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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 Metzler, Sr Loan Officer
(Cambria Mortgage)
Facing a divorce and wondering what happens to the house? Going through a divorce is rarely straightforward. Between legal paperwork, personal stress, and splitting up years of shared life, the emotional weight alone is heavy. But when it comes to the balance sheet, one asset almost always takes center stage: the family home. For most couples, the home isn’t just where memories were built—it’s also their largest single asset and their biggest joint liability. Deciding what to do with real estate during a separation isn’t just a legal question; it’s a financial and lending question. Far too often, divorce decrees are drafted with good intentions, only for both parties to discover later that the mortgage rules don’t work the way the attorneys assumed, and screws up the existing home and/o...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Is now the right time to buy? With more homes to choose from, less competition, and sellers offering concessions, closing-cost assistance, rate buy-downs, and repairs, today’s market may create opportunities for prepared buyers. Don’t let interest rates alone make the decision. Explore your options, adjust expectations, and make the move that fits your goals! 5 TOP REASONS to buy a house in Spokane NOW rather than waiting. Currently-inSpokane WA. There are plenty of great listings! This gives buyers far more options when looking at homes. In the current market, many sellers are willing to make concessions on price, closing costs, interest rate buy downs, and repairs.  Prices have leveled off, making this a good time to buy-IF that is what you want to do! Ask your lender about creative o...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Auburn Homes for Sale: Primary Bedroom Upstairs or Downstairs?Auburn homes for sale come with all kinds of floor plans, but here's a question that can divide buyers pretty quickly:Primary bedroom upstairs or downstairs?Which one are you choosing?I can see advantages to both.A downstairs primary bedroom may mean fewer stairs in your everyday routine.It may give you more separation from secondary bedrooms.And if you're thinking long term, having your bedroom on the main level may become increasingly appealing.But an upstairs primary has advantages too.Maybe you want all the bedrooms together.Maybe you want your bedroom farther away from the living room, kitchen and entertaining areas.Maybe you simply like having a separate sleeping level.There's no universally correct answer.But there are...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Moving is always a lot of work, even when it is an exciting change. Between packing, transporting your belongings, and settling into a new place, one of the biggest challenges is making sure nothing gets forgotten, lost, or damaged. But while focusing on furniture, boxes, and personal belongings, it is easy to overlook an important part of everyday life at home: the medicine cabinet.A well-organized home medicine cabinet can be useful in any household, so it makes sense to think ahead about what you may want to keep in it. Below, we look at some of the essentials to consider when putting together a medicine cabinet after a move.A New Home Is a Good Time to Reorganize Your Medicine CabinetSmall items are easy to overlook during a move. Many people also use moving as an opportunity to get...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Is the Doctor in? We all need a cure, even for elusive love!Can't find a Phoenix area home that you LOVE? You need a match maker to FALL In LOVE, one that listens to you and your heart's desires. Hey, I as YOUR REALTOR®, "The LOVE DOCTOR" can help you with that! (Love image, Pixabay)The LOVE DOCTOR asks, can you LOVE a HOME? Are you OK with falling in love again? What do you need and want...I am listening?Jeff Masich, aka The LOVE DOCTOR is in! Give me a call or text at 480-2425-6500. Tell me what you love and I will find it! (Image by Alexa, Pixabay)As your REALTOR® and part time LOVE DOCTOR (it's my job), I say YES! You don't need a dating service if you want to fall in love with your next home in the Phoenix metro area. Call ME, The LOVE DOCTOR, I can help with that! Your Sweetie alr...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Team at Xcellence Realty)
All-Brick Chemonie Crossing Home on 2+ Private Acres 9531 Starhawk Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309 $635,000 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2,565 Sq Ft 2+ Acres Private Property Acreage, Upgrades & Flexible Living in Chemonie Crossing Set on more than two private acres in Chemonie Crossing, 9531 Starhawk Drive delivers an impressive combination of space, character, and major recent improvements. Priced at $635,000, this all-brick Tallahassee home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,565 square feet with a flexible layout that works equally well for everyday living and entertaining. A brand-new 2025 roof and 2024 HVAC are already in place, while 9-foot-plus ceilings, detailed millwork, real hardwood flooring, and spacious living areas give the home a distinctive sense of quality and character. Pro...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Team at Xcellence Realty)
Renovated Buck Lake Home with Major Updates Already Complete 1430 Blockford Court, Tallahassee, FL 32317 $355,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1,736 Sq Ft 2024 Roof Move-In Ready in Buck Lake 1430 Blockford Court combines a beautifully renovated interior with several major improvements already completed. Offered at $355,000, this Tallahassee home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,736 square feet on a large, shaded lot in the Buck Lake area. The big-ticket updates include a 2024 roof, 2023 windows, and 2021 HVAC. Inside, an open split-bedroom floor plan, soaring cathedral ceiling, renovated kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and updated owner's suite create a home that's ready to enjoy from day one. Property Highlights 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms 1,736 square feet of living space Larg...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Team at Xcellence Realty)
Timing is a big part of the home-buying decision. There’s no perfect market, but understanding the opportunities available right now can help buyers make a more informed move instead of waiting for conditions to be “perfect.” 5 TOP REASONS to buy a house in Spokane NOW rather than waiting. Currently-inSpokane WA. There are plenty of great listings! This gives buyers far more options when looking at homes. In the current market, many sellers are willing to make concessions on price, closing costs, interest rate buy downs, and repairs.  Prices have leveled off, making this a good time to buy-IF that is what you want to do! Ask your lender about creative options, seller paid costs, rate buy downs, and ARM (adjustable rate mortgages) If it is the right time in your personal and professional...
