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 Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
When it comes to finding the right real estate agent, word of mouth is gold. Let's make sure your friends have the best recommendation - tag someone who's on the hunt for their dream home! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #househunting #homeowners #happyhome #happyhomeowners #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #icanhelp
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
For many of us Villagers the one regret we have is not coming here sooner.  Looking back, I visited The Villages the first time in about 2005, I regret not moving here than as I could have.  In 2008, I moved to Florida settling in Ocala just up the road and in 2011 I moved to The Villages.  I think about those 6 years that I could have been living here and wish I would have moved here in 2005.I have a family member who followed me to The Villages and she had no hesitation and said I want my husband to enjoy The Villages while he still can.  My point don’t let interest rates or other factors stop you from enjoying this lifestyle.  Face it we are on the clock and the day will come when golf, Pickleball and dancing in the squares won’t be an option.  We have an expression in real estate yo...
Comments 14
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2963 Bay Shore Dr, Tallahassee, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click here to Get Directions$290000 3 Beds - 2.5 Baths - 0.12 sqft Lot Amazing find with A rated schools! Located in Tree Harbor, this 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home is ready for the next owner! Downstairs you'll find 2 living spaces and a large eat in kitchen with bar area. Spacious master with walk in closet and updated vanity! Guest bath also features updated vanity. Gorgeous landscaping and home located adjacent to neighborhood park for easy enjoyment! 2018 Roof! Follow This Home
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mira Mesa Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Concord Square RECENTLY SOLD Summerdale Road | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 884 sq. ft. | $525,000 Villa Mar RECENTLY SOLD Kelowna Road | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 698 sq. ft. | $495,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Hillcrest Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Del Prado RECENTLY SOLD Upas Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1395 sq. ft. | $1,200,000 Park Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Indiana Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 951 sq. ft. | $609,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Mission Viejo Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Aliso Villas RECENTLY SOLD Via Pera | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 932 sq. ft. | $549,000 Alta Finisterra RECENTLY SOLD Coso | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1273 sq. ft. | $695,000 California Court RECENTLY SOLD California Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1365 sq. ft. | $699,900 Casa Loma BACK ON THE MARKET Marguerite Parkway | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1040 sq. ft. | $589,999 Emerald Pointe II RECENTLY SOLD Begonia Place | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1281 sq. ft. | $739,999 Mallorca Condos NEWLY LISTED Estallens | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1812 sq. ft. | $1,100,000 Sienna Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Sienna Ridge | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1369 sq. ft. | $775,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Laguna Niguel Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Crystal Cay RECENTLY SOLD Aruba Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 915 sq. ft. | $595,000 Expressions RECENTLY SOLD Calle Playa | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 893 sq. ft. | $619,000 Le St. Tropez BACK ON THE MARKET Outrigger Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1742 sq. ft. | $1,200,000 RECENTLY SOLD Barkentine Boulevard | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1663 sq. ft. | $950,000 Niguel Pointe BACK ON THE MARKET Vista Niguel | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1650 sq. ft. | $1,049,000 Villa Mira BACK ON THE MARKET Sorrento | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1049 sq. ft. | $619,000 Village Niguel Terrace II RECENTLY SOLD Nicole Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 750 sq. ft. | $525,000
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By Stephanie Huber, Real Estate Brokerage serving Port St. Lucie, FL
(www.thehubergroup.com | Huber Real Estate Group of Florida)
Valencia Walk is Riverland's newest 55+ active adult community in Port St Lucie, Florida with resort-style amenities in a golf cart friendly community. Valencia Walk residents have access to the state of the art facilities throughout the 4,000 acres of master-planned amenities at Riverland. The 51,000 square-foot Wellness & Fitness Center features a 24-hour fitness center with studios for classes, along with spa, indoor lap pool & recreational area, 2 outdoor swimming pool with lap lanes and resistance pool. Outside at the 16-acre Sports & Racquet Club, stay active at any of the 40 outdoor sports courts for Pickleball, Tennis & Bocce Ball. Express yourself at the 5-acre Arts & Culture Center with cooking shows, painting & ceramics. Coming soon to Riverland is a 12-acre Paseo Park and To...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Aliso Viejo Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Seacove Place RECENTLY SOLD Waxwing Lane | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1120 sq. ft. | $685,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Cypress Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Cypress Village BACK ON THE MARKET Orangewood | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1435 sq. ft. | $759,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
San Juan Capistrano Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Capistrano Villas NEWLY LISTED Calle San Antonio | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 897 sq. ft. | $455,000 Mesa Vista North RECENTLY SOLD Paseo Tamara | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1433 sq. ft. | $939,900
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By DALIA KIBBY, Selling Florida Homes with Passion!
(One Sothebys International Realty)
The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift. Experts say it’ll continue to be popular for years to come and project that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. To give you some perspective, that's a 417% increase compared to the pre-pandemic years when there were just 7 million remote workers.If you’re in the market to buy a home and you work remotely either full or part-time, this trend is a game-changer. It can help you overcome some of today’s affordability and housing inventory challenges.How Remote Work Helps with AffordabilityRemote or hybrid work allows you to change how you approach your home search. Since you’re no longer commuting every day, you may not feel it’s as essential to live near your office. ...
