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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)
Winnetka Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 Keswick Patio Homes NEWLY LISTED Keswick Street | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1125 sq. ft. | $515,000 Park Avenue RECENTLY SOLD Cozycroft Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 839 sq. ft. | $399,000 Winnetka Gardens BACK ON THE MARKET Oso Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 891 sq. ft. | $449,000 Woodland Canoga Park NEWLY LISTED Winnetka Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1587 sq. ft. | $644,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Encino Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 5135 Zelzah Ave BACK ON THE MARKET Zelzah Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1160 sq. ft. | $510,000 Balboa Biltmore NEWLY LISTED Balboa Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1325 sq. ft. | $599,000 RECENTLY SOLD Balboa Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1415 sq. ft. | $599,000 Encino Oaks NEWLY LISTED White Oak Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 990 sq. ft. | $315,000 White Oak Avenue | 2 bedrooms | None baths | 990 sq. ft. | $235,000 BACK ON THE MARKET White Oak Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 990 sq. ft. | $399,000 Encino Park West NEWLY LISTED Genesta Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 0 baths | 1763 sq. ft. | $775,000 Encino Terrace NEWLY LISTED Zelzah Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 743 sq. ft. | $379,000 Park Lane RECENTLY SOLD Yarmouth Avenue | ...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
The 3 Things You’d Ban from Your Next House (And Why You Should)When you’re house hunting, some features just make you cringe. They’re the design quirks and outdated choices that might have made sense decades ago but now feel like a DIY nightmare. If you had the power to ban three things from your next home, what would they be? Here are three common offenders that top the list:1. Popcorn Ceilings – Dated and DustyThese textured ceilings were all the rage in the mid-20th century, but today, they just scream “renovation needed.” Not only do they collect dust like a magnet, but they also make a room feel instantly outdated. Removing them can be a messy job, but it’s worth it for a fresh, modern look. If you’re selling, ditch the popcorn for a smooth finish and watch your home’s appeal skyr...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Northridge Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 Balboa Village BACK ON THE MARKET Roscoe Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1072 sq. ft. | $445,000 Devonshire Village RECENTLY SOLD Devonshire Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1390 sq. ft. | $499,900 Northbrooke BACK ON THE MARKET Vanalden Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1576 sq. ft. | $696,000 Regents Court NEWLY LISTED Kinzie Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1362 sq. ft. | $595,000
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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 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 Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
North Hollywood Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 Cahuenga Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Cahuenga Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 797 sq. ft. | $449,944 Mira Lago RECENTLY SOLD Camarillo Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1100 sq. ft. | $699,000 Morrison Terrace NEWLY LISTED Morrison Street | 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1812 sq. ft. | $895,000 Pepperwood Village RECENTLY SOLD Clybourn Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1174 sq. ft. | $639,000 Sutton Terrace South RECENTLY SOLD Coldwater Canyon Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1451 sq. ft. | $584,000 Villa Casitas RECENTLY SOLD Kittridge Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 696 sq. ft. | $330,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Los Feliz Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 Los Feliz Condos RECENTLY SOLD Los Feliz Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1283 sq. ft. | $875,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Sherman Oaks Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 5324 Kester Ave BACK ON THE MARKET Kester Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1499 sq. ft. | $760,000 14242 Burbank Blvd BACK ON THE MARKET Burbank Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1380 sq. ft. | $663,000 14634 Magnolia Blvd RECENTLY SOLD Magnolia Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1650 sq. ft. | $779,000 Andover Court RECENTLY SOLD Van Noord Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1673 sq. ft. | $987,500 Chateau Royale RECENTLY SOLD Willis Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1047 sq. ft. | $539,000 Costa Azure RECENTLY SOLD Fulton Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1275 sq. ft. | $799,000 Deauville Maison RECENTLY SOLD Dickens Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 859 sq. ft. | $495,000 Dickens Contemporary NEWLY LISTED Dickens Street | 2 be...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
West LA Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 Villa di Lamdeni RECENTLY SOLD Rhode Island Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2117 sq. ft. | $1,595,000 Barry Court BACK ON THE MARKET Barry Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1628 sq. ft. | $949,000 Colby Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Colby Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 656 sq. ft. | $549,999 Federal Plaza BACK ON THE MARKET Federal Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1278 sq. ft. | $999,000 Rochester Regency RECENTLY SOLD Rochester Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 694 sq. ft. | $499,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Panorama City Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 Plummer Gardens NEWLY LISTED Plummer Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1025 sq. ft. | $449,985
