Special offer

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
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Cypress Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Lincoln Square BACK ON THE MARKET Amethyst Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1132 sq. ft. | $499,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Tustin Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Briarcliff Village RECENTLY SOLD Donwest | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 910 sq. ft. | $565,000 Camden Place RECENTLY SOLD Wesley Way | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1827 sq. ft. | $1,190,000 Cantada RECENTLY SOLD Alderman Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1229 sq. ft. | $795,000 Park Tustin RECENTLY SOLD Via Calma | 2 bedrooms | None baths | 997 sq. ft. | $599,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
San Juan Capistrano Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Capistrano Villas NEWLY LISTED Calle San Luis | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 897 sq. ft. | $449,000 Marbella Golf Villas RECENTLY SOLD Plaza Baja Del Sol | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2285 sq. ft. | $1,275,000 Mesa Vista North BACK ON THE MARKET Paseo La Serna | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1390 sq. ft. | $1,049,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Aliso Viejo Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Latitudes North NEWLY LISTED Brownstone Way | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1638 sq. ft. | $859,000 Latitudes South NEWLY LISTED Brownstone Way | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1638 sq. ft. | $859,000 Morningside NEWLY LISTED Abbeywood Lane | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 918 sq. ft. | $544,900 The Windwards RECENTLY SOLD Tortuga Cay | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1568 sq. ft. | $899,900 Tiburon RECENTLY SOLD Los Palos | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1984 sq. ft. | $1,199,990 Windsong RECENTLY SOLD Willow Wind | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1499 sq. ft. | $949,900 Windgate | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1291 sq. ft. | $849,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Yorba Linda Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 The Hills BACK ON THE MARKET Copper Canyon Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1252 sq. ft. | $569,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Fountain Valley Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Mariposa RECENTLY SOLD Hampton Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1887 sq. ft. | $895,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Costa Mesa Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Mesa Verde Villas RECENTLY SOLD Iowa Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 908 sq. ft. | $550,000 Monticello RECENTLY SOLD Ticonderoga Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1244 sq. ft. | $900,000 Westbluff Village NEWLY LISTED Westward Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1292 sq. ft. | $799,000
Comments 0
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
3043 Cloudland Dr, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$220000 2 Beds - 1 Baths - 0.52 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Welcome to your own piece of paradise in Lakeshore! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home rests on over half an acre of lush land, offering a serene retreat for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. The property was recently updated with vinyl plank flooring upstairs (2022), a new fence (2022), new appliances (2022-2023) ensuring convenience and style. It also features a 2018 roof, new 200AMP electric in 2022, and 2016 HVAC & Water Heater. The property has an abundance of fruit trees including cara cara navel orange, blood orange, tangerine, peach, lemon, lime, mulberries, figs, olives, persimmon, pear, pomegranate, kumquat, loquat, bananas...
Comments 5
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Escondido Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Adobe Hills NEWLY LISTED Cranston Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1026 sq. ft. | $509,800 Midway North RECENTLY SOLD N Midway Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1032 sq. ft. | $350,000
Comments 0
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Spring Valley Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Helix De Oro RECENTLY SOLD Dale Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 950 sq. ft. | $414,000 Terra II NEWLY LISTED Terracina Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1379 sq. ft. | $617,000
Comments 0
By Bob Elliot, 30+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
Technology is no longer limited to just our smartphones and laptops; it's rapidly infiltrating every aspect of our lives, including the place we call home. The real estate industry is experiencing a significant transformation with the emergence of Smart Homes and the Internet of Things (IoT). These innovations are not just about convenience; they are revolutionizing the way we live, making our homes safer, more efficient, and ultimately more enjoyable.Welcome to the Future: Smart HomesGone are the days when homes were just four walls and a roof. Now, they are becoming smarter, thanks to advancements in technology. Imagine being able to control your lights, thermostat, security cameras, and even your coffee maker from your smartphone. Smart homes offer precisely that level of convenience...
Comments 0
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
El Cajon Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Barbara Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Shady | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1088 sq. ft. | $480,000 Corsica NEWLY LISTED Jamacha Road | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1005 sq. ft. | $517,900 Lakeridge Park RECENTLY SOLD Falcon Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1151 sq. ft. | $550,000 Madison Ave Condos RECENTLY SOLD Ballantyne Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 710 sq. ft. | $350,000 Mountain View Village RECENTLY SOLD Gustavo Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1188 sq. ft. | $549,000 Partridge Village RECENTLY SOLD Partridge Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $499,900 Partridge Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1454 sq. ft. | $609,000 Pepper Drive Estates NEWLY LISTED Summertime Drive | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1136 sq. ft. | $499,000 Rancho Villas NE...