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By DALIA KIBBY, Selling Florida Homes with Passion!
(One Sothebys International Realty)
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 YouTo 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 you...
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By Cheryl Bowers, Plainfield, Naperville, IL. Real Estate
(Bowers Realty Group LLC)
Homes for sale in Plainfield, Illinois - September 25, 2023 (Part 2 of 2)There are currently 441 homes for sale in Plainfield, IL with an average list price of $477,631. Below is a recap of each subdivision in Plainfield that has only one home currently for sale. See Part 1 for the subdivisions in Plainfield, IL with more than one home currently for sale.Homes for sale in Plainfield, IL without a subdivision listed.There are currently 98 homes for sale in Plainfield without a subdivision listed. The homes range from 1-5 bedrooms with a price range of $220,000 - $850,000. The properties currently available in were built between 1900 and 2023.Homes for sale in Arbor Of Plainfield Plainfield, ILThere is currently 1 home for sale in Arbor Of Plainfield. This home has 3 bedrooms and is curr...
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By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
1901 Dayton Road #61, Chico, CA 95928 - $90,0001901 Dayton Road #61, Chico, CA 95928FEATURESBedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 2Parking Spaces: 1Year Built: 1989School District: Chico Unified Square Footage: 1176Agent Name: Sandi BaumanBroker: Chico Homes Real Estate Sales, IncMLS #: SN23166898DESCRIPTIONLocated in the popular Chico Mobile Country Club for residents 55 years and older. Situated on the edge of town, it's convenient to shopping, hospitals, and dining options in downtown Chico. The community offers a robust array of amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, exercise room, laundry, salon, dog run area and car wash station. Welcome home to unit #61! The kitchen is charming with solid surface countertops, subway tile and white cabinets. It feels open and airy with good natural light and bea...
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By Cheryl Bowers, Plainfield, Naperville, IL. Real Estate
(Bowers Realty Group LLC)
Homes for sale in Plainfield, Illinois - September 25, 2023 (Part 1 of 2)There are currently 441 homes for sale in Plainfield, IL with an average list price of $477,631. Below is a recap of each subdivision in Plainfield that has more than one home currently for sale. The subdivisions are listed in order from most listings to least.Homes for sale in Plainfield, IL without a subdivision listed.There are currently 98 homes for sale in Plainfield without a subdivision listed. The homes range from 1-5 bedrooms with a price range of $220,000 - $850,000. The properties currently available in were built between 1900 and 2023.Homes for sale in Creekside Crossing Plainfield, ILThere are currently 49 homes for sale in Creekside Crossing Plainfield, IL. The homes range from 2-5 bedrooms with a pr...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Check out this link from our local Realtors + MLS, below for the newest homes to come on the market. Follow us on Facebook GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE        YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLEY of the SUN For ALL your Valley AZ Real Estate Needs PHONE   Bill   at   602-999-0952 Text         Bill   at    602-999-0952 Email      Bill    at     billAZElite@cox.net  Read other YVP Blogs here For more information, Call or Text: 602-999-0952eMail: golfarizona@cox.netBill Salvatore / Arizona Elite PropertiesYour Valley Property TeamResidential Sales, Marketing, and Property Management Selling Arizona for more than 20 years Founder: AZVHV Arizona Veterans Helping VeteransRecipient: East Valley Tribune’s: Best Gilbert, Arizona Realtor      Bill Salvatore, Arizona Elite Properties, Veterans ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Lake Forest Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Aliso Creek Villas RECENTLY SOLD Orange Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 685 sq. ft. | $399,888 Bench Mark Villas RECENTLY SOLD Rimhurst Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 829 sq. ft. | $494,000 Brookland RECENTLY SOLD Wild Rose | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1618 sq. ft. | $1,025,000 Greenridge RECENTLY SOLD Loch Glen | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 939 sq. ft. | $625,000 Le Parc BACK ON THE MARKET Le Parc | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1084 sq. ft. | $629,000 RECENTLY SOLD Le Parc | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 781 sq. ft. | $520,000 Salerno BACK ON THE MARKET Chaumont Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 880 sq. ft. | $590,000 Chaumont Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1104 sq. ft. | $679,999 Tierra Vista BACK ON THE MARKET Tanoak Lane | 1 bedrooms | 1 ba...
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By Catherine Emert, Residential, land, commercial, businesses
(Strategic Realty, LLC)
If you’re keen on diving into the world of residential real estate investment, you may have stumbled upon the term BRRRR. This stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat, and serves as a strategic roadmap for long-term real estate investing. Unlike the one-time profit of house-flipping, the BRRRR method aims for a steady income stream and long-term equity growth, making it ideal for those invested in the long haul. Demystifying the BRRRR Method The BRRRR framework provides a structured approach to real estate investment. Starting with purchasing a property in need of some TLC, you move through a series of steps—renovation, rental, refinancing—to ultimately cash out your initial gains. Then the cycle begins anew with another property, setting up a chain of compounding financial rewar...
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