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!

Trending blogs on Home Buying
By Susie Kay, North Dallas Specialist
(Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth)
In Dallas currently, some homes are still getting multiple offers.  While this can be stressful for home buyers, there are ways to win the house.  Also, make sure that you hire an experienced agent who can guide you through the process. 1. Make your offer as “clean” as possible. You may opt-out in asking the seller to pay for your home warranty or closing costs or for their personal property for free (refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc.) 2. Many buyers requested a 10 day option period. Consider shortening it but make certain that you can get your inspection done quickly and still have enough time to negotiate repairs. 3. I’ve seen buyers putting very little earnest money. Put about 1% of sales price or if you are confident, put higher. Show the seller that you’re financially strong and se...
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By Chris B Johnson REALTOR®, 5 Star Rated REALTOR® Quality, Not Quantity
(Allison James Elite)
In June, the number of first-time homebuyers accounted for 35% of the existing homes sold, a trend that’s been building steadily throughout the year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “The share of first-time buyers increased in March through June—right into the heart of the pandemic period and the surge in unemployment—and is now trending higher than the 29% to 32% average in past years since 2012.” (See graph below): Why the rise in first-time homebuying? NAR continues to say: “The major factor is, arguably, low mortgage rates. As of the week ended July 16, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 2.98%. With rates so low that are locked in under a 30-year mortgage, the typical mortgage payment, estimated at $1,036, has fallen below the median rent, at $1,045...
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About Rupley Elementary School Rupley Elementary School is a K-5 school in District 59, and is located at 305 Oakton Street in Elk Grove Village, IL. It services homes in Des Plaines and Elk Grove Village. Average taxes $4,802 Average year built 1970 Homes for sale that attend Rupley Elementary School Address Beds Baths Built Price 303 Higgins Rd., Elk Grove Village, IL 3 1.1 1957 $279,000 539 Shadywood Ln., Elk Grove Village, IL 3 2 1957 $275,000 103 Wildwood Rd., Elk Grove Village, IL 3 2 1963 $329,000 168 Shadywood Ln., Elk Grove Village, IL 3 1 1964 $259,000 700 Perrie Dr. #105, Elk Grove Village, IL 1 1 1978 $124,999 View all 20 homes for sale that attend Rupley Elementary School »Sales Summary  (Jul 29, 2019 - Jul 28, 2020) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average S...
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By Jane & Jeff Daley, PhD, Scottsdale Real Estate Arizona
(Luxury Valley Homes Scottsdale)
In June, the number of first-time homebuyers accounted for 35% of the existing homes sold, a trend that’s been building steadily throughout the year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “The share of first-time buyers increased in March through June—right into the heart of the pandemic period and the surge in unemployment—and is now trending higher than the 29% to 32% average in past years since 2012.” (See graph below): Why the rise in first-time homebuying? NAR continues to say: “The major factor is, arguably, low mortgage rates. As of the week ended July 16, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 2.98%. With rates so low that are locked in under a 30-year mortgage, the typical mortgage payment, estimated at $1,036, has fallen below the median rent, at $1,045...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Canterbury Hill, Brookfield, Wisconsin - July 2020Canterbury Hill is a single family home subdivision built in the early to mid 1980's. Canterbury Hill is located in Brookfield, Wisconsin north of North Avenue and west of Brker Road. There are currently 2 homes in Canterbury Hill for sale ranging from $539,900 to $569,999. AVERAGES Taxes Assoc. Fees Sq. Ft. Year Built $6,294 $6/month 2,996 ft2 1983 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price 2435 Byron Ct. 5 3.5 $569,999 20680 Tennyson Dr. 4 3.0 $539,900 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 2430 Chanticleer Dr. 4 2.5 $410,000 20515 Milton Ct. 3 3.0 $313,500 20865 Coventry Dr. 4 2.5 $450,000 2495 Shelly Ct. 5 4.5 $400,000 2495 Byron Ct. 4 3.5 $555,000 20550 Milton Ct. 5 3.5 $465,000 View All Recent Sales SCHOOLS School Level District Brookf...