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By BethAnn Long, Realtor, CRS, e-PRO, CLHMS Spokane Wa Real Estate
(RE/MAX Inland Empire)
5 TOP REASONS to buy a house in Spokane NOW rather than waiting.Currently-inSpokane WA. There are plenty of great listings! This gives buyers far more options when looking at homes.In the current market, many sellers are willing to make concessions on price, closing costs, interest rate buy downs, and repairs. Prices have leveled off, making this a good time to buy-IF that is what you want to do!Ask your lender about creative options, seller paid costs, rate buy downs, and ARM (adjustable rate mortgages). And in todays market there is FAR less compeition!If it is the right time in your personal and professional life to make a move, be sure to weigh all of your possibilities and not just echoing "rates are high" as there are certainly other factors! You cal awlays re-finance when rates c...
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By John Martino, Independent NJ Home Inspections for Home Buyers
(lookSmart Home Inspections, LLC)
A home inspection is an important part of buying a home, but the inspection itself is only one part of the process.Once the inspection is completed, buyers are often left with a much bigger question:What happens next?In New Jersey, the period following the home inspection can move quickly. Understanding the purpose of the inspection report—and what to do with the information it contains—can help buyers use their inspection contingency wisely and make informed decisions about the property.Start by Understanding the Purpose of the Home InspectionA home inspection is primarily an information-gathering process.The home inspector examines the visible and accessible components of the property and reports conditions that were observed at the time of the inspection. Depending on the home, findi...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
PSL season is here! And what better reason to grab a cozy coffee with your favorite real estate agent? Whether you’re curious about the market, dreaming of your next home, or just in it for the latte art, give me a call to set up a meeting! #realestate #realestateagent #financehub #buying
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Auburn Homes for Sale: Sometimes You Know the Right House the Moment You Walk InAuburn homes for sale can look completely different online than they feel when you actually walk through the front door.And sometimes I can tell.I knew which house these buyers were going to choose almost the second we walked inside.I called it. 👀It wasn't the biggest house.It wasn't the newest.It wasn't necessarily the house you would have picked as the winner if you were comparing specifications on a spreadsheet.But the moment they walked inside, something changed.The flow worked.The natural light worked.The layout worked.It just felt right.I've been selling real estate for more than 20 years, and I've seen versions of this happen many times.Buyers start with a list.Then we start walking through houses.And...
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By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
🈚▐►FSBO AVAILABLE 3Bd 2Ba DWMH RENT to OWN Safe Secure Park Summerville Charleston AVAILABLE MID-OCTOBER 🈚▐► RENT to Own FSBO 3Bd 2Ba DWMH SUMMERVILLE Nexton Area 3Bd 2Ba DWMH  1568sf Move to Your Location Call  - Text Steve  843-881-7171SPECIAL NOTE: OUR WEBSITES ARE UNDER RENOVATION _ VIEWING MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TODAY ★ ★BUY HERE► SEE YOUR PREFERRED VIP BUYER INFO HERE - THEN CALL Steve to VisitWholesale Buyer Values$1875 MONTHY RENT to OWN  INCLUDES MAINTENANCE AND YARD CARE $99,775 DISCOUNTED SAME DAY CASH PROGRAM -VISIT INSPECT BUY  ★ ★SPECIAL NOTE: OUR WEBSITES ARE UNDER RENOVATION _ VIEWING MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TODAY 🈚▐►RENT to OWN SWMH FULL SIZE MOVE-IN READY Summerville-CharlestonCALL  / TEXT Steve to Visit in Person  843- 881-7171🈚▐►DISCOUNTED RENT to OWN  SWMH FULL SIZE Summ...
