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

Is Avoiding PMI When Buying a House Possible?

By Bill Gassett, Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

(RE/MAX Executive Realty)

If you buy a home for the first time, you might be surprised by some of the costs you must pay. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an ongoing monthly expense when you have a mortgage and put down less than a 20 percent down payment.What is PMI?The borrower pays private mortgage insurance, but it mostly benefits the lender. It protects the lender from losing out if the borrower defaults and enters foreclosure.If you have 20% equity in the home, the lender won’t require this insurance to cover their risk. Buying a home means you need a 20% down payment, which could be a significant amount.Paying PMI does allow you to put less down, but it adds to your monthly outgoings. PMI could be more than 2% of the loan amount each year, depending on your credit score and down payment amount.This cou... 03/15/2023

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Baltimore City Investment Property

By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844

(410-935-5844 Office)

Baltimore City Investment PropertyAll brick end-of group row house with covered front porchLocated at 5500 Ready Avenue, Baltimore City, Maryland 212122 to 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathsHas been used as a 2 unit, but is not zoned as a multi-unitNeeds work, but appears to be structurally soundLocated within 1 to 2 miles of 4 major universities: Loyola University of Maryland, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Morgan State University, and Johns Hopkins UniversityPriced at $180,000, but owner will consider offersARV for similar homes within a half mile of the property is around $200,000 to $225,000Contact Ron Trzcinski of Sachs Realty at 410-935-5844 for more details 03/15/2023

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Bank failures have an upside for home buyers

By Tammy Lankford,, Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

(Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668)

Today a loan officer met with buyers in my office who just locked their rate in at under 6% for a primary home. Now most of my buyers have been quoted above 7% for weeks. So I asked the loan officer "how" and he said it was due to the bank failures. I did a little research and found a great article....“When there’s any kind of economic uncertainty, mortgage rates tend to go lower,” says Ali Wolf, chief economist of the building consultancy Zonda. “Going into the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, mortgage rates were getting pretty close to 7%. Mortgage rates were rising, and it was starting to look bad for home shoppers.“If we see more bank failures and if we see more financial instability, mortgage rates will continue to be lower,” adds Wolf."Here's a link to the full articleSo if you... 03/15/2023

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House Hunting with No Inventory?

By Kimberly Thurm, Broker / Relocation Consultant ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR

(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago)

Check out this Beauty - Coming Soon in Ashwood Creek!!A Private Network Exclusive!!Located in Naperville's Ashwood Creek community, this former builder's model is in the highly-acclaimed Neuqua Valley HS. The contemporary brick and cedar exterior design and inviting front porch to create an eye-catching aesthetic. Inside, the grand 2-story foyer sets a beautiful first impression. You will find arches, wainscoting, boxed window seats, gorgeous trim, and millwork. At the heart of this home is an expansive chef's kitchen which features a large island, cooktop, double ovens, wet bar with beverage refrigerator, ample cabinet space, and granite. Additionally, it flows into the expansive family room complete with a stone fireplace, built-ins, and a wall of windows. For more details click her... 03/15/2023

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10559 Scarlet Oak Dr, Superior Twp Home in Woodside Village

By Wendy & Greg Kime, Plymouth MI Real Estate Experts

(Kime Realty)

10559 Scarlet Oak Dr, Superior Twp MI 48198New Listing! Great opportunity to move right into this newly constructed home in Superior Township in popular Woodside Village. Features include: 2212 square feet with an additional 958 in the unfinished lower level, 4 bedrooms, and 2.1 baths. Premium lot/location. First-floor library with French doors. Large island kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Cozy gas log fireplace. 2-car attached garage. 4 spacious bedrooms upstairs, including a 22x18 owner's suite with a luxury bath and 2 closets. Convenient 2nd-floor laundry. Entertain guests and enjoy outdoor living on the breathtaking brick paver patio. Immaculate and move-in ready. More photos and features Listed for $329,990 To learn more about 10559 Scarlet Oak Driv... 03/15/2023

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Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This Spring

By Jane & Jeff Daley, PhD, Scottsdale Real Estate Arizona

(Luxury Valley Homes Scottsdale)

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This SpringThough there are more homes for sale now than there were at this time last year, there’s still an undersupply with fewer houses available than in more normal, pre-pandemic years. The Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com puts it this way: “While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than it was before the pandemic in 2017 to 2019. This means that there are still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day than there were a few years ago.”The current housing shortage has an impact on how you search for a home this spring. With limited options on the market, buyers who consider what’s a necessity versus what’s a nice-to-have will be more successful in their home search.The first step? ... 03/15/2023

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Moving to Lyons, Colorado?

