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 Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Keller Williams Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**JUST LISTED & OPEN HOUSE!** Sat December 2nd 1-3pm! Beautiful 3br/3bth, end-unit townhome in popular Grayson Park, Leland NC! Interior features incl/bright & airy interior, high ceilings, gas log fireplace, & carpet, tile, and laminate flooring throughout. Exterior features incl/private rear patio, fenced yard (backed up to protected woodlands for added privacy) & HOA maintains the master insurance, trash, and exterior landscaping. Amenities incl/community clubhouse, pool, tennis, pickleball, playground, & walking trails (great for dog walks!). Fun, friendly neighborhood w/annual block parties! Seller is offering 6 mos of HOA fees to acceptable offers. This home won't stay on the market long - Call US TODAY with offers - This Is The One! https://www.desireewhalen.co...
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By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Keller Williams Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**JUST LISTED!** The Historic Peck House is an Italianate charmer that captures the essence of Downtown Wilmington living and truly a rare find in the market! Located right next door to the Murchison House & boasting one of the largest lots in the area (just over .3 acres), the home offers plenty of off-street parking & room for recreational use not often found in other downtown dwellings. Int features incl/remodeled kitchen (w/6-burner gas stove, pot filler faucet, & marble countertops), brick fireplaces, transom windows, hardwood floors, & crown molding throughout. Ext features incl/wrought-iron gate & fenced front yard, rocking-chair front porch, powered storage/workshop in private, shaded back yard, brand-new roof (w/new caps for the fireplaces), & newer HVAC unit...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
Happy Closing Day in Marble Hill in Elkridge, MDThis darling 2-bedroom condo has found a very happy new owner, my client! It's a very special closing for so many reasons. My client is the son of friends I've known for more than 18 years. He's a VA buyer - we ratified just before Veteran's Day - and a first time buyer. In a fast-paced market with limited inventory buying with a VA loan can be quite the challenge. You are competing with cash buyers and conventional loan buyers who put down a large chunk of money, and possibly adding appraisal waivers to their offers. There's still a stigma attached to the VA loan process, unfortunately, because of its appraisal being often - and wrongly - viewed as too strict. My buyer wrote two prior offers before he got the one - neither presented any r...
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By Rob McConville, CT Shoreline Real Estate Expert
(Coldwell Banker Choice Properties)
In today's market, selling your home can be the easy part!  The hard part can be finding a home.  Historically, buyer's have been able to use what is called a hubbard clause.  However, in this low inventory environment, there has been little incentive for sellers to accept this contingency.  Below we will discuss the pros and cons.Understanding Hubbard Clauses:A Hubbard Clause, named after a legal case, is essentially a contingency clause added to a real estate contract. It allows a buyer to make an offer on a property while still trying to sell their existing property. The essence of this clause lies in providing a safety net to the buyer. It stipulates that the purchase of the new property is contingent upon the successful sale of the buyer's current property within a specified time f...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mission Valley Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 Creekwood at River Run RECENTLY SOLD River Run Dr Unit 186 | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 682 sq. ft. | $440,000 Friars Pointe RECENTLY SOLD Rancho Mission Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 506 sq. ft. | $420,000 Mission Plaza RECENTLY SOLD Rancho Mission Unit 106 | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 834 sq. ft. | $542,000 Mission Village RECENTLY SOLD Hotel Circle South | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 974 sq. ft. | $499,000 Rancho Mission Villas RECENTLY SOLD Rancho Mission Road | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 824 sq. ft. | $499,000 The Franciscan RECENTLY SOLD Friars Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 664 sq. ft. | $439,000 Union Square RECENTLY SOLD Hazard Center Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1090 sq. ft. | $825,000
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Ready to turn your home into a haven? Use this list to plant the seeds of tranquility with greenery that adds both peace and charm to your space. From succulent serenity to fern-filled bliss, you can cultivate your dream home! 🏡🌱 #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #happyhome #happyhomeowners #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #hometips #plantparent
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Oceanside Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 La Montana RECENTLY SOLD Fire Mountain Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 740 sq. ft. | $385,000 Mission Hermosa RECENTLY SOLD Magdalena Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 827 sq. ft. | $549,000 Mission View RECENTLY SOLD Vista Del Rio Way | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1210 sq. ft. | $553,500 St Cloud at Ocean Ranch RECENTLY SOLD Pacifica Way | 4 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 2213 sq. ft. | $865,000 Quail Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Vista Del Rio Way | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1210 sq. ft. | $553,500
