 Latitudes South RECENTLY SOLD Vantis Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2362 sq. ft. | $1,265,000 Montelena RECENTLY SOLD Pamplona | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1118 sq. ft. | $699,000 Passeggio RECENTLY SOLD Lucente Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 970 sq. ft. | $748,000 Seacliff Court RECENTLY SOLD Partridge Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1360 sq. ft. | $749,000 Tiburon BACK ON T...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
La Habra Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 La Venezia RECENTLY SOLD Hillandale Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 738 sq. ft. | $399,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Fullerton Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Coyote Hills Bluffs NEWLY LISTED Coventry Circle | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 966 sq. ft. | $689,000 Gilbert Vista BACK ON THE MARKET Loma Alta Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1080 sq. ft. | $720,000 Hidden Lakes RECENTLY SOLD Shady Brook Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 931 sq. ft. | $467,888 Quail Ridge NEWLY LISTED Quail Ridge Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1215 sq. ft. | $659,000 Shadow Lane BACK ON THE MARKET Shadow Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1155 sq. ft. | $554,000 Water Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Haddonfield Loop | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1085 sq. ft. | $630,000
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
(Dedicated) buyer's agents do A LOT more than just open a few doors. In this series, I'll highlight a few tales from the Real Estate trenches to emphasize just that. The value of a buyer's agent: protecting the client's best interest, part 2I've been working with a loyal investor client for a few years now, and am always on the lookout for him. One morning, a condo in Columbia, MD caught my eye that had been listed just moments prior. Although it had been vacant for some time, with utilities shut off, and needed some TLC, it was priced well below comparable sales (as it should but that's not always the case). My client already owned property in the development and was familiar with the location, condo amenities, and regulations. I knew it would pique his interest, and it did! We schedul...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Stanton Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Bradford Place RECENTLY SOLD Bragg Way | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1159 sq. ft. | $598,888
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By Tracy Lee Parker, Buy*Sell*Rent
(RE/MAX DFW Associates)
Townhome for Sale in Coronado Villiage of Stonebridge Ranch, MckinneyIn the heart of McKinney, this ONE OWNER split level townhome provides easy access to shopping,a vast array of dining choices, entertainment & all the city has to offer! As an owner in Coronado Villageyou will have access to Stonebridge Ranch amenities. This includes walking trails, fishing, pickleball, swimming pools, tennis,pickelball & more! This is the lifestyle most dream of! If you like low maintenance then this is the townhome for you! The HOA maintains the exterior of the home so you have more time to enjoy doing what you like to do!  With 2 beds, 2.1 baths & a 2-car garage you will find a spacious open floor plan designed to meet your needs!Look at this beautiful entry with brick steps & wrought iron railing! ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
San Juan Capistrano Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Mesa Verde BACK ON THE MARKET Via Flores | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1646 sq. ft. | $1,199,000
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By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
🈚▐►NO BANK RENT to OWN House 3bd Summerville-Charleston🈚▐►NO BANK QUALIFYING RENT to OWN Brick House 3bd Summerville-CharlestonSee Video Tour on our WholeSale Buyer Website Below ★Two Rent to Own Options to Choose ★ or Buy Outright for 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 Below to BUY Your Next House - Mobile Home or Land for CASH:   SEE On Our BUYER WEBSITE to Buy a Home We Are the Mt Pleasant SC Real Estate Investment Company. Serving the Greater C...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – and that’s leading to multiple-offer scenarios. And moving into the peak homebuying season this spring, this is only expected to ramp up more. Remember these four tips to make your best offer. 1. Partner with a Real Estate Agent Rely on a real estate agent who can support your goals. As PODS notes: “Making an offer on a home without an agent is certainly possible, but having a pro by your side gives you a massive advantage in figuring out what to offer on a house.” Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for. That advice can be game changing when you...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Mission Viejo Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Aegean Heights BACK ON THE MARKET Triton Court | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1487 sq. ft. | $930,000 Alta Finisterra RECENTLY SOLD Lene | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1364 sq. ft. | $399,900 California Court RECENTLY SOLD California Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 957 sq. ft. | $649,900 Casa Loma BACK ON THE MARKET Marguerite | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1040 sq. ft. | $619,000 Greystone Califia BACK ON THE MARKET Lelia Byrd | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1615 sq. ft. | $950,000 Highland Park RECENTLY SOLD Fortrose | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1472 sq. ft. | $849,000 Mallorca Condos RECENTLY SOLD Manacor | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1221 sq. ft. | $825,000 Melrose RECENTLY SOLD Melrose Drive | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2057 sq. ft. | $999,999
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
San Clemente Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 Alassio RECENTLY SOLD Paseo Luna | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1631 sq. ft. | $879,000 Bahia Arenoso BACK ON THE MARKET Arenoso Lane | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 947 sq. ft. | $998,000 Santalana RECENTLY SOLD Paseo Luna | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1631 sq. ft. | $879,000 Villagio BACK ON THE MARKET Via Nublado | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1698 sq. ft. | $999,999 Vista Pacifica RECENTLY SOLD Calle Del Cerro | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 823 sq. ft. | $550,000
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
4526 REBEKKA CIR, Owing Mills, MD Click here to Get Directions$660,000.00 4 Beds - 3.5 Baths - 0.15 sqft Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Contact the Official Listing Agent, Ellie McIntire with Keller Williams with any questions you may have. Call - 240-389-3745 or 276-696-6930  Let your mouse walk the house with our 3D Tour: bit.ly/4526RebekkaCirTour Nestled in a serene enclave, welcome to a spacious haven that stands out in the peaceful Villages of Winterset community. Prepare to be charmed as you're greeted by the elegant stone facade, beckoning you into a world of comfort and tranquility in the largest model on the street. Step through the 2-story foyer and feel immediately embraced by the warmth of this inviting abode. The main level, complete with hardwood floors, unfolds wi...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Normal Heights Weekly Market Update March 11th - 17th, 2024 33rd Street North NEWLY LISTED 33Rd Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 930 sq. ft. | $585,000 Plaza Arizona RECENTLY SOLD Arizona Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1080 sq. ft. | $650,000
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
The house plant trend is definitely growing. Did you know keeping these little guys indoors can help clean your air (in addition to adding color to your space)? When it comes to houseplants, would you consider yourself a novice, a lover, or a hoarder? Leaf me a comment and let me know! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexert #house #listreports #homeowner #realestate #realtor #homestyle #hometips #homedecor #plants #houseplants #happyhome
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