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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 Jane & Jeff Daley, PhD, Scottsdale Real Estate Arizona
(Luxury Valley Homes Scottsdale)
Winfield Resort Community in North Scottsdale 85266 Hello, I’m Nancy Ella of the Luxury Valley Homes team. We would like to bring to your attention a favorite community of ours. It’s on the Carefree side of Scottsdale and called the Winfield Resort Community. The community clubhouse presents the most amenities that one could want.As you enter the Club House, the first thing that catches your eye is the views. The fitness center has free weights, treadmills, and machines to keep you fit. Close by is the Yoga/Aerobics room.The library billiard lounge has books lining the walls and pool tables at the center overlooking the expansive pool. The restaurant is filled with the delicious aroma of food, tempting you to come and indulge in its delights.But the real treasure of Winfield is the beac...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Sherman Oaks Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 4542 Willis Ave RECENTLY SOLD Willis Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1579 sq. ft. | $899,500 14242 Burbank Blvd BACK ON THE MARKET Burbank Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1330 sq. ft. | $685,000 Chateau Royale NEWLY LISTED Willis Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1047 sq. ft. | $595,000 Dickens Crest BACK ON THE MARKET Dickens Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 943 sq. ft. | $675,000 Knollwood Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Coldwater Canyon Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1063 sq. ft. | $630,000 The Oaksher BACK ON THE MARKET Ventura Canyon Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1986 sq. ft. | $850,000 Woodman Villas RECENTLY SOLD Woodman Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1185 sq. ft. | $699,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Northridge Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Granada Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Zelzah Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1358 sq. ft. | $619,000 Vantaggio RECENTLY SOLD Shirley Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1280 sq. ft. | $675,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Downtown Los Angeles Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Metropolis BACK ON THE MARKET Francisco Street | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 518 sq. ft. | $478,000 RECENTLY SOLD Francisco Street | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 970 sq. ft. | $820,000 Tokyo Villa RECENTLY SOLD S Central Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 836 sq. ft. | $549,000
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By Dan Rochon, Top Realtor in Northern Virginia
(Greetings Virginia with eXp Realty)
HOW TO AVOID BUYING OVERPRICED HOMES - NORTHERN VIRGINIA REAL ESTATEWatch out for the Overpriced Real Estate Listings!In buying homes, many people need to learn how to figure out the true worth of a listing. They might need to pay more attention to essential things that affect how much a home should cost. These things include where it's located, its condition, and how the market is doing. Not knowing these can make home buyers like you pay way too much for a house without even realizing it.One big problem of not knowing a home's value is that you could have serious money troubles. If you pay more than what a home is worth, it can cause problems. For instance, if you try to sell it later, you might not get back what you paid. Also, high mortgage payments and taxes can consume a big chunk...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
North Hollywood Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Bakman Towers NEWLY LISTED Bakman Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 636 sq. ft. | $450,000 Laurel Bliss NEWLY LISTED Laurel Canyon Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 920 sq. ft. | $499,000 Laurel Canyon Villas RECENTLY SOLD Laurel Canyon Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 857 sq. ft. | $399,999 Sutton Terrace North RECENTLY SOLD Coldwater Canyon Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1364 sq. ft. | $579,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Wilshire Corridor Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 The Churchill BACK ON THE MARKET Wilshire Boulevard | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2082 sq. ft. | $1,450,000 The Comstock RECENTLY SOLD Comstock Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1253 sq. ft. | $785,000 The Grand NEWLY LISTED Wilshire Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1706 sq. ft. | $1,295,000 The Westholme RECENTLY SOLD Wilshire Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1295 sq. ft. | $935,000 The Wilshire RECENTLY SOLD Wilshire | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2757 sq. ft. | $2,695,000 The Wilshire Regent RECENTLY SOLD Wilshire Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 842 sq. ft. | $745,000 Wilshire Selby West BACK ON THE MARKET Wilshire Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 929 sq. ft. | $665,000
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Southern Utah Homes for Sale | SunRiver 55+ Golf Community 84790  SunRiver is an active, all adult community right off Highway I-15 at Exit 2 in St. George Utah. This community is the only one of its kind in southern Utah. Requirements are that one of the homeowners be at least 55 or older.   Amenities include: 18-hole golf course that is open to the public State-of-the-art clubhouse that boasts a huge library, computer room offering classes, information boards and an incredible ball room that is used for special occasions. SunRiver  also offers leisure activities geared to social interaction and also physical fitness such as water aerobics, pickle ball, weight training, and tai chi. Pickle ball courts, winding walkways, swimming, lawn bowling, horseshoes, biking, and walking designed f...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Canoga Park Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Jordan Estates RECENTLY SOLD Jordan Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1025 sq. ft. | $449,000 Remmet BACK ON THE MARKET Remmet Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 619 sq. ft. | $360,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Studio City Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Lumiere RECENTLY SOLD Whitsett Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1362 sq. ft. | $885,000 Parkside Condominiums RECENTLY SOLD Moorpark Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1061 sq. ft. | $569,000 The Woodbridge RECENTLY SOLD Fair Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1215 sq. ft. | $889,500 Villas at Moorpark NEWLY LISTED Moorpark Street | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 990 sq. ft. | $724,900
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By Tom Gilliam- RE/MAX Classic, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Re/Max Classic)
Searching for the perfect home can feel like trying to find a four-leaf clover in a field full of three-leaf clovers. It’s as rare to find a property that checks all the boxes on your wishlist, as it is to find a true four-leaf clover. But even if you find a four-leaf clover, there’s a chance nature made it a little less than perfect (or someone trampled over it). Perhaps one of the leaves has a little tear in it. Or maybe it’s not as green as you might have hoped. But it’s still a four-leaf clover! Pluck that thing and consider yourself lucky! The same goes for your dream home. Even if a house isn’t perfect in every way, that doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect house for you! Let’s take a look at 6 ways finding your dream home is like finding a four-leaf clover, to help prepare you to b...
