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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 Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
COMMUTE IN AUBURN ALABAMA: WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T EXPECT If you’re relocating to Auburn, one thing many people don’t think about is the commute in Auburn Alabama.Most buyers focus on the house.They compare kitchens, bathrooms, floor plans, and backyards.But what often affects your daily happiness more than the house itself is your commute.Location impacts your daily life every single day.That’s why I always tell buyers to think beyond the house and focus on how they plan to live.WHAT PEOPLE DON’T EXPECT ABOUT COMMUTING IN AUBURNMany people moving to Auburn assume traffic is always light because Auburn isn’t a large city.That’s not always the case.Traffic patterns can change significantly depending on: The time of year Auburn University schedules Football weekends School traffic Major e...
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After performing more than 8,000 NJ home inspections since 2002, I have noticed a trend that many home buyers do not fully appreciate until they are deep into the transaction. In today's Northeast real estate market, buyers are often willing to accept conditions that insurance companies may not. The buyer may be comfortable with an older roof. The buyer may be comfortable with an older electrical panel. The buyer may be comfortable with signs of past basement moisture. The buyer may be comfortable with oil heat or an underground oil tank. The insurance company may have a different opinion. That does not mean the buyer is wrong. It does not mean the insurance company is wrong. It simply means they are evaluating the property from different perspectives. The buyer is deciding whether they...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
BIGGEST MISTAKE BUYERS MAKE IN AUBURN ALABAMA If you’re searching for Auburn homes for sale, the biggest mistake buyers make in Auburn Alabama is focusing only on the house and not the area.I see this happen all the time.Buyers fall in love with granite countertops, a beautiful kitchen, fresh paint, or a gorgeous backyard. They become emotionally attached to a property before they stop and think about what daily life will actually look like after they move in.The truth is simple.You can change almost anything about a house.You can remodel a kitchen.You can update bathrooms.You can replace flooring.You can repaint every wall.But you cannot change the location.And that’s where many buyers end up regretting their decision. WHERE TO LIVE IN AUBURNOne of the first conversations I have with ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Downtown Long Beach Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Genesis RECENTLY SOLD Orange Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 859 sq. ft. | $515,000 Marina Pacifica NEWLY LISTED Marina Pacifica | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1370 sq. ft. | $975,000 The Royal Palms BACK ON THE MARKET Atlantic Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 730 sq. ft. | $399,000 RECENTLY SOLD Atlantic Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 905 sq. ft. | $398,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Woodland Hills Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 6300 Shoup Ave NEWLY LISTED Shoup Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 938 sq. ft. | $568,000 Ascent At Warner Center NEWLY LISTED Erwin | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1160 sq. ft. | $595,000 Bella Montagna RECENTLY SOLD Premiere Hills Circle | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 840 sq. ft. | $465,000 The Met NEWLY LISTED Owensmouth Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1010 sq. ft. | $459,900 Owensmouth Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 920 sq. ft. | $510,000 BACK ON THE MARKET Burbank Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 910 sq. ft. | $550,000 Warner Woodlands RECENTLY SOLD Canoga | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1354 sq. ft. | $683,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Culver City Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Fox Hills View BACK ON THE MARKET Cambridge Way | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2070 sq. ft. | $1,149,000 Green Valley Condominiums RECENTLY SOLD Green Valley Circle | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 852 sq. ft. | $449,000 Heather Village NEWLY LISTED Green Valley Circle | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1107 sq. ft. | $575,000 RECENTLY SOLD Green Valley Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 885 sq. ft. | $575,000 Lakeside Village NEWLY LISTED Summertime Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 916 sq. ft. | $575,000 Villa Andora RECENTLY SOLD Canterbury Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 939 sq. ft. | $599,000 Windsor Fountains BACK ON THE MARKET Overland Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 920 sq. ft. | $569,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Winnetka Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Woodland Canoga Park NEWLY LISTED Winnetka Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1587 sq. ft. | $589,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
San Pedro Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Casa Verde Estates NEWLY LISTED S Western Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1206 sq. ft. | $559,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Glendale Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Glendale Terrace NEWLY LISTED Burchett Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 758 sq. ft. | $449,000 Monterey Island NEWLY LISTED Monterey Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1864 sq. ft. | $1,055,000 Villa Capri RECENTLY SOLD N Jackson | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 529 sq. ft. | $324,999
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Marina del Rey Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Cove BACK ON THE MARKET Marina Pointe Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1533 sq. ft. | $1,329,000 RECENTLY SOLD Marina Pointe Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1901 sq. ft. | $1,629,000 Steel Lofts BACK ON THE MARKET Beach Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1210 sq. ft. | $1,099,000 Villa Marina East IV NEWLY LISTED Mindanao Way | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2217 sq. ft. | $1,649,000 Via Marina Tahiti NEWLY LISTED Mindanao Way | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2217 sq. ft. | $1,649,000 Admiral Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2002 sq. ft. | $1,449,000 BACK ON THE MARKET Marina Pointe Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1533 sq. ft. | $1,329,000 Beach Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1210 sq. ft. | $1,099,000 RECENTLY SOLD Marina Pointe Drive | 2 bedrooms | ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Reseda Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Landmark Townhomes BACK ON THE MARKET Saticoy | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1305 sq. ft. | $499,900 Northridge Village BACK ON THE MARKET Canby | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1573 sq. ft. | $549,999 Shirley East Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Shirley | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1390 sq. ft. | $550,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
