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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 Teddy Lim, The Best or Nothing
(eXp Realty)
Yes, and the reason changed in 2025 in a way most of us in this business haven't caught up to. Washington law requires sellers to hand buyers a notice saying no cost insurance may be available from the state's Pollution Liability Insurance Agency. That insurance program ended. The policy expired June 30, 2025, and all registrations in it ended August 1, 2025. Buyers who read that notice and relax are relying on something that isn't there anymore.Key points: RCW 64.06.090 still requires the oil tank insurance notice. PLIA's Heating Oil Insurance Program that it refers to has closed to new claims and new registrations. PLIA replaced it with the Heating Oil Loan and Grant Program, which provides $60,000 cleanup grants and loans for system replacement, on an application basis rather than au...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while. But before you get discouraged, there's a number working behind the scenes that's actually good for you right now. It's called the spread, and once you understand it, you may see today’s rates in a whole new light.The Pattern That’s Held for 50+ YearsFor starters, mortgage rates don't move on their own. They tend to follow the 10-year treasury yield, a number tied to how investors feel about the economy.It’s not an exact science, since plenty of other factors can move it day to day, but broadly speaking, when the economy looks strong, that yield tends to climb over time. When the outlook gets shaky, it tends to ease. For over 50 years, the 10-year treasury yield and mortgage rates have moved a...
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By Sam Miller, Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist
(RE/MAX Stars Realty)
People are constantly asking me "When do you think mortgage interest rates will come down".  The honest answer is that nobody in the real estate industry knows for certain when interest rates will drop.  There is always a chance that interest rates go up instead of coming down.  There have been so many cases over the years where even the so called experts predict that interest rates will come down and the Feds make the announcement that they are increasing interest rates.  The experts are often wrong because there are so many different factors that contribute to the Fed rate and that contribute to the 30 year mortgage rate.This video touches on something that you won't hear from someone who is new in the real estate business because they haven't likely experienced a wide range of mortga...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Aurora, CO 80013Wed Aug 12 2026This week the median list price for Aurora, CO 80013 is $499,000 for single family homes. Median List Price $499,000 Median Price of New Listings $482,450 Per Square Foot $228 Average Days on Market 76 Median Days on Market 28 Price Decreased 49% Price Increased 2% Relisted 2% Inventory 128 Median Rent $2,790 128 single family homes are ready to be purchase and have a tax write off on the interest.
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By Andrews Collen Guide Real Estate, California Real Estate in Orange County
(Orange County Real Estate Group)
A clean entrance and a freshly mowed lawn are easy to sell. What they hide is harder to see. The association running that community might be short on cash, tangled up in a governance fight, or sitting on repairs it has put off for years, and almost none of that shows up on a walk-through.That gap is where a good agent earns their keep. Buyers rarely know which documents to ask for or what a healthy set of HOA financials looks like, so pointing them toward the right paperwork and the right questions can surface a problem while there is still time to renegotiate or walk. Here are seven things worth a closer look.1. Reserve Funds That Don't Match Future Maintenance NeedsStart with the most recent reserve study, if the association will share one. The reserve fund is the money set aside for ...
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By Jennifer Graff, Realtor serving the Las Vegas Valley
(The New Home Experts at Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
What does an Accredited Buyer’s Representative do for home buyers in Las Vegas?An Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) is a REALTOR® who has completed advanced buyer-representation training through NAR’s Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) and maintains active membership in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS®. In Nevada, that designation pairs with state-mandated fiduciary duties, loyalty, full disclosure, confidentiality, and more, that your agent owes you by law. For buyers navigating the Las Vegas metropolitan area in 2026, that combination is more than a credential. It’s a structural advantage.What the ABR® Designation Actually Means for YouLet me be direct about something I tell every buyer who sits down with me: not every agent who calls themselves a...
