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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 Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Exciting news! After a waiting a long 8 months my buyers got to close on the their  stunning new construction home at 159 Hessian Loop, Chesapeake, VA, located in the highly desirable Woodford Estates neighborhood in the Hickory area of Chesapeake! This beautiful property is part of a growing community that offers modern luxury, friendly features, and an unparalleled lifestyle. About 159 Hessian Loop The home at 159 Hessian Loop is a gem, boasting 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 1 half-bath across a spacious 2,843 square feet. With a sold price of $817,335, this property includes high-end finishes, modern design, and all the features that make a house feel like a home. Located on a large lot, it offers both space and privacy, with no detail overlooked in its construction. Woodford Estate...
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What Is a Power of Attorney in Real Estate?Selling a home involves a lot of paperwork, legal decisions, and sometimes even travel. But what happens when a homeowner isn’t able to handle those responsibilities themselves? That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) can come into play. A POA is a legal document that gives another person the authority to act on someone else’s behalf in legal or financial matters—such as selling a home.This can be incredibly useful for homeowners who are elderly, ill, out of the country, or otherwise unavailable to manage the real estate transaction personally. The person granted this authority is called the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” and their role is to carry out the sale as if they were the homeowner.When and Why You Might Use ItThere are a variety of sit...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
What Is a Lease-Option Agreement?A lease-option agreement is a creative strategy that allows homeowners to sell their property by offering a potential buyer the opportunity to lease the home for a specified period, with the option to purchase it at the end of the lease term. This arrangement combines a standard lease agreement with a separate option-to-purchase contract. It’s an ideal solution in slower markets or for sellers looking to attract buyers who may not yet qualify for a traditional mortgage.How the Process WorksIn a lease-option setup, the seller and tenant-buyer agree on two main components: the lease terms and the purchase option. The lease typically lasts one to three years and functions like any standard rental agreement. Alongside this, the buyer pays an upfront, non-ref...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Woodland Hills Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Dove Creek RECENTLY SOLD Shoup Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1243 sq. ft. | $590,000 Shoup Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1764 sq. ft. | $849,000 The Met BACK ON THE MARKET Owensmouth Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 920 sq. ft. | $500,000 RECENTLY SOLD Owensmouth Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 920 sq. ft. | $589,000 Burbank Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1030 sq. ft. | $579,000 Warner West RECENTLY SOLD Burbank Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 883 sq. ft. | $435,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Hollywood Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Franklin Towers RECENTLY SOLD Franklin Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1363 sq. ft. | $650,000 Hollywood Regis BACK ON THE MARKET Hawthorn Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1100 sq. ft. | $749,999 RECENTLY SOLD Hawthorn Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1140 sq. ft. | $670,000
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
🚨 Land Shocker: The $250,000 Mistake Happening Right Now in Yorktown 🚨May 16, 2025 | By Thomas SantoreYou won't believe what I found on Drive #7 this week.A vacant parcel in Yorktown—untouched, overlooked, and priced like it's 2015—just quietly changed hands… and nobody blinked.Why does this matter?Because that land is surrounded by homes valued at $1.2M+. Because it's got town water, gentle grade, and backs to forever-wild. And because the buyer? They weren’t a builder. Not a local. Not even an agent. Just a couple from Queens with a tape measure and a dream.I walked that lot last year. I begged clients to go see it. But no one wanted to “walk dirt” in winter.Fast forward five months—off-market sale. I ran the numbers last night: the buyer just made, conservatively, $250,000 in instant...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Helping you reach the front door of your dream home is what I’m here for 🏡 Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to dive into the pre-approval process, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Homeownership might feel like a big journey—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. ✨ Let’s get started—send me a message to begin! 💬 #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #hourneyhome #a051625 #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #dreamhome
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Brentwood Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Villa Florenze BACK ON THE MARKET S Bundy Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 966 sq. ft. | $775,000 Brentwood Darlington RECENTLY SOLD Darlington Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2092 sq. ft. | $1,575,000 Brentwood Royale BACK ON THE MARKET Darlington Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1688 sq. ft. | $1,299,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Downtown Los Angeles Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Barker Block Lofts RECENTLY SOLD S Hewitt Street | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1230 sq. ft. | $669,000 S Hewitt Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2360 sq. ft. | $1,298,000 S Hewitt Street | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1110 sq. ft. | $789,000 Biscuit Company Lofts NEWLY LISTED Industrial Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1071 sq. ft. | $1,045,000 Industrial Street | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 975 sq. ft. | $949,000 RECENTLY SOLD Industrial Street | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 630 sq. ft. | $379,000 Industrial Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 980 sq. ft. | $748,000 Industrial Street | 0 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1620 sq. ft. | $1,285,000 Industrial Street | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1189 sq. ft. | $1,049,000 Metropolis RECENTLY SOLD Francisco Street | 0 b...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Canoga Park Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Canoga Lakes RECENTLY SOLD Carlson Circle | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 868 sq. ft. | $407,000 Elkwood Terrace NEWLY LISTED Topanga Canyon Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 919 sq. ft. | $475,000 Village Park NEWLY LISTED International Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1078 sq. ft. | $390,000 BACK ON THE MARKET International Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 826 sq. ft. | $285,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