West Hollywood Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Fountainview BACK ON THE MARKET Fountain Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1686 sq. ft. | $949,900 RECENTLY SOLD Fountain Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1636 sq. ft. | $749,700 Luminaire RECENTLY SOLD N Croft Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2053 sq. ft. | $1,575,000 Nob Hill NEWLY LISTED Palm Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 547 sq. ft. | $499,000 RECENTLY SOLD Palm Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 670 sq. ft. | $550,000 The Courtyards RECENTLY SOLD N Kings Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 761 sq. ft. | $479,000 N Kings Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1157 sq. ft. | $945,000 Westview Towers RECENTLY SOLD N La Cienega Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1679 sq. ft. | $999,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Venice Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Venice Renaissance NEWLY LISTED Main Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1188 sq. ft. | $1,049,000
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By Doug Haney, Springfield Ohio Real Estate Agent
(The Haney Group / Coldwell Banker Heritage)
  How to Make an Offer on a House in Springfield, Ohio in 2026 What to offer, which contingencies to keep, and how to negotiate without losing the home you want. Search Springfield Homes Published June 2026 · Updated June 2026 · By The Haney Group, Springfield, OH Quick Answer To make a strong offer on a house in Springfield, Ohio in 2026, start with a current comparative market analysis from a local agent, price competitively based on days on market (averaging ~77 days in Springfield right now), and keep your inspection and financing contingencies intact. In a market that still favors sellers for well-priced homes, the best offers combine a fair price, solid pre-approval, and clean terms — not necessarily the highest number. Writing an offer on a home is one of the highest-stakes momen...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Open Floor Plan or Separate Rooms? Which Team Are You On? If you’re searching for Auburn homes for sale, one of the biggest design debates isn’t about granite countertops, paint colors, or flooring.It’s this:Open floor plan or separate rooms?Which team are you on?Some buyers love wide-open living spaces where everyone can gather together.Others would happily trade an open floor plan for a few walls and a little peace and quiet.After helping buyers and sellers in Auburn and Opelika since 2005, I can tell you there’s no right answer.But there are definitely trends.Why Open Floor Plans Became So PopularOpen floor plans exploded in popularity over the last two decades.Builders began combining kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms into one large space.Many buyers loved the concept becaus...
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By Bandele Oguntomilade, Top REALTOR, Your Woodland Hills Real Estate Agent 818-825-6996
(Bogun Realty and Luxury Homes)
OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1-4PM Property:                               623 Woodworth Ave, San Fernando, CA 91340Virtual Tour:                          www.623Woodworth.comOffered At:                              $636,000Call:                                           818-825-6996 Property Description: Excellent Investment Opportunity - 2 Houses on One Lot! CALL 818-825-6996.  www.623Woodworth.comOffer Deadline is Tuesday 6-23-26 at 5pm. First time on market in 53 years! Excellent Investment Opportunity in the historic City of San Fernando.  2 houses on one beautifully maintained gated estate.  Both houses are permitted with aggregate living space of 1289sf on 5021sf lot.  More than $135K in recent improvements including newer roof, newer sewer line, newer plumbing, newer electrical and new s...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
Crawfordville Home for Sale 10 Stone Way, Crawfordville, FL 32327 $417,300 4Beds 2Baths 1,892Sq Ft $417KPrice Beautiful Family Home in Crawfordville Welcome to 10 Stone Way in Crawfordville, Florida, a spacious home offering 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,892 square feet of living space. Priced at $417,300, this property combines comfort, functionality, and modern living in one of Crawfordville's most desirable locations. Whether you're searching for a growing family home, a move-in-ready property, or a place that offers the perfect balance of convenience and small-town charm, this home deserves a closer look. Property Highlights 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms 1,892 square feet of living space Listed at $417,300 Located in Crawfordville, FL 32327 Spacious and functional floor plan Ideal fo...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
Crawfordville Home for Sale 10 Stone Way, Crawfordville, FL 32327 $417,300 4Beds 2Baths 1,892Sq Ft $417KPrice Beautiful Family Home in Crawfordville Welcome to 10 Stone Way in Crawfordville, Florida, a spacious home offering 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,892 square feet of living space. Priced at $417,300, this property combines comfort, functionality, and modern living in one of Crawfordville's most desirable locations. Whether you're searching for a growing family home, a move-in-ready property, or a place that offers the perfect balance of convenience and small-town charm, this home deserves a closer look. Property Highlights 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms 1,892 square feet of living space Listed at $417,300 Located in Crawfordville, FL 32327 Spacious and functional floor plan Ideal fo...
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By Matthew Klinowski, PA, Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle
(Downing Frye Realty)
From Golf Community Tours to an Off-Market Opportunity: A Southwest Florida Success Story One of the most rewarding aspects of our business is helping buyers navigate the many exceptional golf communities throughout Southwest Florida and ultimately find the one that best aligns with their lifestyle goals. Recently, we had the pleasure of helping our clients secure a beautiful home in Shadow Wood Preserve, a private gated community in Fort Myers, after an extensive search that included multiple golf clubs, community tours, membership consultations, and countless property showings. The best part? We found their dream home off market. Understanding the Lifestyle Before Choosing the Home Many buyers begin their search focused on finding the perfect house. We take a different approach. At T...
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By Teddy Lim, The Best or Nothing
(eXp Realty)
Do you need 20% down to buy a home in Washington?The most common reason first-time buyers wait is the down payment. Many believe they need 20% saved before they can buy. For most first-time buyers in Washington, the minimum can be much lower, often around 3% to 3.5%, depending on the loan program and the buyer's qualifications.Take a $500,000 home as an example. Here is what the upfront down payment looks like at different levels: Conventional loan, 5% down: $25,000 FHA loan, 3.5% down: $17,500 20% down: $100,000 The gap between $17,500 and $100,000 is what keeps a lot of people renting for years longer than they need to. Before you decide you can't buy, find out which loan programs you qualify for and what the monthly payment would actually look like.What the minimum down payment reall...
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