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 Joe Metzler, Sr Loan Officer
(Cambria Mortgage)
Make Christmas memories... In your new home! It's not too late if you start NOW. Visit JoeMetzler.com/apply   Interested in buying a home, or finding out what you qualify to purchase?  We make it easy.  Just call our loan experts at (651) 552-3681, or visit  JoeMetzler.com/apply to start a no cost, no obligation application review. We proudly lend in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, and Florida. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 274132, 322798.  We lend in the following states: MN, WI, SD, ND, IA, CO, and FL. This is not an offer to lend or to extend credit, nor is this a guaranty of loan approval or commitment to lend. The information here may not be up-to-date and may no longer be accurate. Products and interest rates are subject to change at any time due to...
Comments 1
By Tammy Emineth, Content Marketer, SEO Teacher, Website Fixer
(Personal SEO - Website SEO and Real Estate Marketing)
In these odd times, having someone on your side during a transaction is crucial and essential. A buyer's agent is that unknown entity that most first-time buyers don't even know about. Most people head out into the real estate world, scared and uninformed.  A buyer's agent is exactly that; an agent for the buyer.When a homeowner lists their home they call on the knowledge of a listing agent. This agent draws up a contract to sell the property. The listing agent markets the property and can even bring the buyer. BUT a buyer's agent is only for the buyer and represents the buyer's side throughout the process, not the seller.  What a Buyer's Agent Actually Does for YouA listing agent's primary goal is to get their seller's house sold. Their first priority is to the seller, not the buyer. W...
Comments 2
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Starting with pre-approval is a smart first step in your homebuying journey. It not only helps you understand your budget and sets your expectations but also positions you as a serious buyer in the competitive market. As a real estate professional, I always recommend this crucial initial stage to my clients. It's the foundation for a smooth and successful home buying process. Great advice!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes on the market right now and that’s creating some competition among buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there are ways to navigate these waters...
Comments 1
By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
What do YOU think is a straight in driveway preferable to a curved driveway entrance or a side entrance driveway? Well yes straight is quicker but not as nice in my humble opinion. Are you looking for homes with a grand entrance with a CURVED or circular driveway and maybe a portico for when your guests arrive? They just look GOOD! Here are Homes for Sale with Circle Driveway in the Phoenix metro in Arizona for sale UPDATED DAILY on the MLS..  As a Buyer's Realtor, I love to track the curved and circle driveway homes for sale in the Phoenix Arizona metro area because I think they are more formal giving a custom home appearance. Do you have a lot of cars but no where to park them? I have a solution for you. I believe that homes with a circular driveway are special with plenty of parking ...
Comments 8
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
San Clemente Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Carmel RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Cristal | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2066 sq. ft. | $1,450,000 Seascape Village RECENTLY SOLD Paseo Halcon | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1409 sq. ft. | $950,000 Shore Cliff Villas RECENTLY SOLD Camino Capistrano | 3 bedrooms | 0 baths | 1394 sq. ft. | $829,000
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By Jennifer Carstensen -The Real Estate Agency, We specialize in selling houses (License: 317824)
(The Real Estate Agency (Office License: 265417))
If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes on the market right now and that’s creating some competition among buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there are ways to navigate these waters. The first thing you’ll want to do is get pre-approved for a mortgage. That way you’ll know your numbers and can set yourself up for success from the start of your home search. What Pre-Approval Does for You To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to know what pre-approval is. As part of the homebuying process, a lender looks at your finances to determine what they’d be willing to loan you. From there, your lender will give ...
Comments 5
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Huntington Beach Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Bayport RECENTLY SOLD Coast Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1631 sq. ft. | $1,150,000 Broadmoor Huntington Harbor BACK ON THE MARKET Francois Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1648 sq. ft. | $997,000 Harbour Pacific BACK ON THE MARKET Pacific Coast Highway | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 478 sq. ft. | $699,000 Huntington Landmark RECENTLY SOLD Coral Springs Court | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 784 sq. ft. | $499,000 Portola Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1066 sq. ft. | $530,000 Huntington West RECENTLY SOLD Delaware Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 674 sq. ft. | $199,000 Pacific Shores RECENTLY SOLD Noelle Drive | 4 bedrooms | 4.5 baths | 2584 sq. ft. | $1,299,000 Pier Colony RECENTLY SOLD Pacific Coast | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1181 sq...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes on the market right now and that’s creating some competition among buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there are ways to navigate these waters. The first thing you’ll want to do is get pre-approved for a mortgage. That way you’ll know your numbers and can set yourself up for success from the start of your home search. What Pre-Approval Does for You To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to know what pre-approval is. As part of the homebuying process, a lender looks at your finances to determine what they’d be willing to loan you. From there, your lender will give ...
