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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)
Tustin Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Cantada RECENTLY SOLD Dunstan Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1233 sq. ft. | $865,000 Mandevilla NEWLY LISTED Keller Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 678 sq. ft. | $499,000 RECENTLY SOLD Keller Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 882 sq. ft. | $779,000 Sevilla RECENTLY SOLD Via Corella | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1586 sq. ft. | $1,120,000 Sycamore Glen RECENTLY SOLD Sugar Maple Place | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1325 sq. ft. | $999,000 The Cascades RECENTLY SOLD Newport Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1315 sq. ft. | $728,000 Ventana RECENTLY SOLD Tryall | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1402 sq. ft. | $998,000 Village Homes RECENTLY SOLD Packers Circle | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 652 sq. ft. | $498,000 Packers Circle | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 652 sq. ft. | $...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Buena Park Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Founders Walk RECENTLY SOLD Webber Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1560 sq. ft. | $875,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Normal Heights Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Adela RECENTLY SOLD Madison Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 650 sq. ft. | $422,000 Plaza Arizona RECENTLY SOLD Arizona Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1207 sq. ft. | $739,900
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
 “Buy the house or keep the dog?”It sounds like a dramatic ultimatum—but you’d be shocked how often pets completely steer the ship in real estate deals here in Auburn and Opelika, AL.I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. I’ve even negotiated it.Here are some real-world ways buyers put their pets first:  What Buyers Actually Do:• Fenced yard > granite countertops when you’re house-hunting with a dog in mind.• Stairs? Not great for older pets with mobility issues.• HOA breed restrictions? Total dealbreaker. Some buyers walk away—even from their dream home.• Barking neighbor dogs? Yep, that can ruin a showing fast.• And yes—some buyers keep renting instead of buying just to avoid giving up their dog.Whether you’re a seller wanting to attract pet-loving buyers, or a buyer trying to balance lifestyle...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Alright, Auburn and Opelika friends—let’s settle this once and for all: Are you Modern Farmhouse or Maximalist Chaos?Do you dream in shiplap and sage green, with cozy neutrals and Joanna Gaines-approved light fixtures?Or are you more like: “Give me bold color, leopard print, and a gallery wall in every room—or I’m not home”?I’ll be honest—I’m somewhere in between. Modern-ish… with a side of mood swings. But here’s the thing: when it comes to buying or selling a home in Auburn or Opelika, your style matters more than you think. Buyers: Knowing what you gravitate toward helps you focus in fast when house hunting. Sellers: Understanding the vibe your home gives off can help you stage better, photograph better, and sell faster. So I’ve got to ask:  What’s your home style?Are you team modern...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Dream Backyard Setup in Auburn or Opelika? What Would You Build?If you could snap your fingers and design your dream backyard…Would it have a pool? A garden? A fire pit? Chickens roaming around?Mine? Definitely something with zero mosquitoes, a shaded cabana, and maybe even a custom lounging area for Hans. (He’s basically royalty around here.)Living in Auburn or Opelika, outdoor space matters — whether it’s weekend barbecues, morning coffee on the patio, or just enjoying some peace and quiet without hearing your neighbor’s Bluetooth speaker.So tell me… What’s your dream outdoor setup? I’m talking wild ideas, practical must-haves, or even that Pinterest-perfect project you’ve been saving for “one day.”Drop your answers below — I need ideas (and Hans has requests)!#AuburnAL #bhhs #Opelika...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mission Valley Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Creekwood at River Run RECENTLY SOLD River Run Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 682 sq. ft. | $460,000 River Run Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 977 sq. ft. | $625,000 Lucent II RECENTLY SOLD Distinctive Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1454 sq. ft. | $975,000 Park Villas North NEWLY LISTED Mission Center Court | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 972 sq. ft. | $532,000 The Bluffs RECENTLY SOLD Friars Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 661 sq. ft. | $399,999 The Lido NEWLY LISTED Station Village Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1776 sq. ft. | $927,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Santee Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Corsican Villas RECENTLY SOLD Kerrigan Street | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1323 sq. ft. | $639,900 Pepperhill Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Rancho Fanita | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1344 sq. ft. | $579,900