North Hollywood Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 7904 Laurel Canyon Blvd NEWLY LISTED Laurel Canyon Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 792 sq. ft. | $360,000 7905 Agnes Ave BACK ON THE MARKET Agnes Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 711 sq. ft. | $359,999 Denny Manor NEWLY LISTED Denny Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 801 sq. ft. | $549,000 Galaxy Whitsett RECENTLY SOLD Whitsett Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1329 sq. ft. | $499,000 Satsuma Villas NEWLY LISTED Satsuma Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1030 sq. ft. | $699,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Culver City Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Beverlywood West RECENTLY SOLD Overland Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1612 sq. ft. | $1,079,000 Lakeside Village NEWLY LISTED Summertime Lane | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 674 sq. ft. | $499,000 Tara Hill BACK ON THE MARKET Stoney Creek Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 885 sq. ft. | $685,000 The Pines BACK ON THE MARKET Canterbury Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 779 sq. ft. | $525,000 RECENTLY SOLD Canterbury Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1028 sq. ft. | $649,999 Windsor Fountains BACK ON THE MARKET Overland Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 920 sq. ft. | $605,000
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
You ask where did all of these kids come from? Well, I really don't feel comfortable answering that particular question. However, I CAN tell you what to do about it. Are you parents of a BIG BROOD or planning on having a big brood? You may be needing a COMPOUND to keep your kids and your sanity. (Chldren by Duernsteiner from Pixabay)Are you looking for a home for the brood with a guest house or casita for sale or how about a BIG 5,000+sf multi generational home for your parents? I track them all for my buyer clients here in the Phoenix Arizona metro area and UPDATED DAILY. Read on.Enter your housing COMPOUND, (photo: roneidaselva fromPixabay)Do you have a large family? Are you bumping into each other in the hallway? Do you resemble the Brady Bunch? Bring the brood! You need a home with ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Downtown Long Beach Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Marina Pacifica NEWLY LISTED Marina Pacifica Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1550 sq. ft. | $1,790,000 RECENTLY SOLD Marina Pacifica Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 701 sq. ft. | $578,888 Promenade Walk RECENTLY SOLD The Promenade N | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1449 sq. ft. | $799,000 The Royal Palms NEWLY LISTED Atlantic Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 905 sq. ft. | $500,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Long Beach Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 1500 Pine Ave NEWLY LISTED Pine Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1015 sq. ft. | $579,777 Casa Verde BACK ON THE MARKET Gladys Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 714 sq. ft. | $439,000 Clair Del NEWLY LISTED Clair Del Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 779 sq. ft. | $400,000 Country Club Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Country Club Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1120 sq. ft. | $649,000 RECENTLY SOLD Country Club Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 956 sq. ft. | $585,000 El Dorado Lakes NEWLY LISTED E Spring Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 960 sq. ft. | $518,800 BACK ON THE MARKET E Spring Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 734 sq. ft. | $399,000 Highland Haciendas BACK ON THE MARKET Atlantic Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 796 sq. ft. | $399,999 Lindenw...
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By John Pusa
On May 9, 2025, Cathie Ericson published a very good helpful report on Realtor.com for the legal rights you may not about an easement.1.  What is an easement?2. Common types of easements   a. Right of way   b. Utility maintenance   c. HOA or condominium3. How are easements created or removed?Perhaps there might be other helpful tips on the legal rights you may not about an easement.For complete more detailed information about ’s report for the legal rights you may not about an easement, please click HERE
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
West Hollywood Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 932 Alfred RECENTLY SOLD N Alfred Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 960 sq. ft. | $935,000 1200 Sweetzer NEWLY LISTED N Sweetzer Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1780 sq. ft. | $1,595,000 8265 Fountain BACK ON THE MARKET Fountain Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1340 sq. ft. | $1,188,000 Bonita Villas RECENTLY SOLD N Sierra Bonita Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 706 sq. ft. | $495,000 Doheny West Towers BACK ON THE MARKET N Doheny Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | None sq. ft. | $675,000 N Doheny Drive | 0 bedrooms | 0 baths | 613 sq. ft. | $835,000 Fountainview RECENTLY SOLD Fountain Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1826 sq. ft. | $799,000 Gardner 9 NEWLY LISTED N Gardner Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1250 sq. ft. | $1,140,000 Hampt...
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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...
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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
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By David Buck, Realtor-Broker
(Harcourts Island Real Estate)
While Kakaako and Waikiki often grab headlines, Hawaii Kai offers some of the best hidden value in Honolulu’s condo market — especially when it comes to high-rise living. Nestled along the marina with mountain and ocean views, Hawaii Kai is home to eight official high-rise buildings, most of which were built in the 1970s and 1980s and feature larger units, great amenities, and lower prices than their urban counterparts... Read More
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