Admin

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 Sam Miller, Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist
(RE/MAX Stars Realty)
Super gorgeous barn that has been converted into a spectacular home and they maintained the rustic feel of the original barn but they added some wonderful modern conveniences.  There is also an adorable guest house, a pole barn garage / shop space, walking paths and lots of beautiful trees.  It is VERY rare to find near 50 acres in Knox County that hasn't been made into corn fields and this property is a true "Survivor".  You can view a drone flight over the property by clicking hereView a 3D tour of the inside of the restored barn hereView additional listing details by visiting 13159 Old Mansfield Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.  This property is available for immediate possession and it is priced at $1,100,000.  Contact The Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty at 740-397-7800 SamMill...
Comments 5
By James Potenza Texas Buyer Realty, Houston New Construction Realtor | Helping Buyers
(Texas Buyer Realty)
Comparing New Construction Home Builders in Meridiana, Iowa Colony, TexasIf you're considering buying a new construction home in Meridiana, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing the right builder.Is Highland Homes better than Perry Homes? How does David Weekley compare with Chesmar? Which builder offers the best construction quality and value?These are important questions for buyers relocating to the Houston area or shopping for a new home south of Houston.I'm James Potenza, Broker/Owner of Texas Buyer Realty LLC and a Houston new construction REALTOR®.I've personally walked and filmed framing-stage homes from Highland Homes, Perry Homes, David Weekley Homes, and Chesmar Homes in Meridiana, including actual client builds.These are real construction walkthroughs, not just ...
Comments 1
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR TO BUY A HOME? 🔑Have you been thinking about buying a home but aren't sure if now is the right time? Your dream of homeownership may be closer than you think!Owning a home can help you:✅ Build equity for your future.✅ Create stability for yourself and your family.✅ Enjoy a place to call your own.✅ Invest in your long-term goals.You don't have to figure everything out on your own! The first step is having a plan that fits your budget, lifestyle, and goals.🏠 Let's turn your dream of homeownership into a plan!I'm here to help you explore your options and navigate the home-buying process in Denver and the surrounding Colorado communities.📞 Contact me today, and let's get started!Will Hamm, Realtor“Where There's a Will, There's a Way!”
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Pacific Beach Weekly Market Update October 5th - 11th, 2026 Barrier Reef RECENTLY SOLD Sapphire Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 972 sq. ft. | $939,777 Sapphire Street | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 996 sq. ft. | $975,000 Casa Thomas NEWLY LISTED Thomas Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1141 sq. ft. | $897,500 Gresham La Palma RECENTLY SOLD La Palma | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1271 sq. ft. | $1,130,000 Pacific Tower RECENTLY SOLD Cass | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 793 sq. ft. | $425,000 Riviera Villas NEWLY LISTED Riviera | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 841 sq. ft. | $999,000 Santa Susanna RECENTLY SOLD Parker | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 866 sq. ft. | $975,000 The Plaza RECENTLY SOLD Lamont | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 653 sq. ft. | $325,000
Comments 0
By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling.The number of homes for sale is growing faster than it was this time last year. And interestingly, the main reason isn’t a flood of new listings. It’s because homes aren’t selling as quickly.Here’s why – and what that means if you’re thinking about buying or selling.Inventory Growth Is Picking Up SteamAccording to HousingWire Data, after inventory growth slowed down for most of the past year, it’s accelerated again in recent weeks. You can see that in the graph below. Just look at the blue line:And what's behind this shift might surprise you.When rates rise, some buyers hit pause. That means fewer homes sell each week. And as tho...
Comments 3
By Fred Sweezer Sr. CMI, LLC., HUD 203k Consultant
(Hud Certified 203K Consultant)
The plan reviewer plays a critical role in the FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Home Mortgage Insurance program, ensuring that proposed rehabilitation projects comply with HUD requirements and that all health and safety issues are addressed. Below are the key responsibilities of the plan reviewer as outlined in the program handbook:Plan Reviewer's Core ResponsibilitiesReview of Architectural Exhibits Examine all submitted architectural exhibits for compliance with HUD requirements. Ensure the homebuyer and contractor are present during the review when possible. Health and Safety Inspection Inspect the property to confirm that all health and safety issues are properly identified and included in the architectural exhibits. Assessment of Work Write-up and Materials Review the adequacy of the Work...