Comments 2
By Christy Dawn, New Home Sales & Design Specialist Extraordinaire
(Home Decor Christy)
Building a new home is an incredibly exciting process. From choosing the floor plan to selecting the finishes, it's a chance to create a space that's uniquely yours.  Yet, as any seasoned homeowner can attest, proper electrical planning can make a significant difference in both the comfort and the value of a home. The Significance of Electrical PlanningToday's homes are more connected than ever, and the role of electrical systems has evolved to offer not just utility but also comfort, safety, and efficiency.  But when the electrical planning phase is overlooked, homeowners can find themselves regretting missed opportunities.  Common Electrical Features Home Buyers OverlookWhile many of us might think of standard outlets and lighting fixtures, there's a lot more to consider:  WiFi Access...
Comments 3
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
University City Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Capri BACK ON THE MARKET Shoreline Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1097 sq. ft. | $825,000 Genesee Highlands RECENTLY SOLD Camino Jonata | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 945 sq. ft. | $655,000 Camino Ticino | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 882 sq. ft. | $650,000 Camino Kiosco | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 882 sq. ft. | $660,000 Camino Huerta | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 945 sq. ft. | $585,000 The Park RECENTLY SOLD Agee Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 956 sq. ft. | $649,900 The Venetian RECENTLY SOLD Nobel Drive | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 420 sq. ft. | $439,900 Villa Vicenza RECENTLY SOLD Lebon | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 629 sq. ft. | $600,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
1833 Wales Dr, Tallahassee, fl Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click here to Get Directions$250000 3 Beds - 2.5 Baths - 0.22 acres Lot This fantastic and move-in ready home with three bedrooms and two full & one half bath home lives large with an open living room, dining room and kitchen and features updated flooring, a well appointed kitchen with granite countertops, updated cabinets and stainless steel appliances, a spacious master bedroom with a luxurious master shower and two closets, as well as interior laundry room, and a fenced back yard! Updates have been completed (2013 HVAC, 2018 Roof & 2021 Water Heater), but also allowing the next owner to put their personal touch on the home. This ideal location is convenient to shopping, schools, parks and entertainment for home buyers ...
Comments 3
By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
When I first moved to Florida I learned screened in porches up north were called Lanais here in Florida.  Then I had to learn a new term here in The Villages, Florida, kissing lanais which means two lanais back to back only a few feet off the property line.  Recently I visited with a couple who moved to The Villages from a home in Colorado that had a few acres of land and quickly they learned about kissing lanais and planted bushes to give some privacy.  They also realized even having a conversation with inside voice your neighbors can hear everything you say.  Oh, and if they play music you better hope they have the same taste in music, and when they grill you going to get hungry.There is a reason cul-de-sac homes sell for more, the lot which is bigger and no kissing lanais in most cas...
Comments 10
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Corona Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 First Impressions at Corona Hills RECENTLY SOLD Ascot | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1186 sq. ft. | $525,000 Triana at Corona Ranch NEWLY LISTED Las Colinas Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 941 sq. ft. | $440,000 Windwood BACK ON THE MARKET Border Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1035 sq. ft. | $407,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Temecula Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Rancho Meadows RECENTLY SOLD La Paz Road | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1889 sq. ft. | $479,000 Reflections at Temecula Lane RECENTLY SOLD Strawberry Tree Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1582 sq. ft. | $518,900 Temecula Creek Village BACK ON THE MARKET Taylor Lane | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 864 sq. ft. | $369,900 Belvista NEWLY LISTED Avenida Amistad | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1128 sq. ft. | $495,000
Comments 0
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