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By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Keller Williams Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**JUST LISTED!** INCREDIBLY RARE boat slip purchase opportunity in the prestigious Seapath Yacht Club, Wrightsville Beach NC! 33-foot slip in no-wake zone just 6th spot in from the open water with gorgeous views of the ICWW! Dues include access to newly remodeled clubhouse, parking, grilling area, showers, fuel dock, shore power, water, and internet. Short walking distance to bars, restaurants, the Loop, and Wrightsville Beach Park. Ownership transferred in form of a membership certificate. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity - call TODAY for info - This Is The One! https://www.desireewhalen.com/property/100432902/
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Feeling lucky? It’s said that we make our own luck, but I’ve got a few (Pat)tricks up my sleeve! I’ll help you find a home so dreamy that it will make your friends say “Irish I was so lucky!“. Send me a message today so we can shamrock and roll. #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #newhome #happyhome #stpaddysday #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #happyhomeowners #luckycharm
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
NEW UPDATE ON AFFORDABLEHOMES IN PUTNAM COUNTY 03/15/2024The inventory has only increased to121 from 115 in the last 2 weeks.This is not a very big increase considering this isthe beginning of the spring market!So now if you need a 3 BR home under or at $350,000.00 inPutnam County now is the time, there is only 10 Active ones.As more home are going into contract theinventory will be getting smaller as more home aregetting accepted offers than are coming on the market!Right now there is 125 home in Putnam County that are in contract!Come Now to Putnam County.We have only 43 3 BR homes available in Putnam CountyBUT NOT FOR LONG!!!! These homes are all throughout Putnam County.NEW UPDATE ON HOMES IN PUTNAM COUNTY 3/15/24If you are looking in Putnam County andneed a 3 BR Home give me a call...
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By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
  ★ JUST RENOVATED & UPDATED - SEE WEBSITE BELOW★ ★BUY HERE AVAILABLE TODAY!! 3 bd BRICK HOUSE RENOVATED  PLUS LAND – NEW APPLIANCES, Large Yard Front and Fenced Back, Trees, PLUS Shed! MORE! ★ ★ 🈚▐►NO BANK QUALIFYING RENT to OWN Brick House 3bd Summerville-CharlestonSee Video Tour on our Website Below  ★Two Rent to Own Options to Choose ★ or Buy Outright for Cash Discount ★ ★BUY HERE  WholeSale Buyer Values see:✴️▐► SCInvestmentProperties.com ★ ★★ We contact ALL who Visit Our FREE Preferred Buyer VIPCall Steve for Appointment★ ★See Our BUYER Website Below to BUY Your Next House - Mobile Home or Land for CASH:   SEE On Our BUYER WEBSITE to Buy a Home We Are the Mt Pleasant SC Real Estate Investment Company. Serving the Greater Charleston South Carolina Community Since 2002.★ We Are Fast...
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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$425000 5 Beds - 2 Baths - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Very rare property with multiple living spaces in great location! Main house is a 4/2 that has 2 seperate kitchens and living areas perfect for College Students or a family with older teenager wanting their own space. There is also a detached game room or mother in law suite. The game room is fully funtioning with mini splitt AC along with a full bathroom and kitchen. Property very very hard to find to accomodate such a large group so close to the Capital and campus but still being in the midtown nicer area. Home getting new flooring a paint inside and out along with a new driveway. Everything should be done and able to be shown by 7/12!! Follow This Home
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2246 Holly Terrace Lane, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$475000 4 Beds - 3 Baths - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print MUST SEE!!! Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath house with 3 car garage on a little over an acre of land. 4th bedroom you enter through garage with its own bathroom (could be used as an in-law suite) Feels like you are living in the Country but still close to town Follow This Home
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By Phyllis Lerner call 914.438.7556, Corcoran Legends Realty
(Corcoran Legends Realty)
$775,000 - Charming Side Hall Colonial in the very heart of the Pocantico Hills Hamlet. Beautiful property abuts the Rockefeller State Park land. So many old world details throughout this well maintained home. This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home has been freshly painted throughout. Solid hardwood floors ready to be refinshed. Gorgeous period staircase in entry hall. Full walk out basement. Large level backyard. Driveway to garage. Lots of possibilties to make it your own. Short distance to Pocantico Hills School, Olympic size pool, baby pool, tennis/pickle ball & basketball courts, playgrounds & ball fields. Surrounded by Rockefeller State Park walking trails. Pocantico School boasts Pre-K (3 & 4 year olds) through 8th grade & your choice of High School between Briarcliff, Pleasantville & Sleep...
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By Stieg Strand, showing up. working hard. every day.
(RE/MAX Results)
 Stieg Strand takes a deep dive into the question of the market is truly shifting to stronger buyer focused.   
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