By Sean Gilliam, Real Estate on the Front Range

(LoKation Real Estate)

Moving to Lyons, Colorado? It’s one of the best places to live along the Front Range if you like views and spending time in the outdoors. Lyons has just over 2000 residents per the 2020 census. The town is part of the St. Vrain Valley School District and a great downtown district with shops, restaurants and a brewery. Living in town or the mountain communities surrounding it gives you the sense that you are away from the hustle and bustle. Yet, it is an easy commute to all of the cities along the Front Range.Nestled against the foothills, the town boasts a plethora of recreational activity. The North and South confluences of the St. Vrain Creek come together in town. These creeks offer opportunities for kayaking, tubing and fly fishing. There are also multiple trailheads nearby ... 03/15/2023

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Is a Bank Statement Mortgage Right for You?

By Rob Spinosa, SVP of Mortgage Lending, Marin County

(Guaranteed Rate, Marin County, CA)

Is a Bank Statement Mortgage Right for You? Let's face it, it can be VERY difficult for the self-employed to get some shelter when seeking the best mortgage. Why? Because they face a tough choice every year around tax time: File the maximum allowable deductions and reduce taxable income as much as possible in order to pay less in taxes.File with fewer deductions, maximize income and appear strongest in the eyes of a potential mortgage lender. In reality, balancing these two is nearly impossible for most business owners and the lending industry recognizes that. In response, the self-employed can sometimes use a bank statement qualifying mortgage and we cover these in this short, fun video: It's just a shot away, Rob SpinosaSVP of Mortgage LendingGuaranteed RateNMLS: 22343 Cell/Tex... 03/15/2023

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Thinking About Buying a Home?

By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

(Coldwell Banker Realty)

Thinking About Buying a Home? Is your credit holding you back from buying a home? Spring is right around the corner and is an amazing time for a fresh start. The world is coming alive, trees are starting to bloom, the crocuses are popping up in the garden and you are thinking how great it would be to have that happening in your own place. If you are thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the most important numbers to watch. A good credit score only gives you a better chance of getting approved for the home you want and having a mortgage with an interest rate you can live with.Here are a few things that can help you achieve that goal of homeownership:Meet with a Realtor and discuss your wants and needs and where you are financially. Your Realtor will be able to r... 03/15/2023

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Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This Spring.

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist

(PHP Houses)

Though there are more homes for sale now than there were at this time last year, there’s still an undersupply with fewer houses available than in more normal, pre-pandemic years. The Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com puts it this way: “While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than it was before the pandemic in 2017 to 2019. This means that there are still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day than there were a few years ago.”The current housing shortage has an impact on how you search for a home this spring. With limited options on the market, buyers who consider what’s a necessity versus what’s a nice-to-have will be more successful in their home search.The first step? Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval helps you b... 03/15/2023

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Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Home Sales Market Report February 2023

By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

(RE/MAX Platinum)

Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Home Sales Market Report February 2023 Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Homes For Sale, Waukesha County Real Estate, Kristin Johnston, RE/MAX Real Estate Market Report for Waukesha County, WI for February 2023. Waukesha County Real Estate, Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Homes For Sale My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Platinum. My market report gives you the real estate activity for 5 Bedroom Homes In Waukesha County, WI for the last 30 days. Are you looking to buy a house in Waukesha County? Wondering what your Waukesha County Home 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 Waukesha Real Estate and Pewaukee Real Estate. In fact, I have lived... 03/19/2023

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SOLD - Summer Lake, Aurora CO

By Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

(House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373)

This cash buyer has a new project, and will be excited to get started on it this week! Congratulations to Laura and this buyer! This investor has found another home he wants to start working on in Aurora within Cherry Creek Schools! He likes to have 4 bedrooms, and this home does, and even though there were several offers, he was the highest cash offer.Inspection revealed a few major issues, but the Seller reduced the price a bit, and Buyer was happy. This home doesn't need as much remodeling, so he can get it rented quicker.Congratulations to Laura on another pending property for this buyer! 03/15/2023

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New Price! 3844 CT Magellan Tallahassee Real Estate

By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate

(Joe Manausa Real Estate)

3844 Magellan, Tallahassee, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click Here to Get Directions $3050003bed - 2bath - 0.22 sqft lotYou'll look forward to coming home to this meticulously maintained and updated home in the peaceful NW Tallahassee neighborhood, Settlers Creek. Featuring a very functional floor plan, this home is complete with an updated kitchen including new cabinets, quartz countertops, beautiful backsplash, new dishwasher, trendy lighting fixtures and a bay window with built in storage seating where you can enjoy your morning coffee. Home has been refreshed throughout with modern paint and updated lighting. Located upstairs is a loft that could be used as an office, 4th bedroom or 2nd family room. Extra storage room off of one of the upstairs bedrooms is big enough for al... 03/15/2023

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New Price! 3844 CT Magellan Tallahassee Real Estate

By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate

(Joe Manausa Real Estate)

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