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 Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Aliso Viejo Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Calabria RECENTLY SOLD Sentinel Place | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1027 sq. ft. | $624,975 Headland Pl Place | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1362 sq. ft. | $770,000 California Renaissance NEWLY LISTED Titian | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1640 sq. ft. | $950,000 Cantora RECENTLY SOLD Meadowbrook | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1816 sq. ft. | $998,000 Hamptons RECENTLY SOLD Ensley Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1400 sq. ft. | $810,000 Latitudes North BACK ON THE MARKET Midtown Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1401 sq. ft. | $880,000 Latitudes South BACK ON THE MARKET Midtown Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1401 sq. ft. | $880,000 Orleans RECENTLY SOLD Bryce Cyn | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1126 sq. ft. | $699,999 Seagate Colony RECENTLY SOLD Ci...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Garden Grove Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Chapman Commons BACK ON THE MARKET Chapman Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1101 sq. ft. | $548,000 Meadow Brook Village BACK ON THE MARKET Creek View Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 774 sq. ft. | $460,000 Park Glenwood BACK ON THE MARKET Shirley Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 830 sq. ft. | $509,000 The Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Creek View Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 774 sq. ft. | $460,000 Valley View Park RECENTLY SOLD George Reyburn Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1166 sq. ft. | $745,000
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By Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You!
(Thompson Realty Group)
Bay Area Homebuilders are paying attention. “Bay Area Homebuilders are downsizing the American Dream to lure in entry-level homebuyers frustrated by the Bay Area resale housing market,” according to Dani Romero at Yahoo Finance.They’ve already increased Bay Area housing starts, which reflects their aim to meet the wants and needs of homebuyers who are frustrated by the paltry number of existing homes for sale.This is huge news for you if you’re among that group. Would you ever imagine that you could buy a brand-new home? No greasy smells from someone else’s cooking, no nasty carpet. Everything, down to the last detail, is brand new.But wait … there’s moreHave you ever met a Bay Area homeowner who threw in a pricey country club membership as an enticement to purchase his home? We haven’t...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Fountain Valley Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 New Chase RECENTLY SOLD Brighton River | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 702 sq. ft. | $490,000 Brighton River | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 702 sq. ft. | $464,950
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Laguna Beach Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Ocean Vista RECENTLY SOLD Ocean Vista Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 926 sq. ft. | $1,135,000 Ocean Vista Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 775 sq. ft. | $1,195,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Rancho Santa Margarita Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Brisa Del Lago I NEWLY LISTED Brisa Del Lago | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 922 sq. ft. | $689,000 Floramar RECENTLY SOLD Floramar | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1493 sq. ft. | $795,000 Mission Courts RECENTLY SOLD Via Honrado | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1031 sq. ft. | $649,000 Via Padres | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1031 sq. ft. | $645,000 Sea Country RECENTLY SOLD Seacountry Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1080 sq. ft. | $699,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Santa Ana Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Bradford Place RECENTLY SOLD W. Alton Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1234 sq. ft. | $689,000 The Redwoods RECENTLY SOLD Cabrillo Park Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 950 sq. ft. | $370,000
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
This came in the mail on Saturday from one of my clients that purchase a home.From Gary and Donell WhiteAs first time home buyers, we didn't know what to expect.  Will explained everything very well and kept us informed on everything.  He gave sound advice and sure we were comfortable in all aspects.  Will have gone above and beyond our expectations!
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By DALIA KIBBY, Selling Florida Homes with Passion!