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Cobbler's Lofts, Brewer's Hill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - July 2020Cobbler's Lofts is a 56 unit condominium builing built in 1916. Cobbler's Lofts is loacted at 200- 234 E. Reservoir Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There are currently 3 homes in Cobbler's Lofts for sale ranging from $157,500 to $289,000. AVERAGES Taxes Sq. Ft. Year Built $4,562 1,163 ft2 1933 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price 234 E. Reservoir Ave. #402 2 2.0 $289,000 [Address Unavailable] 1 1.0 $157,500 234 E. Reservoir Ave. #404 1 1.0 $199,900 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 234 E. Reservoir Ave. #309 1 1.0 $154,000 234 E. Reservoir Ave. 2 2.0 $230,000 234 E. Reservoir Ave. #403 2 2.0 $265,000 234 E. Reservoir Ave. #312 1 1.0 $155,000 234 E. Reservoir #601 2 2.0 $259,000 234 E. Reservoir Ave. #307 3 2.0 $279,9...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Viroqua High School, Viroqua, Wisconsin - July 2020There are currently 5 homes that attend Viroqua High School for sale ranging from $136,000 to $349,900. AVERAGES Taxes Sq. Ft. Year Built $2,604 1,675 ft2 1969 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price S3543 Dudley Hill Rd. 4 1.5 $300,000 [Address Unavailable] 4 2.0 $249,900 [Address Unavailable] 4 2.0 $289,900 S6205 Sidie Hollow Rd. 2 2.0 $136,000 E7530 Hinkst Hollow Rd. 4 2.5 $349,900 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 902 Chicago Ave. 3 2.0 $192,000 S4132A County Rd. 2 2.0 $247,500 S7278 A County Rd. 3 1.0 $285,000 328 Terrace Ave. 3 1.5 $140,000 E7458 Swenson Rd. 4 1.0 $174,000 E8470 Lone Oak Ln. 4 2.0 $285,000 View All Recent Sales Marco Amidei is a WI licensed real estate broker with RE/MAX Suburban. The data relating to real est...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
About Romona Elementary School Romona Elementary School is a P-4 school in District 39, and is located at 600 Romona Road in Wilmette, IL. It services homes in Glenview and Wilmette. Average taxes $11,000 Average year built 1966 Photos of Romona Elementary School Homes for sale that attend Romona Elementary School Address Beds Baths Built Price 2117 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 5 6.1 2007 $1,399,000 519 Koerper Ct., Wilmette, IL 4 2.1 1958 $595,000 633 Beaver Rd., Glenview, IL 3 2 1956 $619,900 2710 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette, IL 6 6 1963 $699,000 627 Beaver Rd., Glenview, IL 4 2 1960 $439,000 View all 69 homes for sale that attend Romona Elementary School »Sales Summary  (Jul 29, 2019 - Jul 28, 2020) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 916 115 $598,638 $552...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
About Beebe Elementary School Beebe Elementary School is a K-5 school in District 203, and is located at 110 E 11th Avenue in Naperville, IL. It services homes in Lisle and Naperville. Average taxes $8,323 Average year built 1985 Photos of Beebe Elementary School Homes for sale that attend Beebe Elementary School Address Beds Baths Built Price 5S535 Columbia St., Naperville, IL — —   $349,900 25W270 Plank Rd., Naperville, IL 2 1.1 1971 $293,500 1221 Millet St., Naperville, IL 4 4.1 2002 $1,049,000 3093 Stefan Ct., Lisle, IL 3 2.1 2006 $499,000 212 11th Ave., Naperville, IL 3 2 1963 $400,000 View all 50 homes for sale that attend Beebe Elementary School »Sales Summary  (Jul 29, 2019 - Jul 28, 2020) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 901 111 $440,061 $416,...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Spring Meadows, Kenosha, Wisconsin - July 2020Spring Meadows is a single family home subdivision built in the 1980's and 1990's. Spring Meadows is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin west of Wood Road and south of Somers Road. There are currently 3 homes in Spring Meadows for sale ranging from $234,900 to $364,900. AVERAGES Taxes Assoc. Fees Sq. Ft. Year Built $5,075 $41/month 2,389 ft2 1992 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price 1321 33rd Ct. #5A 3 3.0 $259,900 1249 37th Ct. 4 2.5 $364,900 1327 32nd Ct. #9B 2 2.0 $234,900 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 3302 14th St. 4 2.5 $362,000 3535 13th Pl. 4 3.5 $345,000 3304 13th St. 4 2.5 $276,200 1250 37th Ct. 3 2.5 $377,500 1325 32nd Ct. #9A 2 2.0 $210,000 1328 30th Ct. #13C 2 2.5 $235,000 View All Recent Sales SCHOOLS School Level District ...