Comments 3
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Carlsbad Weekly Market Update October 5th - 11th, 2026 2500 Navarra NEWLY LISTED Navarra Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1328 sq. ft. | $735,000 Avellino NEWLY LISTED Brass Place | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2216 sq. ft. | $1,299,000 Golf View Terrace NEWLY LISTED Altisma Way | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1060 sq. ft. | $450,000 La Costa Golf View Terrace NEWLY LISTED Altisma Way | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1060 sq. ft. | $450,000 La Costa Resort Villas NEWLY LISTED Estrella De Mar Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 655 sq. ft. | $549,000 Meadowridge RECENTLY SOLD Camino Capistrano | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1350 sq. ft. | $699,999 Omni La Costa Resort and Spa NEWLY LISTED Estrella De Mar Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 655 sq. ft. | $549,000 Portico RECENTLY SOLD Terraza Portico | 2 bedrooms | 2 bath...
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Clairemont Mesa Weekly Market Update October 5th - 11th, 2026 Bayview Terrace NEWLY LISTED Huerfano Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 780 sq. ft. | $490,000
Comments 0
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Your monthly housing payment could be an investment in your future! Unlike renting, homeownership allows you to build equity as you pay down your mortgage and potentially benefit from rising property values. 💰✨ Ready to turn monthly payments into long-term financial opportunities? Let’s explore your path to owning a home!Your monthly housing payment could be doing more than keeping a roof over your head. 🏡 As you pay down your mortgage and potentially benefit from rising property values, you’re building equity that can contribute to your long-term financial future. If you’ve been thinking about making the move from renting to owning, send me a message and let’s explore what homeownership could look like for you! #thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a101426 #realestate #investment
Comments 1
By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Your monthly housing payment could be doing more than keeping a roof over your head. 🏡 As you pay down your mortgage and potentially benefit from rising property values, you’re building equity that can contribute to your long-term financial future. If you’ve been thinking about making the move from renting to owning, send me a message and let’s explore what homeownership could look like for you! #thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a101426 #realestate #investment
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Chula Vista Weekly Market Update October 5th - 11th, 2026 Belleza NEWLY LISTED Aviata Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1061 sq. ft. | $585,000 Chapala RECENTLY SOLD Lago Ventana | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1447 sq. ft. | $479,900 Charter Point RECENTLY SOLD Apache Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1266 sq. ft. | $450,000 Parkwoods RECENTLY SOLD Center Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1264 sq. ft. | $510,000 Rancho Rios RECENTLY SOLD Rancho Drive | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1228 sq. ft. | $549,900 Summerwind NEWLY LISTED Camlau | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1125 sq. ft. | $499,000 Villa Martinique NEWLY LISTED Eastshore | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 752 sq. ft. | $480,000
Comments 0
By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Buying a Home in Auburn: Should You Buy During Your Move? Buying a home in Auburn during your relocation may be a practical choice when you understand your budget, know your priorities, and expect to remain in the area.But what if you’re still learning the location or sorting out your long-term plans?There isn’t one correct purchase timeline for everyone moving to Auburn, Alabama. The right decision depends on your finances, your familiarity with the area, and how confident you feel about choosing a home.My role is to help you explore homes for purchase and make an informed decision without feeling rushed.Start With Purchase ReadinessBefore deciding whether to buy immediately, ask yourself what is already clear.Do you know your comfortable price range? Have you spoken with a lender if ...
Comments 2
By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Auburn University Employee Relocation: What Buyers Often Prioritize Auburn University employee relocation often begins with a new job, but the home search works best when buyers also think about the everyday life they want to build.If you’re moving to Auburn for a faculty or staff position, your priorities may be different than you expect.In my experience working with Auburn University employees over the years, the biggest house is often not the main goal. Buyers frequently place more importance on a reasonable commute, a comfortable neighborhood setting, easy access to campus, nearby shopping and restaurants, and a home that supports their long-term plans.Square footage matters. But a home that makes your regular week easier can be especially appealing when you’re adjusting to a new p...