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By Carmelo Ginés, Broker / Owner -Albany, NY & surrounding Towns
(CKM Team Realty)
It happens all the time.A buyer walks into a home and immediately falls in love with the renovated kitchen, spacious backyard, beautiful hardwood floors, or finished basement. The house checks nearly every box on the wish list. But there is one thing no renovation can change: where the house is located.You can repaint walls. You can remodel the kitchen. You can replace flooring, add landscaping, or even change the layout of a home.You can't move the neighborhood.That's why choosing where you buy deserves just as much attention as choosing what you buy. Throughout New York's Capital District, buyers have an incredible variety of communities to consider. From city neighborhoods and established suburbs to historic villages and more rural settings, each location offers a different combinati...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Clairemont Mesa Weekly Market Update August 3rd - 9th, 2026 Balboa Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Balboa Arms Drive | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 414 sq. ft. | $370,000 Bayview Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Huerfano Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 784 sq. ft. | $499,850
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Hillcrest Weekly Market Update August 3rd - 9th, 2026 Pacific Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Georgia | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1003 sq. ft. | $420,000 Park Royal RECENTLY SOLD Park Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 953 sq. ft. | $420,000 Windemere Court NEWLY LISTED Cleveland | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 524 sq. ft. | $409,000
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By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Nest Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**DOUBLE OPEN HOUSE!** TODAY 8/12/26 2-5PM! High end features, low end price on this GORGEOUS 3br/3bth NEW CONSTRUCTION cul-de-sac home in popular Rourk Woods, Shallotte NC! Indoor pool, tennis/pickle ball courts, fitness center, clubhouse, great active community w/clubs & community events - all just minutes from schools, shopping, & restaurants in downtown Shallotte! Come check it out TODAY - This Is The One! (2nd Open House Right Next Door at 4890 Olde Cypress Ln - come check it out!)Pics/Info/Pricing: https://www.desireewhalen.com/property/ushive-3f64848856504a8ab58b34b4701711b6/
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
University City Weekly Market Update August 3rd - 9th, 2026 Andria NEWLY LISTED Renaissance Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1092 sq. ft. | $935,000 Avanti RECENTLY SOLD Calabria Court | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1655 sq. ft. | $674,876 Genesee Highlands RECENTLY SOLD Camino Huerta | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1053 sq. ft. | $445,000 Lucera RECENTLY SOLD Shoreline Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1000 sq. ft. | $454,000 Pacific Regent La Jolla RECENTLY SOLD Nobel Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 995 sq. ft. | $249,000 Nobel Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1226 sq. ft. | $460,000 Pines of La Jolla RECENTLY SOLD Regents Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 894 sq. ft. | $590,000 The Park RECENTLY SOLD Agee Street | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 956 sq. ft. | $584,000 Verano RECENTLY SOLD Charmant Drive | 2...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Auburn Homes for Sale: Brick or Painted Brick? When comparing Auburn homes for sale, would you choose classic brick or painted brick?Traditional brick offers timeless color, texture, and relatively low exterior maintenance. Painted brick can give an older home a dramatic update and create the lighter, cleaner appearance many buyers love.But there is one important difference: once brick is painted, you have added paint maintenance to a material that originally did not require it.In other words, painted brick may be beautiful—but it is not a maintenance-free magic trick.Auburn Homes for Sale: Which Brick Exterior Wins?Curb appeal matters. The exterior is usually the first thing buyers see online and the first thing they experience when arriving for a showing.Traditional brick can make a ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Rancho Bernardo Weekly Market Update August 3rd - 9th, 2026 Bernardo Greens RECENTLY SOLD Corte Sabio | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1164 sq. ft. | $399,876 Carmel Trails RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Venusto | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 708 sq. ft. | $269,900 Gianni RECENTLY SOLD Camino Marcilla | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1460 sq. ft. | $825,000 Il Palio NEWLY LISTED Alta Carmel Court | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 906 sq. ft. | $549,000 RECENTLY SOLD Alta Carmel | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 704 sq. ft. | $429,000 Alta Carmel Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1036 sq. ft. | $550,000 Alta Carmel Court | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 704 sq. ft. | $425,000 Mira La Paz RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Venusto | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1290 sq. ft. | $439,900 Morada NEWLY LISTED Caminito Cantilena | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1056 sq. ft. | ...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Auburn Alabama REALTORS®: Why Buyer Strategy Matters Auburn Alabama REALTORS® can help buyers understand something that online listings rarely explain: finding the house is only one part of buying it successfully.There are plenty of REALTORS® in Auburn. The more important question is whether the person helping you understands your goals, communicates clearly, knows the local market, and can build a sensible strategy around the property you want.Pricing matters. Timing matters. Financing matters. Inspections matter. Negotiations matter.And sometimes the smartest strategy is knowing when not to chase a house. Why Buyers Need Auburn Alabama REALTORS®Real estate websites can show you photographs, room dimensions, and asking prices. They cannot tell you the complete story behind a property ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