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Chateau Royale, Brookfield, Wisconsin - July 2020Chateau Royale is a single family home subdivision built starting in the late 1980's. Chateau Royale is located in Brookfield, Wisconsin north of North Avenue off of Buckingham Place. There are currently 2 homes in Chateau Royale for sale ranging from $739,900 to $1,100,000. AVERAGES Taxes Assoc. Fees Sq. Ft. Year Built $9,349 $10/month 3,801 ft2 1990 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price 2600 Buckingham Pl. 4 6.5 $1,100,000 2595 Buckingham Pl. 4 4.0 $739,900 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 19365 Buckingham Pl. 3 2.5 $585,000 2560 Buckingham Pl. 4 3.5 $480,000 19455 Buckingham Pl. 4 4.5 $900,000 19640 Wellington Ct. 4 3.5 $565,000 2475 Buckingham Pl. 4 3.0 $581,100 2410 Buckingham Pl. 4 3.5 $550,000 View All Recent Sales SCHOOLS S...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Deerwood Estates, Franklin, Wisconsin - July 2020Deerwood Estates is a ranch style condominium community built in the mid 2010's. Deerwood Estates is located in Franklin, Wisconsin on Deerwood Lane west of St. Martins Road. There is currently 1 home in Deerwood Estates for sale ranging from $417,400 to $417,400. AVERAGES Taxes Assoc. Fees Sq. Ft. Year Built $4,079 $18/month 1,851 ft2 2007 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price 8435 S. Deerwood Ln. 3 3.0 $417,400 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 8480 S. Deerwood Ln. 2 2.0 $370,000 8420 S. Deerwood Ln. 2 3.0 $364,900 8488 S. Deerwood Ln. 2 2.5 $368,900 8502 S. Deerwood Ln. 2 2.0 $300,000 8411 S. Deerwood Ln. #32 2 2.0 $350,000 8413 S. Deerwood Ln. #31 2 2.0 $351,000 View All Recent Sales SCHOOLS School Level District Robinwood Eleme...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Aspen Court, Oak Creek, Wisconsin - July 2020Aspen Court is a condominium complex built in the late 1990's. Aspen Court is located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin north of Ryan Road and west of Howell Avenue. There is currently 1 home in Aspen Court for sale ranging from $174,900 to $174,900. AVERAGES Taxes Assoc. Fees Sq. Ft. Year Built $2,839 $12/month 1,187 ft2 1998 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price 165 W. Aspen Ct. #1 2 2.0 $174,900 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 165 W. Aspen Ct. #4 2 2.0 $183,000 205 W. Aspen Ct. #3 2 2.0 $149,900 200 W. Aspen Ct. #3 2 2.0 $163,000 205 W. Aspen Ct. #6 2 2.0 $150,450 160 W. Aspen Ct. #1 2 2.0 $165,000 170 W. Aspen Ct. #5 2 2.0 $148,500 View All Recent Sales SCHOOLS School Level District Shepard Hills Elementary School Elementary Oak Creek-Frank...
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Northside Elementary School, La Crosse, Wisconsin - July 2020There are currently 2 homes that attend Northside Elementary School for sale ranging from $119,900 to $229,900. AVERAGES Taxes Sq. Ft. Year Built $2,726 1,417 ft2 1917 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price 1726 Wood St. 2 2.0 $119,900 1317 Avon St. 5 3.5 $229,900 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 2135 Charles St. 2 1.0 $120,000 1427 Kane St. 4 1.5 $140,000 2833 Harvey St. 2 1.0 $130,000 1603 Charles St. 4 2.0 $176,000 1615 Moore St. 3 1.0 $95,000 1316 Sill 3 1.0 $71,000 View All Recent Sales Marco Amidei is a WI licensed real estate broker with RE/MAX Suburban. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Metro Multiple Listing Service, Inc.. Real estate l...
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Viroqua Elementary School, Viroqua, Wisconsin - July 2020There are currently 4 homes that attend Viroqua Elementary School for sale ranging from $136,000 to $349,900. AVERAGES Taxes Sq. Ft. Year Built $2,312 1,651 ft2 1967 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price [Address Unavailable] 4 2.0 $249,900 [Address Unavailable] 4 2.0 $289,900 S6205 Sidie Hollow Rd. 2 2.0 $136,000 E7530 Hinkst Hollow Rd. 4 2.5 $349,900 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 902 Chicago Ave. 3 2.0 $192,000 S4132A County Rd. 2 2.0 $247,500 E3208 St Hwy 56 4 2.0 $220,000 328 Terrace Ave. 3 1.5 $140,000 E7458 Swenson Rd. 4 1.0 $174,000 E8470 Lone Oak Ln. 4 2.0 $285,000 View All Recent Sales Marco Amidei is a WI licensed real estate broker with RE/MAX Suburban. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website...