Comments 1
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
College Area Weekly Market Update October 5th - 11th, 2026 Aspens RECENTLY SOLD El Cajon Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1123 sq. ft. | $309,000 College Gardens NEWLY LISTED Billman Street | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 937 sq. ft. | $464,800 College Way NEWLY LISTED College Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1196 sq. ft. | $550,000 Collwood Villas RECENTLY SOLD Collwood Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 971 sq. ft. | $405,000 Lake Park Villas NEWLY LISTED College Grove | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 625 sq. ft. | $275,000 Montezuma Townhomes NEWLY LISTED Reservoir | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1740 sq. ft. | $659,000 Tuscany Place RECENTLY SOLD Rolando Court | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 668 sq. ft. | $219,900
Comments 0
By Jean Richer, Straight Talk on Real Estate
(Royal Lepage Integrity)
You’ve found an Ottawa home you love, but one question keeps coming up: how much below the asking price should you offer?If the home is listed at $700,000, would $675,000 be reasonable? What about $650,000?There isn’t one percentage that works for every property. A sensible offer starts with understanding what the home is worth, how it compares with other available properties, and what you’re comfortable paying.Start with recent sales, rather than a discountThe asking price is a starting point. It doesn’t automatically tell you the home’s market value.Imagine two similar homes. One is listed at $700,000, and the other at $750,000. If recent comparable sales suggest both are worth approximately $700,000, an offer of $690,000 represents a similar buying decision on either property, despit...
Comments 3
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Normal Heights Weekly Market Update October 5th - 11th, 2026 Felton Park Villas RECENTLY SOLD Felton Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 583 sq. ft. | $450,000
Comments 0
By William Collins, Property and Asset Management
(ERA Queen City Realty)
In today's competitive real estate market, the strength of a buyer's financing can be just as important as the price offered for a property. While the terms pre-qualification and pre-approval are often used interchangeably, they can represent very different levels of financial review. For home sellers evaluating multiple offers, understanding that distinction can help identify buyers who are better prepared to move forward with a purchase. For buyers, obtaining a properly documented mortgage pre-approval can strengthen an offer and reduce the likelihood of unexpected financing complications. In this informative article originally published on February 19, 2014, Dave diCecco of Helen Adams Realty explains the important differences between mortgage pre-qualification and pre-approval, incl...
Comments 2
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Coronado Weekly Market Update October 5th - 11th, 2026 Beach Village at the Del NEWLY LISTED Orange Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1652 sq. ft. | $5,500,000 Orange Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 833 sq. ft. | $2,198,000 Casa Del Sol RECENTLY SOLD C Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1289 sq. ft. | $725,000 Garden of the Sun RECENTLY SOLD D Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1624 sq. ft. | $1,439,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Hillcrest Weekly Market Update October 5th - 11th, 2026 Del Prado RECENTLY SOLD Upas Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1395 sq. ft. | $1,295,000 Pacific Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Georgia Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 694 sq. ft. | $340,000 The Egyptian RECENTLY SOLD Park Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 808 sq. ft. | $600,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Mira Mesa Weekly Market Update October 5th - 11th, 2026 Carroll Canyon Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Carroll Canyon Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 604 sq. ft. | $248,000 Casa New Salem RECENTLY SOLD New Salem | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 662 sq. ft. | $287,000 Creekside RECENTLY SOLD Mesa Springs | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1041 sq. ft. | $579,000 Mirabella Point RECENTLY SOLD Maya Linda Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 956 sq. ft. | $515,000 Summit Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Aderman Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 598 sq. ft. | $424,900 Villa Mar RECENTLY SOLD Kelowna Road | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 698 sq. ft. | $448,800 Villas at New Salem RECENTLY SOLD New Salem Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 572 sq. ft. | $259,900 Villas at Westmore RECENTLY SOLD Westmore Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 866 sq. ft. | $340,876
Comments 0
Back to Top