Admin

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 Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
This shift highlights a growing trend among families to pool resources and share living expenses in response to rising housing costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty. Multigenerational living not only offers financial relief but also provides built-in support systems for childcare, elder care, and household responsibilities, making it an increasingly attractive option for modern homebuyers. What are your thoughts on this finding?#realestate #realestateagent #buying #selling #listreports #realestateexpert #financehub #homeowner
Comments 0
By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Flipping a home in Auburn or Opelika, AL? Watch out.Flipping a house looks easy on TV—until it’s not. If you’ve ever walked into a “just renovated” home and thought, who approved this?!… you’re not alone. Let’s talk about the house flipping fails that make buyers run and agents cringe.• Water Damage Disasters: That “simple” bathroom update turned into a black mold saga. Goodbye profit.• Structural Surprises: That open concept floor plan? Turns out that wall was holding up the roof. Oops.• Bad Design Choices: Shiplap on every wall? Neon green tile? Not every trend translates into resale value. Whether you’re buying a home, selling one, or investing in a flip here in Auburn or Opelika—get a REALTOR® who knows the difference between “cute update” and “code violation.”What’s the worst flipp...
Comments 0
By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Ever work with a buyer who thinks they’re starring in their own episode of House Hunters? You know the type: they show up with a dream list, a champagne taste, and a “we’ll only look at three homes” mindset. Let’s talk about what happens when HGTV meets reality.• Narrow Focus: Some buyers think they’ll pick between exactly three homes. Anything more? Too overwhelming.• Unrealistic Expectations: “We want granite countertops, hardwood floors, a fenced yard, and a pool… on a $250K budget.” Bless it.• Reality Check: In real life, you don’t get a dramatic reveal—you get inspections, negotiations, and trade-offs. House hunting in Auburn and Opelika doesn’t come with a camera crew—but it does come with one heck of a REALTOR® who’ll keep you grounded and get you into the right home.What’s the m...
Comments 1
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2662 Heathrow, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$375,000 4 Beds - 2 Baths - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print This bright, beautiful 4 bedroom home on a culdesac in the Glen at Golden Eagle features vaulted ceilings, stainless appliances including a Bosch dishwasher and many custom extras. Roof replaced in 2018 and termite bond included. This property has smart smoke/CO detectors, an Ecobee thermostat and touchscreen security system with Skybell camera and garage door access. This open concept home has lots of natural light, double rainfall showerheads in primary bathroom, new wood shelving in laundry room, and fresh paint throughout most of the house. Privacy fenced yard backs up to Golden Eagle and features a covered patio area, key lime tree and a great space for children...
Comments 1
By Abby Stiller, SW Florida (239) 284-8637
(TOP SELLING REALTY)
 Fully remodeled & move-in ready with city water & sewer! This beautiful 🏡 Lehigh Acres home features a brand-new kitchen with quartz countertops, modern cabinets, and high-end appliances✨.Enjoy tile flooring throughout, updated bathrooms, fresh paint inside & out, and a spacious laundry room with new washer/dryer. Offers 2 bedrooms , 2 bathrooms , plus a bonus room with a 2nd kitchen and propane stove — perfect for entertainingThe fenced yard includes a terrace, gazebo, unfinished BBQ area , storage shed , and space for a pool.Located in a prime area near downtown with NO HOA ❌ and NO flood zone. Don’t miss it! Call today!📲 Abby Stiller – Realtor® 📍 Lehigh Acres & SWFL 📞 (239) 284-8637 📩 abbyhomes@gmail.com 
Comments 5
By John Martino
(lookSmart Home Inspections, LLC)
How Long Should a Home Inspection Take?As a full-time home inspector with over 24 years in the home inspection field, I get asked this question often: “How long does a home inspection take?” The short answer? For an average-sized home, a comprehensive home inspection should take between 3 and 4 hours. But the true answer isn’t that simple. It depends on a lot of factors—some obvious, some not.If you’re purchasing a home and scheduling your NJ home inspection, this article is for you. I’ll break down what goes into the inspection, why it takes as long as it does, and what you should expect during the process. This isn’t some cookie-cutter answer—this is real-world info from someone who’s walked through thousands of homes, climbed into crawlspaces, and crawled through attics more times th...