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By Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573, Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker
(MOOERS REALTY)
Maine vacation property, need one for four seasons outdoor fun?More people are quietly heading to Maine for rest and relaxation. Some for homesteading and living off the land for farm to table simple living. Others for outdoor recreation and looking for woods. water. wildlife "uptah camp in Maine".Check out 777 Bancroft Road Weston Maine vacation property with 13 acres in Southern Aroostook County. The property in Northern Maine used to be owned by a cooper.His last name was appropriate too, Cooper.He had a water wheel on the Trout Brook in the video and he made lots of barrels for area potato farmers. Cedar staves hooped and looped together. Each finished barrel holding 165 pounds of potatoes. Would you use the 24'x22' one owner building for sporting, hunting, fishing, trail riding or ...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Here are 5 REASONS to buy a home in Glendale Arizona which borders Phoenix. Glendale is a wonderful place to live and home of the Arizona Cardinals football team. (photo State Farm Stadium: Glendale City Website)People choose to live in Glendale, Arizona, because it offers a high-value and "best of both worlds" lifestyle. Glendale combines the lower cost of living and quiet neighborhoods of a suburb with the massive sports and entertainment amenities usually reserved for a major downtown metropolis and updated "Things To Do In Glendale". Glendale with State Farm Stadium and entertainment venues (City Website) Here are 5 REASONS why people are drawn to make Glendale their home: 1. Affordability & Housing Value For many, the primary draw is getting more home for their money compared to Ph...
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By Chuck Willman, NewHomesAdvisory.com
(Chuck Willman)
In the early 2000s, with New Homes Advisory, I helped build a database of Phoenix-area builders that included floor plans and pricing for new construction.When the market crashed in 2008, I changed strategy, I combined multiple data sources to evaluate available homes and land during the downturn; and with two partners, we helped clients purchase an assortment of properties worth more than $1.5 billion.Our market data was incorporated by data-as-a-service providers and financial institutions to help people evaluate investment property opportunities in multiple states.Since 2015, I've spent several years as a sales consultant with multiple new home builders, helping clients throughout the Wasatch Front.I've revived the new online version of New Homes Advisory to allow buyers to search ne...
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By Evelyn Santiago, Managing Broker Heart Realty Group, Inc., Passionate About Real Estate & Our Clients!
(Heart Realty Group, Inc..)
Million dollar homes are aways interesting to look at  and with the current inventory in the Fox Valley area and the far western part of Chicago suburbs, we definitely have  plenty of choices.    City Low High   Aurora - 2 $1,198,000. $1,250,000.   Batavia - 4 $1,025,000. $8,500,000.   Geneva - 5 $1,050,000 $2,995,000.   Naperville - 66 $1,000,000 $4,950,000.   Oswego - 9 $1,077,000. $1,895,000.   Plainfield - 11 $1,100,000. $1,799,000.   St. Charles - 28 $1,015,000. $4,995,000.   Yorkville - 3 $1,295,000. $8,495,000.    With Batavia and Yorkville fighting  for the highest priced homes and Naperville with the most million dollar plus inventory - buyers  in this price range have plenty of options to choose from the  117 available homes.Just contact me and I will send  you a list of the h...
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By Jim Paulson, Owner,Broker
(Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info)
Imagine waking up in a sunlit primary suite with tray ceilings, a ceiling fan, and your own ensuite — a private retreat designed for rest and rejuvenation. The open-concept kitchen-living area is the heart of the home, featuring crisp white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a mosaic tile backsplash, and a bold navy island with pendant lighting. Step outside to a beautifully landscaped yard complete with raised garden boxes. Hot tub with a covered gazebo that has an operable roof to open and close — the perfect backdrop for the life you've always envisioned. Your RV or boat should fit in the RV bay garage with a 12x12 door. Drive around the community and check out the nice open spaces and play ground for children. Walking distance to Columbia High School. Additional appliances inclu...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
The thermostat is one of those household features buyers can walk past several times without giving it much thought. If the temperature feels comfortable during the showing, there may seem to be little reason to investigate further. But where a thermostat is located can influence what it senses about the temperature inside the home.Find It Before You LeaveDuring your tour, locate the thermostat rather than simply checking the temperature displayed on it.Is it in a central hallway? Near the kitchen? Close to an exterior door? Is sunlight hitting the wall where it is mounted?The thermostat responds to conditions where it is located. That location may not always feel exactly like the bedroom, upstairs office, family room, or other space where you spend significant time.Compare Different Pa...
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By Steve Roake, Helping Families Build Wealth Through Real Estate
(Freedom Group Global)
If you're shopping for a home in Plainfield, Illinois this fall, the numbers look friendly at first glance. As of September 2026, Plainfield's median sale price is $400,000, homes are spending a median of 53 days on market, and there are about 104 active listings.That's a more relaxed pace than Naperville (22 days) or Joliet (27 days). The well-priced, move-in-ready homes still draw competition, and when they do, the winning offer isn't always the highest one.Here are the six terms sellers weigh alongside price, and how each one can strengthen or weaken your offer.1. Financing strengthConventional, FHA, and VA loans are all legitimate paths to homeownership. Sellers do notice loan type and down payment size, because they signal how likely the deal is to close. A solid preapproval letter...
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