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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 Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
San Juan Capistrano Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Capistrano Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Calle La Purisima | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1057 sq. ft. | $549,000 Casitas Capistrano RECENTLY SOLD Calle Chueca | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1527 sq. ft. | $785,000 Calle Chueca | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1095 sq. ft. | $669,900 Mesa Verde BACK ON THE MARKET Via Flores | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1646 sq. ft. | $1,199,000 Mission Point RECENTLY SOLD Via Viente | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 943 sq. ft. | $630,000
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By Phil Jones, Broker, CDPE
(Your Choice Realty of NC)
This is an interesting article about the push/pull between housing prices/mortgage rates. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/better-time-think-buy-home-172201456.htmlThe phrase "Marry the house, date the rate." was created by NAR to try and keep housing purchases on track. Nobody knows if or when mortgage rates will drop again. If you look at a 50-year history of the 30-year mortgage, current rates (around 7%) are quite reasonable. (see below).If you're financing 75% (or more) of your purchase, getting better loan terms is far more valuable than getting a few thousand dollars off the sale price of the home. Focus on improving your lending profile (debt-to-income ratio, credit score, downpayment, etc). And you'll be in the best position possible to get the lowest available rate. Also, many n...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Carlsbad Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Aldea NEWLY LISTED Thrush Place | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1663 sq. ft. | $1,195,000 La Costa Cays RECENTLY SOLD Navarra Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1451 sq. ft. | $699,000 La Costa Hills RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Leon | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1022 sq. ft. | $680,000 La Costa View NEWLY LISTED Altisma Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1225 sq. ft. | $619,900 Meadowridge RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Olmeda | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1350 sq. ft. | $789,900 Portico RECENTLY SOLD Terraza Portico | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1338 sq. ft. | $799,000 Sea Point Tennis Club NEWLY LISTED Calle De Fuentes | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1586 sq. ft. | $900,000 Sea Slope NEWLY LISTED Ocean Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1322 sq. ft. | $2,800,000 Tres Verde RECE...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Stop throwing your money away on rent and start building equity in your own 'home sweet home'! 🏡💰 Contact me today to make your dream home a reality. 🙌🏼 #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #investment #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #icanhelp
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
North Park Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 4166 Wilson Ave RECENTLY SOLD Wilson Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1263 sq. ft. | $789,000 California Village RECENTLY SOLD Haller Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1434 sq. ft. | $729,000 Teralta RECENTLY SOLD 34Th Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 613 sq. ft. | $399,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mira Mesa Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Concord Square RECENTLY SOLD Summerdale Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1012 sq. ft. | $479,000 High Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Dabney Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 920 sq. ft. | $599,888 Jade Coast RECENTLY SOLD Camino Ruiz | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 808 sq. ft. | $550,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Chula Vista Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Agave NEWLY LISTED Playa Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1464 sq. ft. | $670,000 Belleza RECENTLY SOLD Tiburon Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1061 sq. ft. | $549,999 Brandywine Classics RECENTLY SOLD Georgetown Place | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1257 sq. ft. | $599,000 Charter Point RECENTLY SOLD Apache Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1270 sq. ft. | $615,000 Hearthstone Village RECENTLY SOLD Spring Straw Lane | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1529 sq. ft. | $679,000 Hilltop Village NEWLY LISTED Tamayo Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1006 sq. ft. | $369,000 Melrose Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Melrose Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1074 sq. ft. | $530,000 Saguaro NEWLY LISTED Playa Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1464 sq. ft. | $670,000 Silv...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Are you looking for a list of the most AFFORDABLE single family homes in the Phoenix metro area? Well, following is the UPDATED DAILY least expensive (less than $325,000) homes for sale including newer perimeter cities. These homes include those outside of and also in 55+ age restricted communities and some will be fixer uppers. Newer homes in the less than $325K price range tend to be in the perimeter cities and may be fixer uppers in the inner city. Photo: Jeff Masich REALTOR with a FIXER UPPER. (Home, Paul Brennan, Pixabay)UPDATED DAILY Least Expensive NEWER and FIXER UPPERS in Phoenix Arizona Metro on MLSClick "Sort" and view in price order lowest to highest and ALWAYS UP TO DATE less than $325K including NEWER and FIXER UPPERS For Sale in Phoenix Metro Arizona on the MLS for a FULL...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mission Valley Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Friars Pointe RECENTLY SOLD Rancho Mission Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 506 sq. ft. | $425,000 The Lido RECENTLY SOLD Station Village Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1176 sq. ft. | $700,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