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Hemet Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Lincoln View NEWLY LISTED Sharp Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1140 sq. ft. | $279,000 RECENTLY SOLD Andrade Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2109 sq. ft. | $299,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Murrieta Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Madison Park Villas RECENTLY SOLD Madison Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1159 sq. ft. | $417,500 Meadowlane RECENTLY SOLD Cape Ridge Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1444 sq. ft. | $499,990 North Oaks BACK ON THE MARKET Larabee Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1761 sq. ft. | $520,000 Reserves at Madison park NEWLY LISTED Juniper Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1159 sq. ft. | $419,990 RECENTLY SOLD Juniper Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1159 sq. ft. | $420,000 Juniper Street | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1235 sq. ft. | $425,000 Verona BACK ON THE MARKET Arboretum Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 890 sq. ft. | $415,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Corona Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Magnolia Glen BACK ON THE MARKET Tangerine Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1076 sq. ft. | $520,000 Sage Canyon NEWLY LISTED Del Mar Way | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 735 sq. ft. | $385,000 RECENTLY SOLD Del Mar Way | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 735 sq. ft. | $389,000 Shady Grove NEWLY LISTED Owens Street | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 913 sq. ft. | $455,800 Triana at Corona Ranch BACK ON THE MARKET Las Colinas Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1063 sq. ft. | $469,000 Village Grove Cluster NEWLY LISTED Border Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1074 sq. ft. | $549,889 Border Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1171 sq. ft. | $475,000 Villagio RECENTLY SOLD Via Milano | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1007 sq. ft. | $470,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Temecula Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Reflections at Temecula Lane NEWLY LISTED Strawberry Tree Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1340 sq. ft. | $495,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Riverside Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 14th Green Condos RECENTLY SOLD Via Pintada | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1681 sq. ft. | $535,000 Four Seasons Villas RECENTLY SOLD Via Salvia | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1300 sq. ft. | $525,000 Holiday Park NEWLY LISTED Jackson Street | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 861 sq. ft. | $370,000 Magnolia Palms RECENTLY SOLD Palm Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1165 sq. ft. | $319,999 Palmilla NEWLY LISTED Massachusetts Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 604 sq. ft. | $265,000 BACK ON THE MARKET Massachusetts Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 860 sq. ft. | $311,000 Massachusetts Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 604 sq. ft. | $270,000 Sunset Ridge NEWLY LISTED El Capitan Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1612 sq. ft. | $549,900 The Trees RECENTLY SOLD Wintertr...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Moreno Valley Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Lakeview Sunnymead RECENTLY SOLD Orchid Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1152 sq. ft. | $265,000 Orchid Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1080 sq. ft. | $289,999
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Lake Elsinore Weekly Market Update June 9th - 15th, 2025 Brookview Terrace BACK ON THE MARKET Canyon Hills Road | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1633 sq. ft. | $465,000 RECENTLY SOLD Canyon Hills Road | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1565 sq. ft. | $459,900 Cottonwood Canyon Hills RECENTLY SOLD Woodruff Drive | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1767 sq. ft. | $298,000 Vista Del Lago BACK ON THE MARKET Park Point Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1141 sq. ft. | $410,000
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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 Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
When a Zillow Search Turns Into a Full-On Obsession (We’ve All Been There)Ever told yourself you were just browsing Zillow… and suddenly it’s 1 a.m., and you’re mentally tearing out walls in a house you’re never going to buy? Yeah, same.If your Zillow “casual scroll” has turned into a full-on obsession, you’re not alone — especially if you’re eyeing homes in Auburn, AL or Opelika, AL. Endless Scrolling: You check listings before bed, at lunch, and while waiting in line at Target. Fantasy Renovations: You’ve mentally remodeled 14 kitchens and 3 sunrooms… all from your phone. Overthinking Every Detail: You’re deep-diving property tax records instead of asking how the home feels. Auburn and Opelika are full of hidden gems and dream-home potential — but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the ...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
JUNE IS NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH 🏡🗝️REASON #7 TO OWN A HOME, NOT RENT OWNING A HOME PROVIDES TAX BENEFITS YOU DON'T GET WHEN YOU RENT         The Tax Advantages of Homeownership: Reason #7 To Own, Not RentBuying a home is more than just putting down roots—it's a strategic financial decision. Among the many advantages, Reason #7 to own a home is the wide array of tax benefits that renters simply don’t enjoy. And let’s face it: saving money on taxes is something we all want. Here are some of the key tax perks that come with owning a home: Mortgage Interest DeductionOne of the biggest tax breaks for homeowners is the ability to deduct the interest paid on the mortgage. This can result in significant savings, especially in the early years of a loan when the bulk of monthly payments go t...
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By NextDay Inspect, Residential Home Inspections & Environmental Tests
(NextDay Inspect)
 Walk & Talk Consultation: Inspect Homes Faster for a Competitive EdgeIn today’s fast-paced real estate market, buyers and agents alike need every advantage to make informed decisions quickly and confidently. One innovative approach gaining momentum is the Walk & Talk Consultation, a streamlined and interactive way to assess properties before making an offer. This method not only accelerates the inspection process but also provides immediate, expert feedback that can help buyers prioritize their investments and negotiate with greater certainty.Brought to you by NextDay Inspect®, a trusted name in home inspection services, the Walk & Talk Consultation is revolutionizing how home inspections are conducted. This article will delve deep into what a Walk & Talk Consultation entails, why it i...
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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
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