Comments 9
By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
The Home Trends We’ll Be Laughing at in 10 Years (Yes, Even That One)Let’s take a stroll down memory lane—well, more like a peek into your living room—and talk about the home trends that might not age as gracefully as we hope. We all want a stylish home, but some of today’s fads might just become tomorrow’s punchlines. Here are a few that may not stand the test of time:• Popcorn Ceilings – They’ve haunted us since the ’70s and still show up in older homes. We’re still scraping, spraying, and pretending we don’t see them.• Shiplap Overload – It started as charming farmhouse flair… until it took over every wall in America. When your bathroom looks like a barn, it might be time to rethink.• Open Shelving – Gorgeous for Pinterest. Horrifying when real life happens. Do you want your mismatch...
Comments 4
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2662 Heathrow, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$375,000 4 Beds - 2 Baths - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print This bright, beautiful 4 bedroom home on a culdesac in the Glen at Golden Eagle features vaulted ceilings, stainless appliances including a Bosch dishwasher and many custom extras. Roof replaced in 2018 and termite bond included. This property has smart smoke/CO detectors, an Ecobee thermostat and touchscreen security system with Skybell camera and garage door access. This open concept home has lots of natural light, double rainfall showerheads in primary bathroom, new wood shelving in laundry room, and fresh paint throughout most of the house. Privacy fenced yard backs up to Golden Eagle and features a covered patio area, key lime tree and a great space for children...
Comments 1
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2058 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$400000 4 Beds - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Remodeled Duplex in the heart of Tallahassee! This charming and cozy duplex has been tastefully updated with ample parking and easy, walkable access to Midtown, local parks, and shopping. Great opportunity for investors or homeowners that want to live on one side, rent the other. Outstanding opportunity for income production for gameday weekends, too! Follow This Home
Comments 2
By Carla Freund, NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848
(Keller Williams Legacy - Apex NC)
Q: Where’s the best place to search for homes in Wake, Durham, Chatham, Orange, Johnston, and surrounding Triangle counties?A: Great question! My team and I have thoughtfully built a home search platform designed just for buyers in the Triangle area—including Metro Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and all the charming towns in between.We’ve invested time, expertise, and energy into making it easy to use, full of helpful tips, and flexible enough to let you search the way you prefer. Yes, registration is required—and yes, we’ll reach out to offer support—but there’s no obligation to work with me (though once you see what we offer, you might just want to!). 😊HOMEBUYER AND RELOCATION TRANSITION RESOURCESFor Home Buyers: Find Homes for Sale in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill and Surro...
Comments 1
By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
 Is Your Greater Charlotte Dream Home In A Neighborhood With Amenities? 🎾🏊‍♂️🏋️‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Summer Is Here – And So Are The Perks Of Life In Greater Charlotte's Amenity-Rich NeighborhoodsAs summer arrives in full swing, neighborhoods across the Greater Charlotte area are coming to life. Pools are open, tennis courts are buzzing with activity, and families are gathering at clubhouses and playgrounds to soak up the season. It’s the perfect time to experience the lifestyle that amenity-rich neighborhoods in Greater Charlotte have to offer. Whether you're looking for a home where your kids can splash in the pool all summer, a community with a fitness center just steps from your door, or access to pickleball and basketball courts for weekend fun, the Greater Charlotte area delivers. From reso...
Comments 12
By Greg Cremia
(Shore Realty of the Outer Banks)
With so many new agents coming to the Outer Banks it is only natural that many lack the local knowledge of the area's geography. It is easy to find yourself buying a home that experiences water intrusion into the ground floor from rising water.There are ways to Across the Outer Banks there are different types of flooding that occurs and where a property is located will determine what type of flooding, if any, occurs. Some areas never experience flooding while other areas are flooded repeatedly. This guide was created is to help home buyers avoid buying a home that is prone to flooding on the on the Outer Banks.
Comments 0
By Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA, 301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA
(Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties )
I recently had the pleasure of facilitating the sale of a property in Rockville, Maryland, which garnered significant interest and sold quickly in just 11 days.The key to this successful home sale lay in a combination of strategic pricing, thorough pre-listing preparation, and a well-executed open house event that attracted serious buyers.Contrary to the notion that a quick sale is always the best outcome, our approach allowed for a stress-free experience for the clients, giving the marketing efforts sufficient time to generate interest and showcase the property to potential buyers.The Story Behind 2000 Lewis AvenueAs we explore the history and features of 2000 Lewis Avenue, it becomes clear why this property was so attractive to potential buyers. This home, located in the desirable Twi...