(One Sothebys International Realty)
Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it's different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a home still claims the #1 spot for many Americans today (see graph below):  In fact, according to the graph, owning a home is more important to people than retiring, having a successful career, or even getting a college degree. But is the dream of homeownership still alive for younger generations?A recent survey by 1000watt dives into how the two generations many people believed would be the renter generations (Gen Z and millennials) feel about homeownership. Specifically, it asks if they want to buy a home in the future. The resounding answer ...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
A buyer asked me about a vacant land parcel here in Golden Valley, AZ. Other than 50% of the vacant land parcel was in a flood zone which was not clearly stated in the public remarks, the listing agent provided the following information in real estate agents’ only remarks:Owner on record, husband is deceased. Wife is selling and has all paperwork for escrow. This escrow fell out because the seller could not provide clear title. But now has quit claim deed recorded to Trust. Good to go.My first thought was how could a dead person assign a quitclaim deed? The second thought and more important thought was a quitclaim deed is not clear title. Nor does a quitclaim guarantee any protection to the buyer.This listing agent should know such a document is a very poor instrument when selling any p...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Mission Viejo Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Emerald Pointe I NEWLY LISTED Orchid Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1148 sq. ft. | $730,000 Emerald Pointe II BACK ON THE MARKET Poppy Place | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1148 sq. ft. | $730,000 Highland Park RECENTLY SOLD Berwick | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1223 sq. ft. | $775,000
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Oconomowoc WI Condo Sales Market Report November 2023   Oconomowoc Condos For Sale, Oconomowoc Realtor Kristin Johnston RE/MAX My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Platinum.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Condos in  Oconomowoc WI. Are you looking to buy a condo in Oconomowoc?  Wondering what your Oconomowoc condo is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net. I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Oconomowoc Real Estate. Check out my website www.waukeshahousesforsale.com! Review my many happy client testimonials too! In the Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Real Estate market 8 condos sold; 0 were listed and sold by the same company, and 8 were sold by a co-broke. In Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Real Estate ma...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Carlsbad Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Alta Mira II RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Estrada | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1027 sq. ft. | $855,000 La Costa Cays NEWLY LISTED Navarra Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1451 sq. ft. | $749,000 Sea Point Tennis Club NEWLY LISTED Vista Mar | 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2019 sq. ft. | $1,329,000 Windsong Cove RECENTLY SOLD Layang Layang Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1600 sq. ft. | $920,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Coronado Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Coronado Shores NEWLY LISTED Avenida Del Mundo | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1215 sq. ft. | $1,995,000 RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Del Mundo | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 809 sq. ft. | $1,945,000
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By Barbara Michaluk, Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR
(Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office)
Condo vs Coop Ownership in Leisure World MarylandCondo vs Coop Ownership ExplainedOwnership - Actual form of ownership is the main difference between coops and condos. While both usually provide the same end result-ownership of a unit in a building-there are significant differences that may influence your purchasing decision. Buying a condo, though it may be a unit in an apartment building or a unit in a complex, is much like purchasing a house. Buying a coop on the other hand is very different and involves the purchase of shares in a hooding corporation that owns the units in a building.A condo is "real property." Each unit owner owns an individual apartment in perpetuity and owns an undivided interest in the common elements of the building including the exterior walls, the roof, and l...
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By Kim Devlin, Realtor in St Augustine Florida
(Kim Devlin Team @Keller Williams Atlantic Partners)
Florida's Property Insurance IssuesIn today's blog, we're exploring the dynamic Florida home insurance landscape. I recently connected with Old Town Insurance in St. Augustine to uncover insights into the current challenges homeowners face.Florida's home insurance market is undergoing a transformative phase. With insurance carriers either exiting the state or revising their policies, homeowners are witnessing a steep climb in rates. This shift is largely attributed to frequent storms and a rise in litigation, especially regarding roofing claims.Litigation in FloridaA common scenario involves homeowners assigning benefit rights to roofers, who then exaggerate claims. This practice has led to increased insurance settlements and ultimately, policy cancellations for homeowners. A recent cha...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
University City Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Capri NEWLY LISTED Shoreline Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1019 sq. ft. | $820,000 University Woods RECENTLY SOLD Camino Raposa | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1472 sq. ft. | $749,000 Villas at University Park RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Carrena | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 914 sq. ft. | $599,999 Vista La Jolla RECENTLY SOLD Via Andar | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1512 sq. ft. | $1,195,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mission Valley Weekly Market Update November 26th - December 2nd, 2023 Frame and Focus RECENTLY SOLD Aperture Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1470 sq. ft. | $1,049,800 Kensington Park Villas RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Pintoresco | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1748 sq. ft. | $999,900 Mission Belwood RECENTLY SOLD Friars Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 838 sq. ft. | $299,900 Mission Gate NEWLY LISTED Camino De La Reina | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1628 sq. ft. | $949,000 Mission Village RECENTLY SOLD Hotel Circle | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 422 sq. ft. | $349,000 Rancho Mission Villas NEWLY LISTED Rancho Mission Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 530 sq. ft. | $425,000 Rancho Mission Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 604 sq. ft. | $410,000 River Scene RECENTLY SOLD Camino De La Reina | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 12...
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