1140 Renae Way, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$475000 4 Beds - 2.5 Baths - 0.3 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Location Location Location!!!! In the heart of Tallahassee right across the street from the Tallahassee Nurseries!! This 1 story sits on a quiet street with only 6 home sites! This home is completely turn key once the seller puts on a NEW Roof with an acceptable contract. The main ticket items have been done with all New $10,000 windows, New AC 2022, New Hot Tub hard wired in, New Giant Concrete deck, perfect for entertaining out back along with over 10K of landscaping over the past few years. Irrigation system along with recurring services for the yard, mosquitos, termites, yard mites, etc. Will not find similar listing!!!! Follow This Home
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Hillcrest Weekly Market Update March 18th - 24th, 2024 Park at Sixth RECENTLY SOLD 6Th Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1331 sq. ft. | $1,099,900 Uptown District NEWLY LISTED Cleveland Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1077 sq. ft. | $849,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2768 Crestline Road, Tallahassee, fl Click here to Get Directions 3 Beds - 2.5 Baths - 0.12 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print LIKE NEW Perfection in Northeast Tallahassee! Designed with gorgeous accents throughout, this home embodies the craftsman construction every new home aspires to have. This Green-Star Certified Energy Efficient custom home features a long list of beautiful upgrades in the popular new community of Canopy, convenient to just about everything. You will love the 'Southern Living' style front porch, open floor plan with very spacious feel, custom cabinets and granite counter-tops throughout, step up rope lighting and granite counter tops and more! Also featuring many small details throughout the home that will make day to day life just a bit easier like the ...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
528 Truett Dr, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$400000 4 Beds - 2 Baths - 0.27 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Coming Soon till 3/14!! Location is top tier on a lot that would be very difficult to find again! Seller will replace roof prior to closing with acceptable offer. Perfect for large family needing extra space. Exterior space with unmatched potential for entertaining large groups or happy pets! Minutes from the Capital, FSU and the highway. Showings start 3/14! Follow This Home
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By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
439 Scarlet Oak Drive, Gridley, CA 95948 - $359,000439 Scarlet Oak Drive, Gridley, CA 95948FEATURESBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2Year Built: 2000Garage Size: 2School District: GridleySquare Footage: 1104Agent Name: Sandi BaumanBroker: Chico Homes Real Estate Sales IncMLS #: SN24058054DESCRIPTIONShe's a beauty! Nestled in the heart of Gridley, the home has been tastefully upgraded with new paint, flooring, carpet, toilets, kitchen appliances, fixtures, doors, outlets, lights and fans, refinished bathtubs, refreshed cabinets and more. Stucco exterior, dual pane windows, central heat and air. All the hard work is done- just move in, make yourself at home, and enjoy putting your personal spin on the landscaping. CONTACT INFOSandi Bauman530-864-5407Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make...
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By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
14146 Racine Circle, Magalia, CA 95954 - $289,90014146 Racine Circle, Magalia, CA 95954FEATURESBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2Year Built: 1991Lot Size: 0.26Garage Size: 2School District: Paradise UnifiedSquare Footage: 1694Agent Name: Sandi BaumanBroker: Chico Homes Real Estate Sales IncMLS #: SN24059561DESCRIPTIONCustom built home in the pines! Nice 3/2 floorplan with a generous open living area accented by vaulted ceilings, bay window sitting area, and tiled hearth with a free-standing propane stove to keep things cozy. The primary suite will blow you away with separate vanities, extra closet space and large soaking tub with a window overlooking the yard. Both the primary bath and hall bath have pretty skylights to brighten the space. Efficient kitchen with stainless appliances, plenty of cab...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Getting a home inspection is crucial for several reasons: Identifying Issues: A home inspection can reveal potential problems with the property that might not be apparent during a casual viewing. This includes structural issues, problems with the foundation, plumbing or electrical problems, roof damage, mold, pest infestations, and more. Cost Estimates: The inspection report can provide estimates for repairs and maintenance that might be needed, helping you budget appropriately and negotiate with the seller if necessary. Safety Concerns: Some issues uncovered during a home inspection could pose safety hazards to you and your family if left unaddressed. This could include issues like faulty wiring, gas leaks, or structural weaknesses. Peace of Mind: Knowing the condition of the property ...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Buying a house with a well can offer several advantages, but it also comes with its own set of drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons:Pros: Cost Savings: One of the biggest advantages of having a well is that it can save you money on water bills. You won't have to pay a monthly fee for water usage since you're sourcing water directly from the ground. Independence: You're not reliant on municipal water systems, which means you're less affected by water shortages, restrictions, or price hikes imposed by local authorities. Quality Control: You have more control over the quality of your water. Since you're responsible for the well, you can ensure it's properly maintained and monitor the quality of the water regularly. Conservation: Using well water encourages water conservation practices bec...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial when buying or selling a property. Here are ten key factors consumers should consider when selecting a real estate agent: Experience and Expertise: Look for agents with a proven track record in the local market. Consider their experience in handling transactions similar to your needs (buying, selling, or renting). Local Market Knowledge: A good agent should have in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, including neighborhood trends, property values, and upcoming developments. Reputation and References: Check online reviews and ask for references from past clients to gauge the agent's reputation. Recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues can also be valuable. Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in r...
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