Comments 1
By Larry Wedige, Anyone Else is Just Looking Around
(LarryInspects Home Inspection Service)
Should My Realtor Attend the Home Inspection?Buying a home is one of the most pivotal investments you’ll ever make. As part of the process, a home inspection is crucial—it helps ensure you're not walking into a costly trap. One question that often comes up: Should your Realtor attend the inspection with you? Let’s unpack this topic, considering the good, the bad, and everything in between.Why the Buyer Should Always Attend the InspectionFirst things first—you, the buyer, should absolutely attend. The home inspection isn’t just a formality. It’s an education.Here’s why it matters: See issues firsthand. Reading a report is one thing—seeing a foundation crack or water stain in person is another. Ask real-time questions. A home inspector can explain defects, offer context, and help you weig...
Comments 6
By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Keller Williams Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**JUST LISTED!** Gorgeous 4br/4bth home w/TWO GARAGES in popular River Oaks, Wilmington NC! Attached 2-car garage, & detached heated/cooled 3-car garage for storage or dream workshop space! Beautifully adorned interior, wraparound front porch, boat/trailer storage space, community pool, & **NO CITY TAXES** in a neighborhood just minutes from both Carolina & Kure Beaches! This home will move fast - call us TODAY with offers! This Is The One! Pics/Info/Pricing: https://www.desireewhalen.com/property/100509723/
Comments 2
By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Have you been holding off on downsizing? If so, you should know your equity could make your move possible.Homeowners today have so much equity that a record number are buying their next house in all cash. And that has some big benefits like making their offer more appealing, potentially closing faster, and not having a mortgage payment.To find out how much equity you have in your current house, let's connect. Because it may be enough to fuel your move. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warran...
Comments 1
By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
🈚 ▐►RENT to OWN  4bd - 2ba DWMH FSBO Summerville-Charleston 🈚▐►FSBO NO BANK QUALIFY RENT to OWN DWMH FULLY RENOVATED LOW OPTION PAYMENT  4bd-2bd Summerville Charleston 🈚▐►FSBO NO BANK RENT to OWN DWMH 4bd - 2ba Summerville-Charleston ★Two Rent to Own Options to Choose ★ or Buy Outright for a Cash Discount  ★ RENOVATION COMPLETEDAVAILABLE  SEE WEBSITE BELOWPictures are pre - renovation updated Pictures and Video to Post    ★ ★BUY HERE AVAILABLE  06 03 20254bd - 2ba DWMH FULLY Renovated PLUS Yard - Shed! See Our BUYER Website Below to BUY Your Next House - Mobile Home or Land for CASH:   ★ ★ BUY HERE  WholeSale Buyer Values See:✴️▐►    SCInvestmentProperties.com ** Contact us Today!★ ★★ We contact ALL who Visit Our FREE Preferred Buyer VIPCall Steve for Your Appointment to Visit this Home...
Comments 0
By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Not all scares come with ghosts—some come with unexpected home repairs 👀 That’s why having an agent who knows what to look for really matters. I’ll help you spot the red flags before they become costly surprises. Let’s make sure your dream home isn’t hiding any nightmares 🏡✨ DM me to get started! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #newhome #a061325 #investment #househunting #icanhelp #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #dreamhome
Comments 2
By Alberto Pacheco, Experience and Trust
(Home Smart Evergreen Realty)
Avoid these 8 costly home buying mistakes that trap first-time buyers. Learn expert strategies to save money, protect your investment, and secure your dream home without financial regret.The $50,000 Mistake You Never Saw ComingPurchasing your first home should be one of life's most exciting milestones, but for thousands of buyers each year, it becomes their most expensive mistake. The median first-time buyer loses approximately $15,000 to $50,000 due to preventable errors during the home buying process. These financial setbacks can derail your homeownership dreams and create years of unnecessary debt.The real estate market rewards prepared buyers and punishes those who rush in without proper knowledge. Understanding these eight critical mistakes before you start house hunting could be t...
Comments 1
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2058 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$400000 4 Beds - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Remodeled Duplex in the heart of Tallahassee! This charming and cozy duplex has been tastefully updated with ample parking and easy, walkable access to Midtown, local parks, and shopping. Great opportunity for investors or homeowners that want to live on one side, rent the other. Outstanding opportunity for income production for gameday weekends, too! Follow This Home
Comments 0
Back to Top