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Ready to turn your home into a haven? Use this list to plant the seeds of tranquility with greenery that adds both peace and charm to your space. From succulent serenity to fern-filled bliss, you can cultivate your dream home! 🏡🌱 #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #happyhome #happyhomeowners #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #hometips #plantparent
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
La Jolla Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 939 Coast RECENTLY SOLD Coast Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 930 sq. ft. | $1,149,900 Coast Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1608 sq. ft. | $2,250,000 La Flor de La Jolla RECENTLY SOLD Eads Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1022 sq. ft. | $1,295,000 Villas of Ivanhoe NEWLY LISTED Ivanhoe | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2167 sq. ft. | $2,475,000 Woodlands South RECENTLY SOLD Via Marin | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 832 sq. ft. | $699,000 Seahaus RECENTLY SOLD La Jolla Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1347 sq. ft. | $1,275,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
123 N Spruce Lane, Tallahassee, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click here to Get Directions$380000 4 Beds - 3 Baths - 2.92 acres Lot Stunning Home on Acreage! Nestled in a private cul-de-sac in the charming neighbourhood of Reston and situated on almost three wooded acres, this one-of-a kind home is not one you want to miss. From the spacious rocking chair front porch to the private dock overlooking Lake Tallavana out back, this picture-perfect property has so much curb appeal and country charm while boasting updates throughout. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this well maintained home lives large with its open and inviting floor plan. Featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and an abundance of windows allowing for much desired natural light throughout the home, updated LVP fl...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mira Mesa Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 Concord Square RECENTLY SOLD Summerdale Road | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1012 sq. ft. | $639,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Vista Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 Vista De Vista RECENTLY SOLD Ascot Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1159 sq. ft. | $565,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
1168 Lovers Lane South, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$360000 3 Beds - 2 Baths - 0.38 sqft Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print MOVE -IN READY & meticulously maintained Buck Lake home with every attention to detail on a spacious and private lot! This picture-perfect property has so much curb appeal and old Tallahassee charm while boasting gorgeous updates throughout. This three bedroom (and an office/flex room!), two bathroom home has it all; featuring a rocking chair front porch, soaring vaulted ceilings, updated LVP flooring & baseboards throughout most of the home, a separate office or flex space in addition to the bedrooms, a well appointed kitchen (with bar seating and an eat-in area!) also with updated countertops and backsplash, two completely renovated bathrooms,...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Pacific Beach Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 Capri by the Sea NEWLY LISTED Ocean Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 802 sq. ft. | $1,030,000 Pacific Woodlands NEWLY LISTED Pico Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 625 sq. ft. | $510,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Sherman Oaks Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 14600 Dickens St BACK ON THE MARKET Dickens Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1781 sq. ft. | $899,000 Paradise Castle RECENTLY SOLD Mammoth | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1499 sq. ft. | $789,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Tustin Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 Orchards RECENTLY SOLD Ternberry Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1344 sq. ft. | $885,000 Sunningdale Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1012 sq. ft. | $795,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Yorba Linda Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 Fairmont Hill BACK ON THE MARKET Fern Creek Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1095 sq. ft. | $675,000 La Terraza I RECENTLY SOLD Tamara Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2426 sq. ft. | $950,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Costa Mesa Weekly Market Update November 19th - 25th, 2023 Seabluff Canyon BACK ON THE MARKET Sea Cove Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1969 sq. ft. | $950,000
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By Sam Miller, Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist
(RE/MAX Stars Realty)
There are 1st time homebuyers who have been thinking about waiting for mortgage interest rates to come down before they buy a home. That may not be the best approach to saving money on a home and here's why.In 1971, the mortgage interest rates for homes averaged 7.54%. If you decided that you were not going to buy a house until the interest rates came down, you would NOT have purchased a home until 1993. You would have rented for 22 years waiting for interest rates to come down all while your monthly rent payments keep going up and up and up over those 22 years that you waited. Meanwhile, the value of most homes across the country during those 22 years nearly tripled. There is a popular saying in real estate which is "Don't wait to buy real estate, Buy real estate and wait". There is a ...
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