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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
(Localist Realty)
San Juan Capistrano Weekly Market Update May 4th - 10th, 2026 Casitas De Alipaz NEWLY LISTED Alipaz | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 764 sq. ft. | $435,000 Masters RECENTLY SOLD Via De Costa | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1347 sq. ft. | $1,069,900 Mission Point RECENTLY SOLD Via Tonada | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1094 sq. ft. | $945,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Fullerton Weekly Market Update May 4th - 10th, 2026 Mark III Townhomes BACK ON THE MARKET Via Hacienda | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1296 sq. ft. | $699,000 RECENTLY SOLD Calle Grande | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1321 sq. ft. | $750,000 Park Ridge NEWLY LISTED Associated | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 676 sq. ft. | $430,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
La Habra Weekly Market Update May 4th - 10th, 2026 Fashion Heights BACK ON THE MARKET S Idaho | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 886 sq. ft. | $439,000
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By Phyllis Lerner call 914.438.7556, Corcoran Legends Realty
(Corcoran Legends Realty)
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE- Sunday, May 17th, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM @ 203 Palisades Boulevard, Sleepy Hollow, New York 10591, Westchester County - JUST REDUCED TO $1,850,000Beautiful 4-bedroom, 3 full and 2 half bath brownstone-style townhome in Sleepy Hollow's Edge on Hudson development, perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking river views and the iconic Mario Cuomo Bridge. This exceptional home showcases top-notch craftsmanship in the heart of Sleepy Hollow along the Hudson River. Designed for today’s modern lifestyle, it features an open floor plan, high ceilings, oversized windows, and rich hardwood floors throughout. The first level offers a flexible bedroom / home office with a full bath, a mudroom, and direct access to the two-car garage. On the second floor, natural light pour...
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By Carla Goddard, The New-Build Ecosystem for Agents
(vicinity)
When you walk into a luxury model home, the sensory experience is designed to overwhelm your analytical brain. The scent of expensive candles, the perfectly staged lighting, and those floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a manicured lot are all meant to trigger an emotional "yes."But for the elite buyer, the real story isn't in the Carrera marble or the smart-home integration. It’s in the data, the legal fine print, and the structural realities that remain long after the staging furniture is cleared out. At vicinity, we believe in "Lifestyle First," but that lifestyle is only sustainable if the foundation: both literal and financial: is rock solid.Before you put pen to paper on a seven-figure contract, here are the 10 critical checkpoints you need to audit to ensure your dream home does...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Stanton Weekly Market Update May 4th - 10th, 2026 Park Villas RECENTLY SOLD Cerritos Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1158 sq. ft. | $659,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Newport Beach Weekly Market Update May 4th - 10th, 2026 Belcourt Hill BACK ON THE MARKET Northampton Court | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 3245 sq. ft. | $3,299,000 Big Canyon Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Muirfield Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1850 sq. ft. | $1,699,888 Muirfield Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1850 sq. ft. | $1,695,000 Dover Village NEWLY LISTED Buckingham | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1368 sq. ft. | $1,095,000 Newport Crest RECENTLY SOLD Odyssey Court | 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1778 sq. ft. | $1,649,000 The Plaza RECENTLY SOLD Vista Hogar | 4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1486 sq. ft. | $1,530,000 Versailles RECENTLY SOLD Scholz Plaza | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 726 sq. ft. | $649,000
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By KAREN SANCHEZ, ...Marketing your home like no one else will.
( Reputable Realty)
Buying a home doesn't have to be a mystery.     If you don't have cash then you need to know what to do to get a loan.  You may or may not be ready to buy a home, but you may want to talk to a lender to find out what is going to put you in the best position to buy a home.  Here is what a lender is going to look for. Steady income — lenders want to see reliable employment or consistent income. In most cases,  2 years of employment in the same field Good credit — your credit score helps determine loan approval and interest rate. Down payment funds — amount varies by loan type; some loans allow low down payments. Money for closing costs — typically includes lender fees, title fees, taxes, and insurance. Reasonable debt levels — lenders compare your monthly debts to your income. Documentati...
