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 Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Welcome to Arizona Homes and Land. Are you looking Homes and Ranches with 1+ acre in Arizona For Sale and/or Land for Sale with 1+ acre lots, many with much more land? Or just a home or just land at Arizona Homes and Land? Well grab a cup of coffee and browse though what is available for sale in Maricopa County on my Free MLS and other areas of the Grand Canyon State. My team, the Arizona Homes and Land Group with HomeSmart are here to help you find the right home at the right price. (Photo: Acre Plus home in Scottsdale Arizona by Jeff Masich)Free MLS for Arizona Homes and Land (filter your results)MLS listings for Homes and Ranches with 1+ acre in Arizona For Sale. See this link for a FULL PAGE searchable display or create your own free Arizona MLS SEARCH PORTAL with hundreds of MLS Cr...
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By Dan Rochon, Top Realtor in Northern Virginia
(Greetings Virginia with eXp Realty)
HOMEOWNERSHIP BENEFITS IN FAIRFAX COUNTYFor many people, homeownership is not just a place to call home; it's a powerful tool for building wealth and securing their financial future.Real estate has long been considered one of the most reliable investments, and owning a home can be a cornerstone of financial success.In this blog post, we'll explore how you can build wealth through homeownership and take control of your financial destiny.Equity AccumulationOne of the primary ways homeowners build wealth is through equity accumulation.Equity is the portion of your home's value that you own outright, and it increases as you pay down your mortgage and your home appreciates over time.This can be likened to a forced savings plan, as your monthly mortgage payments contribute to your wealth-buil...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Sherman Oaks Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Kester Villas RECENTLY SOLD Kester Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 0 baths | 1164 sq. ft. | $599,000 Oak Pointe BACK ON THE MARKET Magnolia Boulevard | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1674 sq. ft. | $799,000 RECENTLY SOLD Magnolia Boulevard | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1562 sq. ft. | $799,000 Riverside Arms RECENTLY SOLD Riverside Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1520 sq. ft. | $599,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Wilshire Corridor Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 The Longford NEWLY LISTED Wilshire | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 365 sq. ft. | $475,000 The Westholme RECENTLY SOLD Wilshire Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2354 sq. ft. | $1,650,000 The Wilshire RECENTLY SOLD Wilshire Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2757 sq. ft. | $3,125,000 Wilshire Holmby RECENTLY SOLD Wilshire Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1418 sq. ft. | $695,000 Wilshire Marquis RECENTLY SOLD Wilshire Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1352 sq. ft. | $889,000 Wilshire Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1400 sq. ft. | $879,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2912 Lasswade Dr, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$475,000 4 Beds - 2.5 Baths - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Waverly. This impressive two-story, 4 bedrooms brick home is overflowing with potential. With its spacious layout and a half-acre lot, this property offers an array of possibilities.The main floor features a sizable family room with carport access, a kitchen that boasts a large island, making meal preparation and gatherings a breeze. A separate dining room and living room provide even more options for entertaining and daily living.One of the standout features of this home is the bright and beautiful sunroom, adorned with an abundance of windows and skylights that flood the space with natural light. From here, you can en...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
1699 Saint Georges Ct, East Point, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click here to Get Directions$525,000 3 Beds - 2 Baths - 0.75 acres Lot Enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets overlooking St George Sound. This new construction community features, a gated private entrance, a community pool, terrific views and also even has ONSITE Boat and RV Parking. Additionally, this community sports it own private boat dock for loading or unloading for a day on the water. This home features a spacious open floor plan, Granite Countertops, Beautiful Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, upgraded bathrooms which also have Granite Countertops. Abundant natural light fills the main living area of this home. Furthermore, from the front of this home and the front porch, there are breathtaking views of the sound...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Woodland Hills Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Ascent At Warner Center RECENTLY SOLD Erwin Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 630 sq. ft. | $482,000 Villa Granada BACK ON THE MARKET Randi Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1559 sq. ft. | $699,999 RECENTLY SOLD Erwin Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1575 sq. ft. | $799,000 Warner Club Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Burbank Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1338 sq. ft. | $679,000 Warner Woods BACK ON THE MARKET Burbank Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1338 sq. ft. | $679,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Marina del Rey Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Azzurra BACK ON THE MARKET Marina Pointe Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 835 sq. ft. | $740,000 Marina Pointe Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 959 sq. ft. | $895,000 Marina City Club NEWLY LISTED Marina City Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1570 sq. ft. | $635,000 Marina Strand II BACK ON THE MARKET Tahiti Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1428 sq. ft. | $1,099,000 Villa San Tropez RECENTLY SOLD Admiral Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1921 sq. ft. | $1,398,000 Admiral Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1932 sq. ft. | $1,549,000 Villa Vallarta RECENTLY SOLD Alla Road | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1646 sq. ft. | $1,299,000 Via Marina Tahiti NEWLY LISTED Marina City Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1570 sq. ft. | $635,000 BACK ON THE MARKE...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Santa Monica Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Ocean Towers RECENTLY SOLD Ocean Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 906 sq. ft. | $899,000 Ocean Avenue | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 515 sq. ft. | $599,000 Sea Colony II NEWLY LISTED Neilson Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1390 sq. ft. | $1,599,000 428 Hill Street BACK ON THE MARKET Hill Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 680 sq. ft. | $729,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Pasadena Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Arlington Complex RECENTLY SOLD Arlington Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1178 sq. ft. | $780,000 Terra Bella RECENTLY SOLD Cordova Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2250 sq. ft. | $1,688,000 Villa San Pasqual II RECENTLY SOLD San Pasqual Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1287 sq. ft. | $849,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Sylmar Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Brooktree BACK ON THE MARKET Polk Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1009 sq. ft. | $519,995