El Cajon Weekly Market Update August 3rd - 9th, 2026 Barbara Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Oakdale Lane | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 704 sq. ft. | $299,000 Cottonwood Meadows RECENTLY SOLD Woodpine Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1152 sq. ft. | $579,999 Fairway Villas NEWLY LISTED Dehesa Road | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1699 sq. ft. | $639,999 Dehesa Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1371 sq. ft. | $575,000 Mollison Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Denver Lane | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1323 sq. ft. | $1,400 Rancho Villas RECENTLY SOLD Calle De Montana | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1220 sq. ft. | $417,000 Valley View RECENTLY SOLD Graves | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 575 sq. ft. | $299,999 Villa Montevina RECENTLY SOLD Cuyamaca College Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 664 sq. ft. | $360,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
College Area Weekly Market Update August 3rd - 9th, 2026 Aspens RECENTLY SOLD El Cajon Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1100 sq. ft. | $1,250 Collwood Villas RECENTLY SOLD Collwood Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 731 sq. ft. | $374,999 Los Arcos RECENTLY SOLD Bates Street | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1072 sq. ft. | $269,900 Bates Street | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1072 sq. ft. | $295,000 Tuscany Place RECENTLY SOLD Rolando Court | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 571 sq. ft. | $227,900 Rolando Court | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 571 sq. ft. | $227,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Vista Weekly Market Update August 3rd - 9th, 2026 Charlemont NEWLY LISTED Breeze Hill Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1103 sq. ft. | $579,000 RECENTLY SOLD Breeze Hill Road | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 846 sq. ft. | $494,900 Vista Palomar RECENTLY SOLD Palomar Place | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1415 sq. ft. | $365,000 Vista Park Villas RECENTLY SOLD Madera Lane | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1000 sq. ft. | $549,700
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
Private Luxury Living in Gated Walden Place 7145 Atascadero Lane, Tallahassee, FL 32317 $675,000 4 Bedrooms 3.5 Bathrooms 2,594 Sq Ft Gated Community A Rare Opportunity in One of Tallahassee's Most Exclusive Neighborhoods Welcome to 7145 Atascadero Lane, an exceptional residence tucked away within the highly desirable gated Walden Place Addition. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac with only 35 custom homes, this beautifully maintained property offers the perfect combination of luxury, privacy, and convenience. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 2,594 square feet, this spacious one-story home backs to peaceful green space where deer and native wildlife are frequent visitors. Enjoy the tranquility of nature while remaining just minutes from Interstate 10, premier shopping, dining, and ...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
One-of-a-Kind Mid-Century Home in Quincy 867 Attapulgus Highway, Quincy, FL 32352 $425,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 3,788 Sq Ft 1958 Character Home Timeless Architecture with Exceptional Craftsmanship Welcome to 867 Attapulgus Highway, an extraordinary 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offering an impressive 3,788 square feet of living space. Built in 1958 and thoughtfully updated, this one-of-a-kind home showcases timeless architectural design, premium natural materials, and stunning views of beautifully landscaped grounds. Priced at $425,000, this remarkable property combines mid-century charm with modern improvements, creating a home unlike anything else on the market in Quincy. Property Highlights 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms 3,788 square feet of living space Built in 1958 with exce...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Downtown San Diego Weekly Market Update August 3rd - 9th, 2026 Aloft NEWLY LISTED Date Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 671 sq. ft. | $429,000 Alta NEWLY LISTED 6Th Avenue | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 674 sq. ft. | $539,000 Aria RECENTLY SOLD 9Th Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1451 sq. ft. | $949,900 Atria RECENTLY SOLD S Market Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 681 sq. ft. | $485,000 Bayside RECENTLY SOLD Pacific Hwy | 4 bedrooms | 4.5 baths | 2967 sq. ft. | $4,495,000 Columbia Place NEWLY LISTED State Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 735 sq. ft. | $549,000 Discovery RECENTLY SOLD Beech Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1230 sq. ft. | $765,000 Beech Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 776 sq. ft. | $399,000 Beech Street | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 793 sq. ft. | $439,000 DOMA RECENTLY SOLD Kettner B...
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