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About Riverside Brookfield High School Riverside Brookfield High School is a 9-12 school in District 208, and is located at 160 Ridgewood Road in Riverside, IL. It services homes in Broadview, Brookfield, La Grange Park, North Riverside, and Riverside. Average taxes $10,002 Average year built 1940 Homes for sale that attend Riverside Brookfield High School Address Beds Baths Built Price 330 Northwood Rd., Riverside, IL 4 2.1 1928 $485,000 2920 Desplaines Ave., North Riverside, IL 2 1 1943 $193,000 2932 Prairie Ave., Brookfield, IL 2 1 1952 $215,000 380 Selborne Rd., Riverside, IL 4 2.1 1926 $699,000 290 Maplewood Rd., Riverside, IL 4 4.2 1998 $879,900 View all 173 homes for sale that attend Riverside Brookfield High School »Sales Summary  (Jul 29, 2019 - Jul 28, 2020) # of Sales Averag...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Hunter Oaks, Watertown, Wisconsin - July 2020Hunter Oaks is a ranch style side by side condo community built starting in the early 2000's. Hunter oaks is located in Watertown, Wisconsin east of Watertown Bypass and south of West Street. There are currently 10 homes in Hunter Oaks for sale ranging from $279,000 to $371,900. AVERAGES Taxes Assoc. Fees Sq. Ft. Year Built $3,473 $185/month 1,798 ft2 2004 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price 712 Belmont Dr. 3 2.0 $296,970 712 Belmont Dr. 4 2.5 $351,900 726 Belmont Dr. 4 2.5 $371,900 708 Belmont Dr. 4 2.5 $360,900 723 Belmont Dr. 3 2.0 $321,900 815 Belmont Dr. 3 2.5 $329,900 View All Homes for Sale RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 612 Bridlewood Ln. 3 2.5 $273,000 708 Bridlewood Ln. 3 2.5 $270,000 803 Belmont Dr. 4 2.5 $298,900 808 Be...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Carillon is an active adult community for adults at least 55 years old. Cambridge at Carillon features a 32,000 square foot recreation center called Club Carillon. Activities and amenities include social clubs, hobby rooms, a theater, plus exercise facilities including tennis courts and two swimming pools. The single family homes have floor plans ranging from 1,375 to 2,320 square feet of living space. The town homes have floor plans ranging from 1,267 to 1,693 square feet of living space. The coach home style condominiums feature floor plans ranging from 1,035 to 1,334 square feet of living space. Cambridge at Carillon is located on Weber Road, one mile south of Interstate 55 in the Plainfield, Illinois. Average taxes in Carillon $4,200 Average association fees in Carillon $172 ($17 - ...
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River Terrace Estates, Franklin, Wisconsin - July 2020River Terrace Estates is a single family home subdivision built in the late 1990's and early 2000's. River Terrace Estates is located in Franklin, Wisconsin north of Puetz Road and east of 68th Street. There are currently 2 homes in River Terrace Estates for sale ranging from $624,900 to $719,000. AVERAGES Taxes Sq. Ft. Year Built $9,618 3,233 ft2 1997 HOMES FOR SALE Address Beds Baths Price 8458 River Terrace Dr. 4 3.5 $719,000 8459 S. River Terrace Dr. 4 3.5 $624,900 RECENT SALES Address Beds Baths Sold 8613 S. Parkland Ct. 3 3.5 $505,000 8401 S. River Terrace Dr. 4 2.5 $543,000 8424 River Terrace Dr. 4 3.5 $609,900 8459 S. 68th St. 3 2.5 $380,000 8441 S. River Terrace Dr. 4 2.5 $465,000 8564 S. River Terrace Dr. 5 4.5 $499,900 Vi...
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River Bank Lofts is a loft style condo building located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois at 550 N Kingsbury. River Bank Lofts is located close to public transportation, expressways, restaurants and more. Amenities include a 24 hour doorman, fitness center and dry cleaners on site. Average taxes in River Bank Lofts $7,617 Average association fees in River Bank Lofts $575 ($318 - $1,240) Average home size in River Bank Lofts 1,378 ft2 Average lot size in River Bank Lofts 0.00 acres Average year built in River Bank Lofts 1914 Photos of River Bank Lofts Homes for sale in River Bank Lofts Address Beds Baths Built Price 550 Kingsbury St. #220 3 2 1910 $700,000 550 Kingsbury St. #604 3 2 1920 $1,250,000 550 Kingsbury St. #618 2 2 1910 $499,000 550 Kingsbury St. #212 2 1   $...
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