Comments 0
By Phyllis Lerner call 914.438.7556, Corcoran Legends Realty
(Corcoran Legends Realty)
Fully Available - $775,000 - 528 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591 - For Sale - Listed @ $775,000 - Charming Side Hall Colonial in the very heart of the Pocantico Hills Hamlet. Beautiful property abuts the Rockefeller State Park land. So many old world details throughout this well maintained home. This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home has been freshly painted throughout. Solid hardwood floors ready to be refinshed. Gorgeous period staircase in entry hall. Full walk out basement. Large level backyard. Driveway to garage. Lots of possibilties to make it your own. Short walk to Pocantico Hills School, Olympic size pool, baby pool, tennis/pickle ball & basketball courts, playgrounds & ball fields. Surrounded by Rockefeller State Park walking trails. Pocantico School boasts Pre-K (3 & 4 year olds)...
Comments 3
By Westchester Modular Homes Inc, Serving NY, NJ, PA, CT, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME
(Westchester Modular Homes Inc)
YOU ARE INVITED - JOIN US - LIVE GUIDED INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL TOURSRegister for our next Live Virtual Factory, Design Center & Models Tours at www.vt-sign-up.comExperience a live virtual tour of our actual Westchester Modular Homes factory & models located at the factory, as well as custom homes that our customers have allowed us to shoot in 3D and share with you. If you are interested sign up at www.vt-sign-up.comWhat will you learn by attending the Live Virtual Factory Tour? - Learn about the Benefits & Advantages of Modular Construction - Experience the Design Software & how you can take a 3D Walkthrough of your Home before its built - Experience a 3D Tour of our Factory - Go on a 3D Tour of our Model Homes - Explore your Financing Options - Participate in a Q & A Session after Present...
Comments 0
By Westchester Modular Homes Inc, Serving NY, NJ, PA, CT, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME
(Westchester Modular Homes Inc)
YOU ARE INVITED - JOIN US - LIVE GUIDED INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL TOURSRegister for our next Live Virtual Factory, Design Center & Models Tours at www.vt-sign-up.comExperience a live virtual tour of our actual Westchester Modular Homes factory & models located at the factory, as well as custom homes that our customers have allowed us to shoot in 3D and share with you. If you are interested sign up at www.vt-sign-up.comWhat will you learn by attending the Live Virtual Factory Tour? - Learn about the Benefits & Advantages of Modular Construction - Experience the Design Software & how you can take a 3D Walkthrough of your Home before its built - Experience a 3D Tour of our Factory - Go on a 3D Tour of our Model Homes - Explore your Financing Options - Participate in a Q & A Session after Present...
Comments 0
By Westchester Modular Homes Inc, Serving NY, NJ, PA, CT, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME
(Westchester Modular Homes Inc)
YOU ARE INVITED - JOIN US - LIVE GUIDED INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL TOURSRegister for our next Live Virtual Factory, Design Center & Models Tours at www.vt-sign-up.comExperience a live virtual tour of our actual Westchester Modular Homes factory & models located at the factory, as well as custom homes that our customers have allowed us to shoot in 3D and share with you. If you are interested sign up at www.vt-sign-up.comWhat will you learn by attending the Live Virtual Factory Tour? - Learn about the Benefits & Advantages of Modular Construction - Experience the Design Software & how you can take a 3D Walkthrough of your Home before its built - Experience a 3D Tour of our Factory - Go on a 3D Tour of our Model Homes - Explore your Financing Options - Participate in a Q & A Session after Present...
Comments 0
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
You want to buy a home in the Main Line and Chester County areas. You go on line and search for homes and see some you like, there may even be an Open House you can visit. However, so far, you are unrepresented and not working with an agent who is going to protect your interests.You know you should have a buyer's agent representing you, guiding you, so you ask some friends and look online. You hope that you can just make a phone call and get an agent to help you. But, this would be a BIG mistake.When a customer calls me to ask about becoming a client I insist on a buyer consultation. It is VITALLY important that whoever you talk to insists you come and meet them for a buyer consultation. Before anything else, PA law requires agents to explain to you who represents who in a transaction, ...
Comments 11
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
North Park Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 California Village RECENTLY SOLD Haller Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1434 sq. ft. | $739,900 The Milano RECENTLY SOLD Texas Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 585 sq. ft. | $458,000
Comments 0
By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Here in AZ, our state association has created many “Lawyer approved” forms which allow for consistency in real estate transactions.  Unfortunately, many lenders fail to adhere to one form which creates for potential buyers literally a Grand Canyon and often derails the offer. Let me explain.The AZ AAR Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract does require on page 02, line 69 the submission of an AAR Pr-Qualification Form attached to the actual contract. Unfortunately, many buyers fail to understand the importance of this form as do their lenders.During the initial intake interview with a potential real estate buyer, I always inquire is this purchase going to be cash or a loan.  When the response is a loan, I then share how the AZ residential purchase real estate contract requires...
Comments 7