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Malibu Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Tivoli Cove BACK ON THE MARKET Seagull Way | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1201 sq. ft. | $1,895,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Westwood Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Westwood Arbor RECENTLY SOLD Veteran Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1095 sq. ft. | $849,000 Greencourt West BACK ON THE MARKET Greenfield Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1366 sq. ft. | $795,000 Kinnard Westwood BACK ON THE MARKET Kinnard Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1381 sq. ft. | $925,000
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By Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA, 301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA
(Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties )
Buying your dream home is an exciting endeavor, but it can also be a significant financial commitment. Fortunately, with careful planning and savvy strategies, you can make your homeownership dreams a reality without emptying your bank account. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you buy your dream home without breaking the bank:1. Set a Realistic BudgetBefore you start house hunting, determine how much you can comfortably afford. Consider your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, and any outstanding debts. Remember that your budget should include not just the purchase price but also closing costs, property taxes, and ongoing maintenance expenses.2. Check Your Credit Score  READ MORE: https://www.maxusrealtygroup.com/blog/5811/How+To+Buy+Your+Dream+Home+Without+...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Winnetka Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Forest Glen RECENTLY SOLD Cohasset Unit 18 Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 880 sq. ft. | $399,000 Franciscan Park II RECENTLY SOLD Leadwell Street | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1593 sq. ft. | $615,000 Terramar RECENTLY SOLD Keswick Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 880 sq. ft. | $440,000
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By Abby Stiller, SW Florida (239) 284-8637
(TOP SELLING REALTY)
Welcome to beautiful Naples Florida and start living the dream! This condo is the stuff dreams are made of. No expense was spared in this completely remodeled 2nd floor unit with an Elevator.Listing price: $430,000As you walk in you'll notice the gorgeous kitchen with quartz countertops, custom cabinets, high end stainless steel appliances and elegant golden light fixtures. The condo has luxury vinyl flooring throughout with a huge living room overlooking a serene pond. The master ensuite has exquisite tile, fixtures and a quartz vanity with a spacious walk in shower. The guest bathroom is equally impressive with a side entry into the guest bedroom and main living area. Not only is this condo gorgeous, you can't beat the location. Within minutes you're at fine dining restaurants, superm...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
College Area Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 College Park Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD 60Th Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1041 sq. ft. | $565,000 Lake Park Villas NEWLY LISTED College Grove Way | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $495,000 Montezuma Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Reservoir Drive | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1853 sq. ft. | $699,000 Reservoir Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1872 sq. ft. | $675,000
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By Abby Stiller, SW Florida (239) 284-8637
(TOP SELLING REALTY)
What a great opportunity to own a pool home in beautiful SE Cape Coral! at this price:$369,000This cute little gem is perfect for a first time home buyer or an investor looking to do an Airbnb.The home is in a fantastic location, close to supermarkets, shops, restaurants, schools and just minutes to Fort Myers. The three bedroom two bath home has a new roof with city water and sewer, with a huge lanai, perfect for outdoor entertaining and it's not in a flood zone!204 SE 18TH ST, CAPE CORAL FL 33990Come see this fantastic home today!Call now! 239-284-8637Hablo EspanolTo see more pictures CLICK HERE!       
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Rancho Bernardo Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Las Brisas NEWLY LISTED Avenida Villaha | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1397 sq. ft. | $870,000 Mira La Paz RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Venusto | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1230 sq. ft. | $599,999 Oaks North Village RECENTLY SOLD Pomerado Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1118 sq. ft. | $585,000 Oaks North Villas RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Cordillera | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1471 sq. ft. | $859,900 San Moritz RECENTLY SOLD Sanshey Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1389 sq. ft. | $940,000 The Summit RECENTLY SOLD Alva Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 745 sq. ft. | $455,000
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By Gary & Melynda Wolter, Since 2001, 480-269-1164, Reliable, Premier Personal Service since 2001
(ProSmart Realty)
A new strategy you might consider is taking advantage of builder incentives here in the Gilbert, Mesa, AZ area.Our buyer Macy just got a 5.5% rate with $10k in closing fees taken care of. Sales price was $436,500 for a new build townhouse with a community pool!No better time than now to build wealth! Don't let the news of high rates detour you! Call Melynda Wolter at 480-442-8316 to see if you qualify!#premierpersonalservice
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