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By Betty Garcia Doral-Miami Realtor® (786) 229-3636, Miami-Doral-Kendall- Coral Gables(786) 229-3636
(17thRealty.com Miami Dade & Broward)
    Guía de Inversión · Brickell Miami · Para Latinos Brickell: Por Qué el Corazón Financierode Miami Es la Inversión que Debes Conocer Lo que los inversores latinoamericanos y los compradores hispanos en Estados Unidos necesitan saber antes de comprar en Brickell. Por: Betty Garcia · REALTOR® · 17th Realty · Miami Betty Garcia, Realtor® 17th Realty · Miami-Dade & Broward · 25+ Años · 786-229-3636 · 17thRealty.com/brickell Soy Betty Garcia, REALTOR® en South Florida desde 2005. A lo largo de mi carrera he trabajado con cientos de familias latinas y con inversores de Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Brasil y México que buscan en Miami un lugar seguro para poner su dinero a trabajar. Y una y otra vez, la conversación termina en el mismo lugar: Brickell.No es casualidad. Brickell es el dist...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Being a first-time homebuyer is exciting, but it’s also daunting. From the endless paperwork to the legal terms that sound like another language, there’s a lot to take in all at once. Then there are all the extras you need to consider, like utilities, insurance, and moving vans. That’s why we’ve created this 7-step checklist so that you can tick all the boxes from the moment your offer is accepted to the day you get the keys.1. Deposit and Mortgage ApplicationOnce the seller accepts your offer, you’ll usually sign a purchase agreement and put down an earnest money deposit that shows the seller you’re serious about buying the home. Your deposit is typically held in an escrow account by a third party until closing and is usually around 1% to 3% of the purchase price. If the sale goes thro...
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By Tom Gilliam | RE/MAX Classic, Your Trusted Oakland County REALTOR — 24 Years — 7
(RE/MAX Classic)
🏡 Buying or Selling in Oakland County Michigan in 2026? 24 years of street-level Oakland County market knowledge — working for you from day one. Free consultation. No pressure. 📲 Call or text Tom Gilliam at 248-790-5594 | RE/MAX Classic | Homes2MoveYou.com People ask me this question more than almost any other. It comes from families relocating from out of state, buyers comparing Oakland County communities side by side, professionals trying to figure out where to put down roots, and even longtime residents who just want someone to confirm what they already feel about the place they call home. Is Farmington Hills Michigan a good place to live in 2026?After 24 years and 700 plus transactions in this market, I finally sat down and wrote the most honest and complete answer I could give. No...
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By James Potenza Texas Buyer Realty, Houston New Construction Realtor | Helping Buyers
(Texas Buyer Realty)
What Buyers Miss Before Visiting Model HomesMost buyers only see the finished model home.Very few ever get to walk a new construction home while it’s actually being built.In this recent walkthrough, I toured a Highland Homes Escalade floorplan in Midline in Webster, TX while the home was still under construction. This is one of the best ways for buyers to compare builders before finishes and staging hide everything.🎥 Watch the full video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jhOUMVulV8As a Houston new construction Realtor, I spend a lot of time walking homes during framing and pre-finish stages because buyers can learn a lot during this part of the process.Things like: framing quality layout flow mechanical placement build consistency construction organization attic access overall craft...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Vista Weekly Market Update May 4th - 10th, 2026 Charlemont RECENTLY SOLD Breeze Hill Road | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 846 sq. ft. | $331,000 The Park NEWLY LISTED Diamond Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 878 sq. ft. | $469,000
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
FLEX ROOMS IN AUBURN ALABAMA — HOME GYM OR CREATIVE SPACE? Flex rooms in Auburn Alabama are becoming one of the MOST requested features I hear buyers ask about right now.Would you rather have:• a home gym?• a craft room?• a gaming room?• a home office?• a Auburn football watch room? One thing I’m seeing more and more with Auburn homes for sale is that buyers want spaces that actually fit their REAL life — not just formal dining rooms nobody uses anymore.And honestly? Flex rooms are one of the smartest features in today’s market.If you’re moving to Auburn Alabama or relocating near Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/), this is definitely something worth thinking about before you buy.What Is a Flex Room?A flex room is basically a bonus space that can change with your lifestyle.Ins...