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By John Krol, Naples,Luxury Homes,International Buyers / Sellers
(Top Producers Realty, Inc. Krol Group International)
      600 NEAPOLITAN WAY #345 NAPLES FL 34103 TOURhttps://view.paradym.com/v/600-Neapolitan-Way-345-Naples-FL-34103/4921116/sk/400  STORYBOOKhttps://600neapolitanway345.naplesfloridaluxuryrealestatekrolgroup.com  FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL OR TEXT BROKER JOHN 239-289-2336
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Long Beach Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 838 Pine NEWLY LISTED Pine Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1310 sq. ft. | $725,000 Bixby Riviera RECENTLY SOLD Riviera Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1930 sq. ft. | $925,000 El Dorado Lakes 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 La Costa BACK ON THE MARKET Kennebec Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1184 sq. ft. | $714,000 Park View Plaza NEWLY LISTED Park Plaza Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1420 sq. ft. | $879,900 Sea Isle Landing NEWLY LISTED Bay Shore Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 858 sq. ft. | $839,900 RECENTLY SOLD Bay Shore Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 858 sq. ft. | $775,0...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Santa Monica Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 Coral Tree Villas BACK ON THE MARKET San Vicente Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1476 sq. ft. | $1,650,000 Pergola RECENTLY SOLD California Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1325 sq. ft. | $1,699,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Reseda Weekly Market Update April 28th - May 4th, 2025 Northridge Village NEWLY LISTED Canby Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1573 sq. ft. | $619,999 RECENTLY SOLD Canby Avenue | 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1717 sq. ft. | $599,000 Sherman Court NEWLY LISTED Sherman Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 862 sq. ft. | $449,000 RECENTLY SOLD Sherman Way | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 619 sq. ft. | $149,000
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By Stella Barbour, Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland
(NoVa Brokers LLC)
🌸 Wondering If You Should Buy a Home in 2025?By Stella Barbour, Principal Broker — Nova Brokers LLC📞 703-999-6104 | 🕒 24 minutes ago | ⏱️ 2 min readBuying a home in spring 2025 offers several compelling advantages, particularly for those prepared to navigate the evolving real estate landscape. Here are key reasons why this season could be an opportune time to make a purchase:1. Declining Mortgage Rates Enhance AffordabilityMortgage rates are on a downward trend, improving affordability for buyers. Projections suggest a decrease from approximately 6.9% to around 5.85% by the end of 2025. While rates remain higher than the historic lows of the pandemic era, they are stabilizing — providing a more predictable environment for homebuyers.2. Increased Inventory Offers More ChoicesThe housing ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Once your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and more. That information is incredibly important and paves the way for you to re-negotiate with the seller, as needed. So, you don’t want to skip this step. An inspection is your chance to avoid costly headaches and get peace of mind. Let’s connect to talk about other ways to make your offer stand out. 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 warrant the accuracy ...
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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)
One Town, Ten Drives: Yorktown – Day 10One Town, Ten Drives: Yorktown – Day 10Drive: Kitchawan Road to Pines BridgeWe saved this one for last — and for good reason. Today’s drive down Kitchawan Road, stretching toward Pines Bridge, reminded us why walking the land matters more than ever in a town like Yorktown. These roads run through a quieter, more ecologically complex part of town — with watersheds, old stone culverts, and slopes that hide ridgeline views. This is land with stories. You don’t just buy here — you inherit a chapter of it.Some parcels here are large and dramatic, bordered by old farms or conservation tracts. Others are thin, oddly shaped, or appear “unbuildable” — until you get out of the car and realize they’re diamonds in the rough. We passed one lot with a creek at t...
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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)
One Town, Ten Drives: Yorktown – Day 9Drive: Baptist Church Road to Mohansic AvenueToday’s drive was about proximity — to Taconic Parkway, to schools, to FDR State Park. This is transitional land, where rural charm brushes up against commuter convenience. Driving Baptist Church Road and wrapping around to Mohansic Avenue, we passed parcels that feel caught between past and future — older homes with deep yards, occasional barns or outbuildings, and stretches of wooded frontage that feel oddly untouched given how close we are to everything.Here, the land feels like it’s waiting. Some lots appear unbuildable at first glance — steep or oddly shaped — but with the right engineering, they could yield value. Others are clearer: flat, well-drained, with neighboring properties that show the play...
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