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Moving to Auburn Alabama? Here’s What People Get Wrong About “War Eagle” Moving to Auburn Alabama means you’re going to hear “War Eagle” constantly—and one of the biggest surprises for newcomers is that it’s not Auburn’s mascot at all. Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/) is home of the Tigers, while “War Eagle” is the battle cry that connects generations of Auburn fans, alumni, students, and locals. If you’re planning to relocate to Auburn, this is one of those cultural things that actually matters more than people realize. People don’t just scream “War Eagle” inside Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium). They say it in grocery stores. Walking trails. Restaurants. Neighborhoods. At Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/). You’ll hear comple...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Clairemont Mesa Weekly Market Update May 4th - 10th, 2026 Balboa Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Balboa Arms Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 782 sq. ft. | $525,000 Bay Ho NEWLY LISTED Huerfano Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 613 sq. ft. | $397,000 Costa Viva RECENTLY SOLD Clairemont Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 912 sq. ft. | $515,000
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By Arius Valentino, Principal, Luxe Residences Miami Condo Specialist
(Luxe Residences)
 Wind by Neo Condo Value: What Is My Condo Worth in Brickell?Most owners look at active listings first when they ask what is my condo worth in Wind by Neo. But active listings are only seller opinions, not market value. The real question is whether buyers are actually accepting those prices or rejecting them based on days on market, competing inventory, and recent closed sales inside the building.Days on market is not just a time count. It is a signal. When a unit sits longer than comparable units in the building, it tells you the market rejected the asking price. Sellers who ignore this signal lose negotiation leverage with every passing week.What Is My Condo Worth in Wind by Neo Right Now?Your condo value at Wind by Neo depends on real building data, not broad Brickell averages. Units...
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By Arius Valentino, Principal, Luxe Residences Miami Condo Specialist
(Luxe Residences)
 Vue at Brickell Condo Value: What Is My Condo Worth in Miami?Most owners look at active listings first, but active listings are only seller opinions. The mistake sellers and buyers make is assuming that the highest asking price in Vue at Brickell defines actual market value. Days on market tells a different story—one that reveals whether the market accepted or rejected the price.A unit that sits for 90 days at $800,000 is not the same as a unit that sold in 14 days at $775,000. The second unit taught the market something about value. The first unit is teaching the market something about overpricing. When you ask what is my condo worth in Vue at Brickell, you need to understand the difference.Days on Market Is Your Leverage SignalDays on market is not just a time count. It is a signal o...
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By Arius Valentino, Principal, Luxe Residences Miami Condo Specialist
(Luxe Residences)
 The Club at Brickell Bay Condo Value: What Is My Condo Worth in Miami?Most owners look at active listings first, but active listings are only seller opinions. The real question is not what someone is asking for their unit. The real question is what your condo is worth in The Club at Brickell Bay based on what buyers are actually paying, how long units sit on the market, and how much competing inventory exists right now.Days on market is not just a time count. It is a signal of whether the market accepted or rejected the asking price. A unit that sits for 120 days tells a very different story than a unit that sold in 30 days, even if they are in the same building and similar in condition.What Is My Condo Worth in The Club at Brickell Bay Right Now?Units in The Club at Brickell Bay do no...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Pacific Beach Weekly Market Update May 4th - 10th, 2026 Baycrest RECENTLY SOLD Missouri Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1050 sq. ft. | $849,000 Crown Point Villas RECENTLY SOLD Crown Point Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 663 sq. ft. | $626,000 Mission Bay Shores NEWLY LISTED Pacific Beach Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1032 sq. ft. | $949,900 Pacific Woodlands NEWLY LISTED Pico Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 625 sq. ft. | $539,000 Reed Ave RECENTLY SOLD Reed | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1430 sq. ft. | $1,089,000 Sanderling RECENTLY SOLD Pacific Beach Drive | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1860 sq. ft. | $1,699,000 The Plaza NEWLY LISTED Diamond Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 653 sq. ft. | $424,999
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